Prince George’s County library system names new director

Catherine Hollerbach was named director of the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System, the library’s board of trustees announced Tuesday.

Hollerbach, who previously worked for Prince George’s County library system, most recently worked as the Anne Arundel County Public Library’s chief operating officer.

Hollerbach said that as library director she plans to work with elected officials, educational institutions and other community organizations to raise awareness of all that the county’s libraries have to offer.

The county’s 19 library branches offer dozens of free services and year-round programming.

The “Books from Birth” program provides children under 5 with a free book in the mail every month. The DreamLab at the Fairmount Heights Branch provides access to 3D printers, podcasting and video equipment.

The library system also offers passport services and computer literacy classes. Patrons can check out educational tablets for children age 3 to 5, as well as specialized home maintenance tools like electricity usage monitors and thermal imaging cameras to detect heat loss, insulation gaps or water damage.

The library also connects residents to essential local support networks, including tutoring resources, senior services, and food pantries.

“PGCMLS plays a vital role in the education, well-being, and economic vitality of our community,” Hollerbach said in an email to The Banner. “As library director, I will focus on supporting and empowering our staff, fostering operational excellence, and building strategic partnerships that enable us to deliver the programs, services, and resources our residents need most.”

In a press release, the library’s board of trustees lauded Hollerbach’s track record supporting diverse communities, modernizing and expanding library services and her leadership during the pandemic.

During her time as chief operating officer, Anne Arundel County Public Library became the state’s first Book Sanctuary, a designation for jurisdictions dedicated to collecting and protecting banned books.

“Rooted in Maryland public institutions, she brings a deep understanding of the communities we serve,” Sylvia Bolivar, chair of the Prince George’s libraries board of trustees, said in a press release. “We are excited to welcome her back to PGCMLS and confident her experience will lead the library system into its next chapter with vision, integrity, and a strong commitment to public service.”

According to her LinkedIn, Hollerbach has spent about 37 years working for Maryland’s libraries. She received her master’s degree in library and information services and a bachelor’s in journalism from the University of Maryland.

During her first 100 days as director, she said her top priority will be to spend time listening to staff throughout the county’s library branches and administrative offices.

“I want to understand what is working well, where opportunities for improvement exist, and what ideas staff have for the future of PGCMLS,” Hollerbach said.

She plans to focus on fostering a culture of “open communication, transparency and collaboration.”

Hollerbach will step into the new role July 13.

Have a tip for our Prince George’s County reporters? Tell us here.