Largo, Md. – Two branch libraries in the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System were targeted with anti-LGBTQ+ graffiti during Capital Pride Week. The incidents took place at the New Carrollton Branch Library (7414 Riverdale Rd, New Carrollton, MD 20784) on Thursday, June 9 at 9:13 pm and at the Greenbelt Branch Library (11 Crescent Rd, Greenbelt, MD 20770) on Saturday, June 4 at 11:23 pm.

PGCMLS vehemently condemns the defacement of its libraries and is cooperating with law enforcement to ensure that a full investigation into the possible hate crime takes place. The Library will not waver in its commitment to maintaining welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ customers and their allies. The Library is nationally recognized for its outreach and programs in support of LGBTQ+ inclusion through staff leadership and partnerships with a wide range of local government and non-profit partners. The Library’s Strategic Framework 2021-2024 includes a strategic focus area on inclusion, which is the basis of this work in support of the LGBTQ+ community.

About Pride at PGCMLS

The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) celebrates and honors the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals. We pride ourselves in creating and maintaining a safe environment that respects and is inclusive of diverse traditions, religions, ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, genders, ages, heritages, abilities, and experiences. PGCMLS acknowledges the fundamental role of Black activists in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. The LGBTQ+ community in the United States owes its current freedoms to the work of leaders like Marsha P. Johnson, Storme DeLarverie, Bayard Rustin, Audre Lorde, James Baldwin, Phill Wilson, Barbara Smith, and countless others who have fought on the front lines of racial and LGBTQ+ rights. Pride at PGCMLS was recognized as part of the 2020 Urban Libraries Council Innovation Awards in the anti-racism, equity, diversity, and inclusion category. Explore pgcmls.info/Pride to access resources and learn more about special events.

About 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.