Largo, Maryland – The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) continues to provide dynamic virtual events for readers to learn from leading national authors. The November lineup features award-winning authors and renowned poets, including Pulitzer Prize-winner and former U.S. Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey, NEA Fellow in Literature Randall Horton, Kendra Allen (winner of the 2018 Iowa Prize for Literary Nonfiction Kendra Allen), and bestselling author Michael Farris Smith.

Thursday, November 5 at 7 pm | Kendra Allen on “When You Learn the Alphabet”

Kendra Allen, winner of the 2018 Iowa Prize for Literary Nonfiction for University of Iowa Press, discusses her book "When You Learn the Alphabet," a collection of essays that discuss being a young Black woman in America. Co-presented with the Prince George’s County Human Relations Commission and Black Caucus of the American Library Association.

Monday, November 9 at 7 pm | Michael Farris Smith on “Blackwood”

Award-winning author Michael Farris Smith discusses his recent book "Blackwood," a timeless, mythical tale of unforgiving justice and elusive grace, rural Mississippi townsfolk shoulder the pain of generations as something dangerous lurks in the enigmatic kudzu of the woods. “Blackwood” was named one of the best books of 2020 by The Times (UK). Co-presented with the Prince George’s County Human Relations Commission.

Wednesday, November 18 at 7 pm | NEA Literature Fellow Randall Horton in Conversation

Dr. Randall Horton discusses his new poetry collection “{#289-128}.” He is currently the only tenured Full Professor in the United States of America at a university or college with seven felony convictions. He is a member of the experimental performance group Heroes Are Gang Leaders. Their latest project, “The Baraka Sessions,” was named best vocal jazz album by NPR in 2019. Horton is a Professor of English at the University of New Haven. He is the recipient of the Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Award and is a National Endowment of the Arts Fellow in Literature. Co-presented with the Prince George’s County Human Relations Commission and Black Caucus of the American Library Association.

Thursday, November 19 at 7 pm | Natasha Trethewey in Conversation

Former U.S. Poet Laureate Natasha Trethewey discusses her memoir “Memorial Drive” with Prince George’s County Poet Laureate Sistah Joy Alford. Trethewey is the author of five collections of poetry:  “Monument” (2018), which was longlisted for the 2018 National Book Award; “Thrall” (2012); “Native Guard” (2006), for which she was awarded the Pulitzer Prize; “Bellocq’s Ophelia” (2002); and “Domestic Work” (2000). Co-presented with the Prince George's County Human Relations Commission and the Black Caucus of the American Library Association.

Featured authors’ books are available for checkout through the PGCMLS online catalog and through OverDrive. Washington, DC and Maryland-based Loyalty Bookstores is the independent bookstore partner for the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System. Featured author event titles are available for purchase at loyaltybookstores.com.

Select PGCMLS author events are presented in association with the following partner libraries: Anne Arundel County Public Library, Carroll County Public Library, Enoch Pratt Free Library, Howard County Library System, Kent County Public Library, Ruth Enlow Library of Garrett County, Talbot County Free Library, and Worcester County Library.

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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 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.