91´«Ã½

Joseph Thompson is the director of public services for the Carroll County Public Library (MD). He is the immediate past-chair of the 91´«Ã½’s Committee on Legislation (COL) and serves as Maryland’s chapter councilor on 91´«Ã½ Council. His current 91´«Ã½ responsibilities also include chairing the Museum and Library Services Act Reauthorization Task Force and serving on the 91´«Ã½ 150th Commemoration Steering Committee. His past professional experience includes serving as president of the Maryland Library Association and president of the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA). He currently co-chairs the team planning the next Maryland Library Leadership Institute (MLLI). Thompson has been an active member of the board of Citizens for Maryland Libraries (CML) for many years as the representative of the Maryland Association of Public Library Administrators (MAPLA). He received his MLS in 2001 from the College of Information Studies at University of Maryland.

Always happy to step up and take on whatever role is needed, Thompson is a dedicated supporter of libraries and the library profession. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, taking day hikes, and planning trips to national parks. One of his favorite books continues to be Mo Willems’ We Are in a Book! with Elephant and Piggie.

Personal Statement

“As a member of the PLA Board, I will ensure that PLA remains financially strong while continuing to grow and change to meet the evolving needs of our communities, our members, and the profession. I will focus on using PLA’s position to advocate for libraries and library workers, to protect intellectual freedom, and to advance Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. In this time of so many unknowns, I want to make certain that PLA continues to be respected as the leading organization dedicated supporting those of us who work in public libraries.”