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June 12, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Donna Scott-Martin

donna.scott-martin@pgcmls.info

Help the Library Archive the County’s 2020 Pandemic Experience

Largo, Maryland – The Prince George's County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) announces a new community-based digital collection called “Archiving the Pandemic,” which seeks crowdsourced contributions to document the local response to COVID-19. The events of 2020 are transforming the country, and the resilience and unity in Prince George’s County is visible on a daily basis. All Prince Georgians have an important role in helping the Library document the history the community is living right now so that future generations will have a better understanding of this time.

The shared experience of living through the COVID-19 pandemic has touched all Prince Georgians. Despite this connection, it can be difficult for a community to reflect upon what it is facing in the moment. Community members may share their stories, photographs, artwork, music, short videos, audio testimonials, crafts, virtual hangout screenshots, recipes, and more with the Library to establish a community digital archive.

Many personal experiences from the 1918 influenza pandemic—that recount the devastation, pain, loss, and resilience during the crisis—have been lost to history. “Archiving the Pandemic” will ensure that the personal stories related to the COVID-19 pandemic here in Prince George’s County stand the test of time.

he “Archiving the Pandemic” project will have a permanent place in the Library’s digital collections. A selection of submissions will be displayed on pgcmls.info and social media beginning in summer 2020. 

How to Submit to “Archiving the Pandemic”

Please complete the online form and email submission files to pr@pgcmls.info with the subject line “Archiving the Pandemic.” By submitting, participants authorize PGCMLS to include content in its digital archive and any current and future third-party non-commercial digital archives. Review the terms of submission here.

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 915,000+ 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. The Books from Birth and Ready 2 Read programs make the Library the primary source of early literacy education and Kindergarten readiness programs in the County.

PGCMLS’ robust online offerings include curated content collections for kids, teens, educators, Spanish speakers, and more. Special programs include the D.R.E.A.M. Lab, STEM Pals, and 3D printing, which offer teens and lifelong learners with opportunities to learn cutting-edge technology and STEM skills for job readiness or personal enrichment. The Library’s Laurel Branch Library received the 2018 AIA/ALA Library Building Award and was designated the best new public building in Maryland.