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June 18, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Donna Scott-Martin

donna.scott-martin@pgcmls.info

PGCMLS Announces "Antoine and Friends: Local Children's Author Series"

Largo, Maryland – Prince George’s County and the greater Washington, D.C. area are home to many distinguished authors of children’s books. The Prince George's County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) and children’s author Antoine Lunsford are collaborating on the launch of a new virtual event series called “Antoine and Friends: Local Children’s Author Series.” Every Friday at 11 am this summer, local children and families will have the opportunity to hear authors who live and work in the community read their books. Attending a virtual reading is a great way to continue building literacy skills this summer and to participate in “Summer @ Your Library,” a partnership between PGCMLS and the Washington Nationals. “Antoine and Friends: Local Children’s Author Series” is made possible by the PGCMLS Foundation. The series aims to educate and encourage area youth to read all summer long.

Antoine Lunsford

Antoine Lunsford

Antoine Lunsford is an elementary school educator and author based in the Washington, D.C. area. He serves on the PGCMLS Foundation Board of Directors and is the author of the “Little Andy’s World” series for young readers. Beginning in fall 2020, Lunsford will be teaching with the Prince George’s County Public Schools.

Antoine & Friends Virtual Events Lineup | Fridays at 11 am

All programs will be streamed live on Crowdcast, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter. Visit pgcmls.info/virtual-events to register.

June 19

Antoine Lunsford, the host of "Antoine and Friends," will read his third book in the “Little Andy's World” Series called “Little Andy Runs for School President.” Lunsford’s books are for school-aged children.

June 26

Glen Mourning is an author, educator, and motivational speaker. He will share a book from the “Crunchy Life” series. According to Mourning, “Sometimes life can get a little crunchy, but never give up!” His books are for school-aged children and young adults.

July 10

Ebony Troncoso is a children's book author, educator, and the founder and CEO of Aspired Dreams publishing house. With a great passion for writing, Troncoso prides herself on creating vivid, heartfelt stories that surround the theme of family dynamics for children under the age of 10 years old.

July 17

Toni Settles is a philanthropist, educator, and literacy advocate. She will be sharing a book from her series “Andrew and the Time Machine Closet.” These books are for school-aged children. Settles believes that “every child should feel positively represented in the stories that they read.”

July 24 & August 7

James Pettinelli is the author of the “Zagaboo” series of children’s books. Pettinelli will read, sing songs, and play guitar for this fun-filled presentation. Zagaboo and his kingdom of talented trolls are eager to help children overcome challenges and learn something really cool. “Zagaboo” is for school-aged children.

July 31

Christine Turner Jackson is the author of “Pitch Black,” a book inspired by the events of her father’s childhood growing up in Washington, D.C. in the 1950’s. After teaching elementary science in Prince George’s County, she began a 25-year career with the U.S. Department of Education. Her book is for teen and young adult audiences.

August 14

Melinda Rapp will be sharing her book, “I Wonder,” which is a child’s journey to becoming a big brother or sister. Her books are for pre-K children. Ms. Rapp is from the Washington, D.C. area and currently resides in Maryland.

August 21

Ciara Hill is a therapist and children’s author. She has written the books, “Shiloh & Dande the Lion” and “Color Me Diverse.” Her books are for children in pre-K through 2nd grade.

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. 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. 

About the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System Foundation

The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) Foundation provides critical philanthropic support to the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System. It strengthens the Library’s capacity to innovate, adapt to change, and ensure our libraries remain a vital resource for all in Prince George’s County now and in the future. Our libraries are more than a place to find books; they are spaces–both physical and online–to empower individuals, strengthen families, and make our county a better place.