Karen served as the 78th president of MLA, leaving an indelible mark on our organization and the library community at large. She had worked as a librarian since 1970 when she graduated from Kent State University with her MLS degree. Her wide-ranging career saw her work as a young adult/adult fiction specialist at Anne Arundel County Public Library, as a research/reference/legislative specialist for the Federal Communications Commission, as head children’s librarian and district children’s coordinator for Center County Library in Pennsylvania, as a regional librarian for the Maryland Correctional System in Jessup, as the Director of Learning Resources for Baltimore International College, and as the branch manager at the Savage Library and Head of Human Resources for Howard County Library. She continued to work part time at Howard County Library after retiring.

She remained active in the profession, serving MLA in several board positions and as President. Among her many volunteer roles, Karen was responsible for the MLA Heart of Maryland Libraries Quilt, which she took on tour to many libraries around the state until it found a home hanging in the MLA office. She served as a Citizens for Maryland Libraries Board Member and an on-site coordinator for the Maryland Library Leadership Institute (MLLI). Throughout her career, Karen demonstrated an unwavering commitment to libraries, education, and public service. As MLA president, she championed initiatives that strengthened library advocacy, expanded professional development opportunities, and fostered collaboration across the state.

Her warmth, kindness, and unwavering belief in the transformative power of libraries made her a beloved figure among her peers and the communities she served. We will deeply miss Karen's presence and her enduring spirit. As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate her remarkable contributions and the legacy she leaves behind.

Remembering Karen C. Trennepohl