April 3, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Largo, Maryland – The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) joins the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country to recognize National Library Week, April 7-13, 2024. Commemorated annually in April, this year’s theme is “Ready, Set, Library!” 
First launched in 1958, ALA’s National Library Week celebrates libraries, librarians, and library workers and the important role they play in shaping and contributing to their communities. Meg Medina, National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature and Newbery and Belpré-award winning author, serves as the Honorary Chair for this year’s event. 

The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System is proud to have a diverse and multilingual workforce which serves a population of 967,000 through 19 branches and the County Correctional Center Library in rural, suburban, and urban settings by offering storytimes, homework help for school-age children, job assistance, conversation clubs, book discussions, health screenings, exercise classes, and much more. In addition to in-branch programs, community events, and a vast collection of borrowable materials, PGCMLS offers online resources including ebooks and audiobooks, citizenship and language learning support, movies, music, comics, newspapers, magazines, job and career resources, and more.

"As we celebrate PGCMLS during National Library Week, our library system's leadership and staff remain committed to providing access to materials and services to the ever growing and diverse communities within Prince George's County,” said PGCMLS Board of Library Trustees Chair Angela D. Smith. “From closing the digital equity gap through free WiFi and access to computers, to promoting literacy through a variety of programs for residents from birth through adulthood, our library system continues to proudly reflect and serve our residents and customers."  

During National Library Week, the ALA recognizes the following days: 

• Monday, April 8: Right to Read Day, which calls on readers to stand up against censorship and defend the freedom to read. Take a look at PGCMLS’ video collaboration with President Barack Obama in support of our anti-censorship Rock Banned campaign. 
  
• Tuesday, April 9: National Library Workers Day, which celebrates the work of library staff. Nominate a local library staff member who deserves some recognition! 
  
• Wednesday, April 10: National Library Outreach Day, which recognizes the work of library staff who make the effort of reaching people in the community. Take a look at PGCMLS’ news updates to see how the system is making an impact in the area. 
  
• Thursday, April 11: Take Action for Libraries Day, which encourages library advocates to participate in 2024 elections. Learn more about PGCMLS’ advocacy initiatives. 
  

During National Library Week, PGCMLS will offer a variety of diverse programs at branches across Prince George’s County, including the following listed below. For a full list of programs, visit the Events page. 

Monday, April 8

• 12 pm: Citizenship Class: Provided by Solutions in Hometown Connections, New Carrollton Branch Library (Adults) 
• 4:30 pm: Genealogy Workshop, Spauldings Branch Library (Adults)
• 7 pm: Independent Film Series: "Edie," Hyattsville Branch Library (Adults)

Tuesday, April 9

• 2 pm: Community-Led Book Discussion: "Marriage Be Hard" by Kevin and Melissa Fredericks, Oxon Hill Branch Library (Adults) 
• 4 pm: Crafternoon: Love Your Library Button Makerspace, Hillcrest Heights Branch Library (Ages 5-12) 
• 4 pm: STEM-tastic! Earth Day and Climate Change, Hyattsville Branch Library (Ages 5-12)
• 4:30 pm: Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) - Hosted with the Prince George's County Office of Human Rights (PGCOHR), Bladensburg Branch Library (Teens) 
• 6 pm: From the US to Cuba: The Poetry of Langston Hughes and Nicolás Guillén - With Prince George's County Poet Laureate, Dr. Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman, South Bowie Branch Library (Adults) 
• 6:30 pm: Paying for College or Technical School - A Workshop for Financial Literacy Month, Greenbelt Branch Library (Teens and Adults)

Wednesday, April 10

• 12-4 pm: Workforce & Community Development: Reentry Job Fair, Spauldings Branch Library (Adults) 
• 6 pm: Improv For All: Presented by Washington Improv Theater, Upper Marlboro Branch Library (Adults) 

Thursday, April 11 

• 10:30 am: National Poetry Month Ready 2 Read Storytime, Bladensburg Branch Library (Ages 3-5) 
• 2 pm: Social Justice in Community: Black Women, Yoga, and Wellness" with Tori Justin Co-presented with the Prince George's County Office of Human Rights and the University of Maryland, Virtual (Adults) 

Friday, April 12

• 11 am-3 pm: Talk Health with the University of Maryland School of Nursing, Greenbelt Branch Library (Adults) 
• 1 pm: Family Yoga, Glenarden Branch Library (Kids and Adults) 
• 2 pm: Yoga and Healthy Living, Glenarden Branch Library (Adults) 

Saturday, April 13

11 am: Tagalog–English Ready 2 Read Storytime, New Carrollton Branch Library (Ages 3-5)

11 am-2 pm: Transportation Safety Town Hall, Hyattsville Branch Library (Teens)

11 am: Ignite: STEAM Exploration for Young Innovators, Laurel Branch Library (Kids and Teens)

1:30 pm: Change Makers: STEAM Pathfinders, Laurel Branch Library (Teens)

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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.