October 7, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Donna Scott-Martin
Largo, Maryland – The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) is celebrating teens this October with TeenTober, an annual event supported by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). TeenTober raises awareness about teen programs at libraries that encourage youth to discover and develop new skills, engage with the local community, and pursue their passions.
The Library has also launched two new social media platforms for teens to engage with staff and each other, @PGCMLSTeens on Instagram and the PGCMLS Teen Zone Discord Server. Discord is a chat-based social platform similar to Reddit. This new PGCMLS platform will allow teens to constantly engage with peers and participate in meaningful service projects. Discord is also a programming platform that is used for movie nights, gaming programs, and Teen Action Group/Teen Action Board meetings.
Teens can get in shape, explore space and robotics, learn how to create apps and comic characters, impact social equity, and more with the Library’s TeenTober virtual programs. Teens seeking opportunities to complete service projects are encouraged to learn about the Library’s volunteer program, which is currently adapted for the virtual environment.
Getting in Shape with Mr. Shaun: Family Edition Friday, October 9 at 4 pm Tuesday, October 13 at 6:30 pm Be a Smart User of Smart Technology! Wednesday, October 14 at 7 pm NASA Presents: Robotic Servicing Friday, October 16 at 6:30 pm |
Author Talk and Comic Workshop with Cathy G. Johnson, Saturday, October 17 at 12 pm "I Have A Voice" VIRTUAL Youth Conference on Social Justice Saturday, Oct. 17 at 1-5 pm NASA Science Presents: Moons of our Solar System Sunday, October 25 at 8 pm STEM at Home: Code Your Own App Friday, October 30 at 12 pm |
“We are ecstatic to bring this type of programming to our teens,” said Isaiah West, the Library’s Teen Services Specialist. “We are committed to providing materials and services to our teens and connecting them with community partners to help them learn new skills, discover interests, and fuel their passions.”
Free PGCMLS resources include graphic novels, comic books, ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, streaming music and movies, and educational support (tutoring, practice test, languages, writing labs, online reference materials, and more). Teens can visit pgcmls.info to access these valuable online library services with their LINK card number or library card. Physical materials, mobile printing, wireless hotspots, and 3D printing are available through curbside pickup while the Library is in Phase 1 of its COVID-19 Phased Reopening Plan.
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 book-lovers, 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. 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.