Brooklyn Librarian “Ms. T” Is Nationally Recognized

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Taneya Gethers
Brooklyn Public Library is proud to announce that Taneya Gathers, senior librarian at Macon Library, has been named a 2015 Mover & Shaker by Library Journal for her commitment and contributions to the profession. Taneya is one of 50 librarians and library professionals to be recognized in the publication’s March 15 issue.

Library Journal noted Taneya’s development of culturally empowering literacy programs such as Macon’s early literacy series and the branch’s two-day Henrietta Lacks commemoration, at which hundreds of Brooklynites joined members of Ms. Lacks’ family to celebrate her tremendous contribution to science and medicine.

Taneya—known affectionately as “Ms. T” to her patrons—was also feted for her fundraising efforts for victims of the 2010 Haitian earthquake and her leadership of Brooklyn Public Library’s Dionne Mack-Harvin Center, which showcases African American history and culture.

“Taneya Gethers is a warm, welcoming and knowledgeable librarian in the finest tradition of her profession,” said Linda E. Johnson, President and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library. “She believes that libraries belong to the people they serve, and she has earned the affection and respect of her patrons with her inclusive, community-focused approach to librarianship.”

“I am honored not only to be recognized by Library Journal, but to have the opportunity to serve the patrons who depend on Macon Library’s programs and resources,” Ms. Gethers said.

Nearly a dozen Brooklyn Public Library staff have been named Movers & Shakers since Library Journal inaugurated the award in 2002. Current BPL staff to have been so honored include Kerwin Pilgrim, director of adult learning; Lisa Chow, web analyst; Carrie Banks, supervising librarian, library services for children and youth with disabilities/Kidsmobile; and Edwin Maxwell, supervising librarian at New Lots Library.

In addition to being featured in the March 15 issue of Library Journal, Taneya and her fellow 2015 Movers & Shakers will be celebrated at a special luncheon in June at the American Library Association’s annual conference in San Francisco.