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April 20, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nicholas A. Brown

(301) 699-3500 x6241

Nicholas.Brown@pgcmls.info

County Library Celebrates National Library Week April 23-29

Largo, Maryland – National Library Week is an annual opportunity for communities to celebrate the essential role that libraries and library workers have in enriching local civic life. Between April 23 and 29, the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) will host numerous special events,  in conjunction with national recognition days, to engage Prince Georgians of all ages with their local neighborhood branch libraries. This year’s theme for National Library Week is “There’s More to the Story.” This theme spotlights the range and depth of offerings available through libraries. Books and information resources are central to the work of public libraries, and these treasured community resources are sparks for discovery, imagination, lifelong learning, and bringing neighbors together.

National Library Week 2023 includes the following commemorations:

  • Monday, April 24: Right to Read Day
    Learn about the Library’s “Rock Banned” campaign to educate Prince Georgians about the importance of intellectual freedom.
  • Tuesday, April 25: National Library Workers Day
    PGCMLS is an award-winning public library that employs 341 talented and passionate library workers, and is supported by UFCW-1994/MCGEO. Learn about employment opportunities at pgcmls.info/employment.
  • Wednesday, April 26: National Library Outreach Day
    The Library is a community-based organization that exists beyond the physical walls of its buildings, through the online library (available 24/7), pop-up locations, Books by Mail services, and outreach services to reach Prince Georgians where they are.
  • Thursday, April 27: Take Action for Libraries Day
    Library champions can advocate for libraries at the local, state, and national level. Learn about current priorities for PGCMLS at pgcmls.info/activate.

PGCMLS serves 569,817 active cardholders (including over 250,118 PGCPS student LINK card holders), circulates almost 5 million items per year, presents over 4,000 programs per year, answered over 301,569 reference questions in FY 2022, maintains approximately 200 institutional partnerships to enrich the community with engaging programs, and circulates over 3,500 borrowable Chromebooks and WiFi hotspots per year. Learn about PGCMLS’s impacts in the past year here.

PGCMLS Special Events for National Library Week


  • Hena Khan on “Amina’s Voice” Author Event and Book Signing: Author Hena Khan talks about her groundbreaking novel "Amina’s Voice" which was named a Best Book of 2017 by the Washington Post, NPR, Kirkus Reviews, and others. Her books include "Zayd Saleem, Chasing the Dream,” the "Zara’s Rules" series, and "More to the Story," a novel inspired by her all-time favorite book, "Little Women." Khan’s award-winning picture books include "Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns," "Under My Hijab," and "Crescent Moons and Pointed Minarets." Wednesday, April 26, 6-7:30 pm, Laurel Branch Library. Free, registration recommended.
  • Local Author Expo: Community members can meet dozens of talented local authors of children’s, YA, and adult books who were selected through a competitive application process. Authors will have copies of their books available for purchase and signing. See the list of featured authors here. Saturday, April 29, 11 am-3 pm, South Bowie Branch Library. Free, registration recommended.
  • A Celebration of Poetry in Prince George’s County: Celebrate J. Joy “Sistah Joy” Matthews Alford’s tenure as Inaugural Prince George’s County Poet Laureate (2018-2023) and the installation of the 2023 Prince George’s County Poet Laureate. Special guests include Hiram Larew, PhD, and Precious Foreman, 2023 Prince George’s County Youth Poet Laureate. Monday, April 24, 6:30-8:30 pm, Hyattsville Branch Library. Free, registration recommended.
  • National Library Week Live Podcast Taping: Attend a live podcast taping at Bowie State University that will feature hosts of PGCMLS’ “These Books Made Me” podcast. Now in its third season, “These Books Made Me” is a literary podcast curated by PGCMLS staff about the books and heroines who shaped them. Monday, April 24 at 5 pm, Bowie State University, Thurgood Marshall Library. Free, no registration required.
  • Prince George’s County Poetry Contest: 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 “Heroism” and the contest is supported by the Friends of the Upper Marlboro Library.

Featured National Library Week Events

Select National Library Week events require registration at pgcmls.info/events. Listed chronologically by age range.

    Ready 2 Read Storytimes
    Ages 0-2

    Ages 2-3

    Ages 3-5 

    Additional Early Literacy Programs 

    Elementary Ages (Ages 5-12) & Family Programs

    Teen Programs

    Adult Programs


    Exhibit on Display

    “For All the People: A Century of Citizen Action in Health Care Reform”
    (Para todo el pueblo: Un siglo de acción ciudadana en la reforma de la atención de la salud)

    • Greenbelt Branch Library, Through May 18, 2023

    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. PGCMLS 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 book lovers, 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.