Oceanside’s Jillian Underwood-Jenkins was chosen as one of the American Library Association’s fifty librarians across the U.S and Canada to participate in its highly competitive 2024 class of Emerging Leaders. The Emerging Leaders program is designed to empower library staff and information workers by participating in project planning work groups, networking with peers, gaining an inside look into ALA structure, and having an opportunity to serve the profession in a leadership capacity early on in their careers.

Jillian oversees the grant-funded, paid teen internship program, Teens Work, and the high school volunteer program, Teen Partners. Her work sets up students for long-term success by teaching job-related skills and social/emotional development, and it connects students to giving back to their community.

Library Director CJ Di Mento said, “Jillian’s talent and commitment to the Teens Work program has been recognized on a national level for the important work she does in Oceanside, and we are proud of her contributions to elevate the profession of Library Science.”

After participating in a learning and networking environment, the program will culminate with the Leaders highlighting the results of their work during the ALA 2024 Annual Conference in San Diego this summer.

Visit the Oceanside Public Library webpages at www.oceansidepubliclibrary.com or call 760-435-5600 for more information about Library programs and services.