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April 5, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Nicholas A. Brown
(301) 699-3500, ext. 6241
nicholas.brown@pgcmls.info

Prince George’s County Celebrates National Library Week

April 3-9

Largo, Md. – In celebration of National Library Week (April 3-9, 2022), Prince Georgians are encouraged to reconnect with the award-winning Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS), which celebrates the 75th anniversary of its founding throughout 2022. County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks proclaimed April 3-9, 2022 National Library Week in Prince George’s County with a special proclamation. The Library’s staff, Board, volunteers, friends groups, and the PGCMLS Foundation are proud to support the 967,000+ residents of Prince George’s County year round with print and digital information resources, programs, services, and gathering spaces. The theme for National Library Week 2022 is “connect with your library.” This national, annual initiative encourages communities to celebrate the positive impact of their local libraries.

In a typical non-pandemic year, PGCMLS provides customers with access to over 1.7 million public computer and WiFi sessions, presents over 8,800 programs, and offers a variety of services to support the career, early literacy, language, immigration, internet access needs of the community. PGCMLS currently serves 564,703 library cardholders, including 230, 564 K-12 students through the Prince George’s County Public Schools LINK card program.

National Library Week Highlights

  • Author Kosoko Jackson – a DMV native – visits the Bowie Branch Library on Wednesday, April 6 at 6:30 pm for a talk and book signing. Jackson is a YA and adult author whose two new books, “I’m So (Not) Over You” and “Survive the Dome,” have received acclaim across the country. “I’m So (Not) Over You” is a queer romcom and “Survive the Dome” is set in Baltimore and a young adult dystopian novel. His books feature Black LGBTQ+ characters. Free, registration recommended. Books will be available for purchase at the event courtesy of the PGCMLS Foundation.
  • In commemoration of National Poetry Month, PGCMLS presents the third annual Prince George’s County Poetry Contest . Prince Georgians of all ages may submit an original poem by April 30 via pgcmls.info/poetry. Winners will be recognized during a special event later this spring. This year’s theme is “Joy” and the contest is supported by the Friends of the Upper Marlboro Library.
  • Tuesday, April 5 is National Library Workers Day. PGCMLS’ dedicated staff has worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to connect customers with educational and enrichment resources, along with essential resource events, ranging from mobile food pantry events to COVID-19 self-test kits and vaccine clinics.
  • Prince George’s County’s Chief Health Officer Dr. Ernest Carter and distinguished panelists discuss “Does Your Zip Code Impact Your Whole Life - Health” in partnership with the Prince George’s County Office of Human Rights on Wednesday, April 6, 7-8:30 pm (virtual event).
  • PGCMLS’ digital equity programs are featured in the American Library Association’s 2022 State of America’s Libraries Special Report, with a spotlight on the drive-up WiFi initiative. Free public WiFi is available 24/7 outside all PGCMLS locations (library card or PGCPS LINK card number required).

Featured National Library Week Events

Face masks are required for all customers ages 2 and up. Most events require registration at pgcmls.info/events. Event format subject to change.

Ready 2 Read Storytime Events

Elementary Ages (Ages 5-12)

Teen Programs

Adult Programs

PGCMLS is the leading provider of free public computer and internet access in Prince George’s County, helping mitigate the significant digital divide that exists in the community with over 116,000+ residents who are without home broadband internet (based on 2020 U.S. Census data). In addition to public computers at branch libraries, customers may borrow Chromebooks with built-in unlimited internet data for up to 9 weeks. The Chromebooks are supported in part by the Pull Up Fund, City of Laurel, and Federal Communications Commission Emergency Connectivity Fund. Customers are invited to visit their local neighborhood branch library and connect online with PGCMLS this week. Visit pgcmls.info/borrow-technology to learn more.

Exhibits on Display

“In Freedom’s Name: Maryland’s Black Men and Women and their Defense of Liberty”

  • New Carrollton Branch Library March 24-April 26, 2022
  • South Bowie Branch Library April 28-May 24, 2022
  • Spauldings Branch Library May 26-June 28, 2022
  • Oxon Hill Branch Library Thursday, June 30-Tuesday, July 26, 2022

“Black and Proud+”

  • Hyattsville Branch Library, March 30-May 31, 2022
  • Bowie Branch Library, June 1-30, 2022

“The Color of Freedom: Honoring the Diversity of America’s Servicewomen”

  • Oxon Hill Branch Library, April 13-22, 2022
  • Laurel Branch Library, April 26-May 7, 2022
  • Largo-Kettering Branch Library, May 11-23, 2022

PGCMLS branch libraries are open Monday 10 am-6 pm, Tuesday-Wednesday 12-8 pm, Thursday-Friday 10 am-6 pm, Saturday 10 am-5 pm, and Sunday (select branches) 1-5 pm. Hours and locations. Both exhibits are open and viewable during branch hours. No registration required. Contact Ask a Librarian at (240) 455-5451 or askalibrarian@pgcmls.info with questions.

Graphics Package

About the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System

The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) helps customers discover and define opportunities that shape their lives. The Library serves the 967,000+ residents of Prince George’s County, Maryland through 19 branch libraries, a 24/7 online library, and pop-up services throughout the community. PGCMLS is a responsive and trusted community-driven organization. Programs, services, and outreach activities serve booklovers, immigrants and refugees, job seekers, children, young professionals, seniors, and families alike. PGCMLS is the recipient of the 2021 Urban Libraries Council Top Innovator Award for Workforce and Economic Development. Learn more at pgcmls.info/about-us.