Nicholas A. Brown
(301) 699-3500, ext. 6241
nicholas.brown@pgcmls.info

Largo, Md. ‒ The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System’s nationally recognized programming is on display this October with special initiatives for children, teens, and adults. The Hispanic Heritage Month virtual keynote event featuring civil rights leader Dolores Huerta with County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks takes place Wednesday, October 6 at 7 pm. Co-presented with the Prince George's County Office of Human Rights, this program recognizes the essential role and contributions of Latin Americans and Hispanics in advancing civil rights for all Americans. October featured initiatives include One Maryland One Book, Hatchlings: In the Nest, Teentober, Maryland STEM Festival, and Bibliobop Dance Party.

One Maryland One Book

PGCMLS is a proud partner of Maryland Humanities’ annual One Maryland One Book initiative, which is a statewide opportunity for Marylanders to connect through the shared experience of reading and discussing the same book. The 2021 theme is “hope” and the featured book is Ross Gay’s “The Book of Delights,” a collection of short essays written over the course of a year. Topics range from the beauties in nature to what it is to live as a Black man in the United States. PGCMLS’ One Maryland One Book virtual programs are co-presented with the PGCMLS Foundation and Prince George’s County Office of Human Rights. Complimentary print and ebook copies of “The Book of Delights” are available to customers who attend a series event and complete this form. Series events may require registration. Visit pgcmls.info/events for more details.

• Ross Gay on “The Book of Delights” - Virtual Author Event (October 4 at 7 pm) - Co-presented with Anne Arundel County Public Library
• Oxon Hill Branch Library Book Discussion (October 12 at 2 pm)
• Countywide Book Discussion Hosted by the South Bowie Branch Library (October 12 at 5 pm)
• Bowie Branch Library Book Discussion (October 13 at 7 pm)
• Greenbelt Branch Library Book Discussion (October 19 at 7 pm)
• PGCMLS Open Mic: Delights (October 27 at 7 pm) - Co-presented with Creative Suitland
• With Pen in Hand Writing Group (November 1 at 7 pm) 

Hatchlings: In the Nest

Based on the award-winning early-literacy programs Mother Goose on the Loose and Mother Goose on the Loose Goslings created by Betsy Diamant-Cohen, DCD, the Hatchlings: In the Nest program is a continuation of the two-year Maryland State Library’s Hatchlings pilot project co-presented by PGCMLS. In the Nest consists of four live, virtual infant storytimes on October 5, 7, 12, and 14 for babies six months and younger and their parents and caregivers. It is the sequel to the Hatchlings: Ready to Hatch program offered this past spring. In the Nest will be presented in Spanish at 10:30 am and in English at 1 pm. To register, click here or call Ask a Librarian at (240) 455-5451.

The Hatchlings project steering committee includes Carrie Sanders of Maryland State Library; Dorothy Stoltz of Carroll County Public Library; and Elaine Czarnecki, Early Literacy and Assessment Consultant. The three other library systems involved in the pilot project are Carroll County Public Library, Calvert County Library, and Howard County Library System.

Teentober

Teentober focuses on celebrating and highlighting teen programs and services within PGCMLS, many of which have been curated by teen volunteers in the Library’s Teen Action Group (TAG). The volunteers’ signature initiative this year is P.A.D. (Period Action Drive), which gives youth the opportunity to earn social service hours while collecting period and hygiene products to donate to I'm Bruised But Not Broken. This nonprofit organization empowers, encourages, embraces, and equips women coping with domestic violence. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and P.A.D. supports the Library’s healthy living strategic focus area, which aims to support the health and wellness of all Prince Georgians with educational programs and resources. Collection boxes will be available at all open PGCMLS branch libraries.

Check out the Teentober lineup that showcases events such as the Teen Reader’s Advisory: Latinx Comics, Wednesdays Outdoor Movie Nights, Pumpkin Painting, Anime Jeopardy, Pop Star Coding with Ozobots and so much more! By participating in these programs, teens may discover new hobbies and career pathways. Many PGCMLS branches will also be hosting a Cosplay Parade. Visit pgcmls.info/events to learn more. Teens may also complete the library’s Teentober Scavenger Hunt and post their results on social media tagging @PGCMLS and @PGCMLSTeens.

Maryland STEM Festival

Celebrate the Maryland STEM Festival at PGCMLS from October 15-November 14.  Featured events include STEM-tastic: Crazy 8's Math (Tuesdays in October at 4:30 pm), Teen STEM Lab: The World in 3D (October 26 at 4:30 pm), and Celebrating Hispanics in STEM: Santiago Calatrava Valls (Wednesday, October 13 at 4:30 pm) with more to come in November. Be sure to visit the Library’s events page for details.

Outdoor Bibliobop Dance Party

The Glenarden Branch Library is hosting a Bibliobop Dance Party on Saturday, October 2 at 10:30 am on its lawn for toddlers and preschoolers and their parents and caregivers. Boogie and bop until we drop while enjoying the outdoors, fitness, and learning. Participants are welcome to bring their blankets or chairs to this outdoor event.

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 20774.