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Love Your Library

The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) provides a collaborative foundation within the community for all Prince Georgians to create the world they want to see. Community members have an important role to play in championing the essential services and programs that the PGCMLS provides to enhance life in Prince George’s County. Together, the Library, Board of Library Trustees, PGCMLS Foundation, friends groups, and customers shape the future of PGCMLS by sharing stories, strengthening relationships with partners, and celebrating the transformational work the Library carries out each day.

National Advocacy

Feral Funding Request

Fund Libraries Campaign

The FY23 federal budget proposal from President Biden includes increases to funding for libraries:

  • An $8.8 million increase over FY22 for the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). This proposal includes a $3.6 million increase for the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), which would be funded at $201 million.
  • A $28 million budget for Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL), which is a $1 million decrease.

Library customers are encouraged to contact their federal representatives to request support for the proposed federal budget increases for libraries. Please contact your legislators today using the American Library Association’s engagement website or calling their offices (see phone numbers for the House and Senate). Prince George’s County’s federal representatives are:

  • Maryland's portion of this funding will be approximately $87 million.
  • We already know that investing in Maryland libraries works. Maryland has provided mandated state funding for capital needs since 2008. Since the inception of the program, $67,325,000 has been authorized, leveraging more than $360,000,000 in local matching funds, or nearly six times the amount of the State's investment.
  • The State mandated funding was increased during the Maryland General Assembly's 2021 session from $5 million to $7.5 million, but the need is much greater than this for the 191 facilities across the state's 24 library systems. Total requests for the state funding usually exceed the mandated funding available. During the FY2022 appropriations cycle, requests totaled $8,587,000; in FY2021, requests totaled $7,650,000; in FY2020, requests totaled $11,202,000; and in FY2019, requests totaled $10,114,000.
  • Maryland libraries need more funding. According to the November 2020 statewide facilities assessment conducted by the Maryland State Library Agency, more than half of the public library buildings in Maryland are over 25 years old. This aging infrastructure creates urgent and necessary needs, including roofs, alterations for ADA compliance, HVAC replacements, technological upgrades and general renovations, that total an estimated $77,000,000, plus another $65,000,000 for eight buildings that have been identified for replacement.

State and Local Advocacy

The FY23 state legislative session secured additional per capita funding for public libraries and regional resource centers, established new resources for internet access and digital equity, and advanced Maryland’s public libraries’ work in numerous ways. Consider thanking your state legislators for supporting the Library’s FY23 legislative priorities during the most recent legislative session. Find out who your legislators are here and contact them via email, phone, or mail.

Prince George’s County Executive Report on the 2021 Maryland Legislative Session

Sample Social Media Post

Please support @PGCMLS’ state legislative priorities to protect intellectual freedom and increase funding for #MDLibraries. [tag your state legislators]

Download social graphic

Prince George’s County Budget 

The Prince George’s County government approved the Library’s FY23 operating budget on June 1, 2022. The budget includes funding for key staffing at the newly expanded Bladensburg Branch Library, funding for critical cybersecurity infrastructure, and more. Thank County Executive Alsobrooks and the Prince George’s County Council for their support of PGCMLS. Find your county elected representatives.

Prince George’s County FY23 Budget Portal

Advocacy Resources

Advocacy and Customer Relations Guide PDF

Community Feedback

"Just wanted to thank Greenbelt Branch Library staff for the great book bundle - these picks are a hit!!"
"Big supporter/fan of my local @PGCMLS and all they are doing to keep staff safe while providing curbside service."
"Just got back from a curbside pickup. Oxon Hill staff were super helpful, as always."
"I miss hanging out at my local library so much! I hope all of you are well and I can’t wait to get books in person again!"
"Thank you for the work you do to keep resources available to patrons and the creative ways you are reaching out to encourage all to take advantage of they online programs you offer."
"I have been using the curbside pickup. I would not ask for better service. Not only that, but the efficiency and the kindness of the entire staff, from the people who put the books out to the guard, are noteworthy. Wonderful experience all around. Thank you."
"The library has been a consistent, reliable resource for me and my family to meet our academic, social and personal development needs. And the librarians are the BEST!!!!! Over the last 20 years I'm come to know many of the librarians and they've always been extremely helpful. The children's programming is amazing. And the ease of use of online services. For all these reasons I love and appreciate the services of PGCMLS."
"I love the Prince George's library system. A lot of thought went into your offerings and I, for one, and very grateful. I use your audiobook and ebook collection heavily. And while using the actual libraries is not an option right now when it is back on offer I will be there!"
"We really relied on the library curbside pickup services and digital services during this pandemic, especially this winter when outdoor activities were hard to plan for our elementary school aged kids. We appreciate the libraries and librarians stepping it up during this time of need and tirelessly serving their communities!"

PGCMLS Foundation

PGCMLS Foundation Store