Community
BY NICHAELA SHAHEEN
Priorities for library system
Janna Hoglund outlined several goals as director of the Montgomery County Memorial Library System, which includes seven community libraries.
Community engagement and partnerships: Deeper relationships
with diverse communities Sta empowerment and
organizational culture: Ensure the library team feels valued, supported and inspired to innovate Strategic innovation: Invest in digital resources, advanced technology, exible spaces and comprehensive programming Grants and other funding opportunities: Pursue ways to expand or improve library services outside of the county budget funds
Janna Hoglund previously served as the director of the Lone Star College-Tomball Community Library.
SOURCE: JANNA HOGLUND COMMUNITY IMPACT
COURTESY MONTGOMERY COUNTY JUDGE MARK KEOUGH’S OFFICE
Director Janna Hoglund discusses vision for county library system In March, Janna Hoglund was appointed the new director of the Montgomery County Memorial Library System after previously serving as the director of the Lone Star College-Tomball Commu- nity Library. Community Impact interviewed Hoglund about her new role, priorities and vision for the library system. What drew you to this leadership role, and what are your priorities? Stepping into this role is both a responsibility and a gift. Library readership is rst and foremost about service, empowerment, information access, team development and community well-being. Moreover, being in the library leadership role is about being inspired by the evolving role of libraries today. Public libraries today are community anchors that support everything from digital equity and educa- tion, innovation, social interactions, to job readi- ness, civic engagement, collaboration and welfare. How do you plan to ensure library services continue to evolve with community needs? Ensuring that our library services evolve with community needs starts with listening ... to our
library team and the people we serve. The plan is to ensure a continuous cycle of community engage- ment, feedback and responsive planning. What is your vision for the library system? My vision is for the library system to be a truly dynamic, innovative and future-ready resource that meets people where they are—whether that is in our library locations, online or out in the community. With the opening of the new Kevin Brady Library, we will be introducing an Innovation Cen- ter that will include a professional podcast studio with audio and video production capabilities as well as a collaborative maker space with advanced maker technology. What role do you see the library system playing in regional partnerships? The library system can be a powerful connector and collaborator in regional partnerships. With schools, for example, we can support stu- dent success through shared literacy goals, shared resources, homework help programs, digital access initiatives and summer learning partnerships that help close achievement gaps. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing the library system? Digital equity remains as one of the main challenges. While many people rely on the library for internet access, devices and digital literacy support, demand is growing faster than resources. We are prioritizing investments in technology
infrastructure and expanding digital literacy training to help close the gap. Sustainable funding is an ongoing challenge for public library systems. What excites you most about leading the library system into the next ve years? It is an incredible opportunity to rede ne what a modern library can be and to do so in partner- ship with the community. Public libraries are launching pads for lifelong learning, digital access, innovation, creativity, civic engagement and connection. In the next ve years, I see us deep- ening our impact in areas like digital inclusion; early literacy; workforce development; online and traditional collections; and maker and innovation lab services. I am excited to lead a system that is willing to innovate. What do you want people to know about the county’s library system? I want people to know that our Montgomery County Memorial Library System is a vital, wel- coming resource for everyone in our community. ... The library is here for you.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity. For a longer version, visit communityimpact.com.
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THE WOODLANDS EDITION
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