LEONARDTOWN, MD—Brittany Cornish, Branch Manager of the Charlotte Hall Library, and Amy Dickinson, Branch Manager of the Leonardtown Library, have been selected to participate in the prestigious 2025 Nettie B. Taylor Maryland Library Leadership Institute (MLLI). The announcement highlights their commitment to advancing library services in a rapidly evolving field.
“With the growth of digital resources, new ways of experiencing content, artificial intelligence, and new demands for services outside our usual mission, libraries are experiencing a time of great change even as we see great demand for books and traditional programs,” said Michael Blackwell, St. Mary’s County Library Director. “We are delighted that Amy and Brittany have this opportunity to help us prepare for a future full of challenge and opportunity with increased knowledge and powerful people skills.”
The MLLI is a week-long program designed to cultivate leadership qualities in library professionals. It emphasizes self-awareness, self-assessment, and leadership development, enabling participants to identify their strengths and areas for improvement. Through this intensive program, participants gain skills in communication, advocacy, and emotional intelligence while deepening their understanding of leadership in library settings.
Cornish and Dickinson will join a diverse cohort of library professionals from across Maryland and will benefit from mentorship and guidance provided by experienced library leaders. This opportunity is aimed at preparing participants to navigate and influence the future of libraries, addressing both emerging challenges and opportunities.
The selection of Cornish and Dickinson underscores the St. Mary’s County Library’s commitment to fostering professional growth and adapting to the changing landscape of library services. Their participation in the MLLI will contribute to the library system’s ability to meet the evolving needs of the community while maintaining its core mission of providing access to books, information, and traditional programs.
