Prince George’s County Memorial Library System CEO Kathleen Teaze was named president of the Maryland Library Association, a professional organization which provides professional development, communication and advocacy supporting the libraries in Maryland.

“Maryland libraries—public, school and college—are special, and I’m honored to serve as president of the Maryland Library Association and promote their value for the coming year,” Teaze said.

Teaze brings more than 26 years of experience in library leadership. Prior to joining Prince George’s County Memorial Library System in 2010, Teaze was administrator for the Thomas Branigan Memorial Library in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Previously, she was assistant director for Collier County Public Library and Sanibel Public Library in Florida. She also was director of Rye Public Library in Rye, New Hampshire.

In addition, Teaze serves on the Commission for Education Excellence, which advises the Prince George’s County executive on education-related matters, as well as the Early Childhood/Project LAUNCH Advisory Council, which works to help young children and their families in Prince George’s County.

Among her accomplishments in Prince George’s County, Teaze spearheaded the launch of LINK (Leap Into New Knowledge) in partnership with Prince George’s County Public Schools and the Prince George’s County executive’s office. LINK gives every school-age child in the county full access to library services, both in branches and digitally.

Teaze earned her master’s degree in library and information science from Simmons College in Boston and her bachelor’s degree in history and women’s studies from the University of Massachusetts, Boston.

The Maryland Library Association was founded in 1923 to promote library service in Maryland. Members include libraries, library staff and trustees, library school students and friends of libraries. The association is a member of the American Library Association. (www.mdlib.org)

Prince George’s County Memorial Library System provides materials and information for study and personal enrichment, offering strategies for lifelong learning through access to varied media and professional guidance. The library system consists of branches in 19 communities including Accokeek, Baden, Beltsville, Bladensburg, Bowie, Fairmount Heights, Glenarden, Greenbelt, Hillcrest Heights, Hyattsville, Largo-Kettering, Laurel, Mount Rainier, New Carrollton, Oxon Hill, South Bowie, Spauldings, Surratts-Clinton and Upper Marlboro. (www.pgcmls.info)