June 25, 2015

The Cecil County Public Library was one of 10 winners of the 2015 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor for libraries and museums that are serving their communities in exceptional ways. Community member Thomas Cousar traveled with Director Denise Davis to Washington D.C., in May to accept the award.

Thomas Cousar is a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran who overcame homelessness, unemployment, and health challenges. Through a partnership with the VA Maryland Health Care System’s Perry Point facility, Thomas enrolled in a computer and technology training class at Cecil County Public Library’s Perryville Branch. He learned how to create an email account, apply for a job online, and was able to secure a job at the VA as a Peer Support Specialist. He now takes other veterans to the library so that they have access to the same resources that helped him get back on his feet.

Thomas says, “I learned that as long as I put forth an effort, I can learn. And I put forth the effort to learn this. And I am still learning.”