Tara Hill-Coursey recognized as Citizens for Maryland Libraries Employee of the Year

Tara Hill-Coursey, Caroline County Public Library’s Community Engagement Manager, has been selected as the Citizens for Maryland Libraries (CML) Employee of the Year for 2020. CML recognized Tara’s outstanding efforts on behalf of the library to enhance the quality of life in our local communities. She will be featured in the Fall 2020 edition of CML’s The Citizen newsletter.

Tara began her career at library in July of 2014 as the North County Branch Manager. Since then she has focused on strengthening community partnerships and offering innovative programming, with an emphasis on serving youth in the community. Noting that diversity was not highlighted or celebrated in the community, she brought an annual Multicultural Festival to the library, encouraging people to know their neighbors and learn more about their cultures. This event was well-received by the community and has become an annual tradition.

Tara has also joined with local partners to create timely and culturally-relevant programming. In her current role as Community Engagement Manager, she has brought authors, artists, entrepreneurs, and experts to the library. When the library became a Choose Civility affiliate, Tara worked with the public schools to create civility events for students and parents. Evening programs were offered to empower parents to understand social media, stay informed, and keep their children safe online. A Choose Civility poster contest gave students the opportunity to create branding for the Choose Civility project. Students interpreted the value of simply being kind through art. A reception was held to showcase the artwork and reveal the winners. Community response was both positive and overwhelming.

Kwanzaa in Caroline was also a first for the library. Another partnership event, this program offered the audience an opportunity to learn about this traditional African celebration, enjoy performances, and dine on African cuisine. Tara is a catalyst for promoting inclusion, diversity, and equity in the community and has a clear passion for her work and the amazing power of libraries.

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~ Caroline County Public Library