Largo, Maryland – Maryland’s public libraries have a strong commitment to creating opportunities for community members to come together and develop cross-cultural understanding about topics that impact daily life. The Maryland Libraries Together series returns on April 1 with two major statewide virtual events that explore the COVID-19 vaccine and Latin identity. Maryland Libraries Together is a collaboration to engage communities in enriching educational experiences that advance an understanding of the issues of our time. These events are hosted by individual public library systems and made available to all Marylanders through the Maryland Libraries Together series.

COVID-19 and Vaccine Information Session (April 1 at 5-6:30 pm ET)

The Enoch Pratt Free Library hosts a timely discussion of the COVID-19 vaccine (April 1 at 5 pm ET). Clinicians, researchers, vaccine recipients, and other health professionals discuss vaccine access, vaccine hesitancy, recent pandemics, and virus variants. The program features:

• Dr. Sherita Hill Golden, the Hugh P. McCormick Family Professor of Endocrinology and Metabolism and Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer for Johns Hopkins Medicine
• Dr. Tracey Murray, Dean of the College of Health Professions at Coppin State University
• Dr. Kim Sydnor, Dean of the School of Community Health and Policy at Morgan State University and serves as Associate Professor for the Department of Behavioral Health Sciences
• Dr. Kawsar Rasmy Talaat, Assistant Professor in the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. She holds a joint appointment in medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Her areas of clinical expertise include vaccine clinical trials and vaccine safety.
• Dr. Jonathan Mark Zenilman, professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He is known internationally for his work in infectious disease epidemiology.

Registration is not required for this event, which will be broadcast on Zoom and offer phone access. Visit prattlibrary.org for more information. Free and open to the public.

Viva Latino: Own Voices Writers in Conversation (April 1 at 7-8:30 pm ET)

Leading and award-winning contemporary Latin American writers gather to discuss their perspectives on the importance of own voices narratives in providing representation for readers. This program offers Latino/a/x and non-Latin Marylanders with an opportunity to learn about the diversity of the Latin American community, as represented in literature and poetry. The panel is presented by the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS), Frederick County Public Libraries (FCPL), and Charles County Public Library (CCPL). This program is supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, through the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Maryland State Library.

Featured panelists are:

• Julia Alvarez, National Medal of Arts Winner (“Afterlife,” 2020)
• Angie Cruz, Inaugural Good Morning America Book Club Author (“Dominicana,” 2018)
• Reyna Grande, American Book Award Winner (“A Dream Called Home,” 2019)
• Juan Felipe Herrera, U.S. Poet Laureate (2015-2017) (“Jabberwalking,” 2018)
• Lupita Aquino, Moderator, @Lupita.Reads Bookstagram 

Registration is required for this event, which will be broadcast on the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System’s YouTube and Facebook. Visit MDLibraries0401.eventbrite.com for more information. The event will be presented in English. ASL interpretation and captions will be provided. Viewers can obtain copies of the panelists’ books through Loyalty Bookstores or Curious Iguana. Free and open to the public.

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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 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.

PGCMLS’ robust online offerings include curated content collections for kids, teens, educators, Spanish speakers, and more. Virtual events and outreach provide access to the Library from the comfort of home or on the go. 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 also provides drive-up WiFi access at all branches and mobile hotspot devices. The Library’s Laurel Branch Library received the 2018 AIA/ALA Library Building Award and was designated the best new public building in Maryland.

As a strong community partner, the Library regularly collaborates with local government agencies and non-profit organizations to provide access to essential community services and programs. Partners include the Prince George’s County Human Relations Commission, Employ Prince George’s, Prince George's County Public Schools, and Prince George’s Community College. Learn more at pgcmls.info or by visiting the Largo-Kettering Branch at 9601 Capital Lane, Largo, MD 20721. Curbside Services are available Tuesday-Friday (1-6 pm) and Saturday (1-5 pm) at 16 of the Library’s branches.