Skip to main content
close
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.

December 1, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Donna Scott-Martin

(301) 699-3500, ext. 6152

donna.scott-martin@pgcmls.info

Operation Warm Offers Children Free Winter Coats & Books

December Virtual Events at PGCMLS

Largo, MD – This December, the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) presents a wide range of virtual and special events for all ages. Highlights include Operation Warm, which offers free coats and books to children, the return of the Authors for Truth series, and an array of featured events on community services, from accessing health care to an expungement clinic.

In partnership with Operation Warm, the Library is offering a complimentary new coat and book to 500 children ages 2 to 18 on Saturday, December 12 from 10 am to noon. Advance registration is required by clicking the branch location link preferred for pick up: Largo-KetteringLaurelOxon Hill, or Spauldings or by calling (240) 455-5451 (Tuesday-Friday, 1-6 pm; Saturday, 1-5 pm) by December 9. The New Carrollton Branch is also hosting an Operation Warm event, but registration is at capacity. A limited number of coats are available per size and per location. This Operation Warm event is generously sponsored by the PGCMLS Foundation and Wawa, and supported by the Prince George’s County Office of Latino Affairs.

Available sizes are 2T-Adult XL. There is a limit of two coats per family and one coat per child. The requested coat will only be available at the location specified during registration. Face masks and physical distancing are required for pick-up (whether in a vehicle or on foot). For more information in both English and Spanish, visit pgcmls.info.

“Staying warm in the winter is not only important for the health and safety of our children, but having a nice new coat boosts confidence and emotional well-being,” said PGCMLS Program Services Manager Rachel Zukowski. “Thank you to Operation Warm, the PGCMLS Foundation, Wawa and the Prince George’s County Office of Latino Affairs for their contributions in providing this great opportunity to the children in our community.”

Featured Author Events:

Hope Michelle Ayers on "Gabriel's Balloon”

Wednesday, December 2 at 7 pm | Adults

Hope Michelle Ayers discusses her book "Gabriel's Balloon," about the depth of the agonizing dilemma of a boy wonder yearning for a future beyond the drudgery of the Deep South. The tale unfolds on a plantation plagued with the horrors of racism and family secrets that, if ever revealed, may make the difference between life and death. Co-presented with the Prince George's County Human Relations Commission.

Authors for Truth: William G. Thomas III on "A Question of Freedom”

Tuesday, December 8 at 7 pm | Adults

Historian William G. Thomas III discusses his new book "A Question of Freedom: The Families Who Challenged Slavery from the Nation’s Founding to the Civil War." For 70 plus years and five generations, the enslaved families of Prince George’s County filed hundreds of suits for their freedom against a powerful circle of slaveholders, taking their cause all the way to the Supreme Court. Thomas is interviewed by Renée Battle-Brooks, Executive Director of the Prince George’s County Human Relations Commission, which is co-presenting the event.

Jennifer De Leon on "Don't Ask Me Where I'm From”

Thursday, December 10 at 7 pm | Teens & Adults

Author Jennifer De Leon discusses her debut young adult novel, "Don't Ask Me Where I'm From." The story follows Liliana Cruz, a first-generation American Latinx who does what it takes to fit in at her new nearly all-white school. When family secrets spill out and racism at school ramps up, she must decide what she believes in and take a stand. Jennifer will be interviewed by Lupita Aquino (@Lupita.Reads) and Nicholas Brown of PGCMLS. Co-presented with the Prince George's County Human Relations Commission.

Zack Smedley on "Deposing Nathan"

Monday, December 14 at 7 pm | Teens & Adults

Lambda Literary Award finalist and Maryland native Zack Smedley discusses his hit book "Deposing Nathan," which was a 2020 ALA Rainbow List Selection and winner of the 2019 YA Bisexual Book Award. He is joined by Kelsey Hughes and Isaiah West of PGCMLS. Co-presented with the Prince George's County Human Relations Commission.

Additional December Highlights:

Ready, Set, Bank

Thursday, December 3 at 2 pm | Adults 50 and older

Learn best practices for online banking. Zoom class attendees who fill out the post-class survey will receive a $50 gift card to Walmart or Target. To qualify for the gift card, you must live in Maryland, D.C., or Northern Virginia. To register, please email Shelley at shelley.obrien@pgcmls.info.

Community Conversation: Strategic Framework (2021-2024)

Thursday, December 3, 4 pm | Adults

Library staff join CEO Roberta Phillips to discuss the new Strategic Framework 2021-2024.  

"The Library That Dolly Built" Documentary Premiere

Wednesday, December 9 at 7 pm | Adults

PGCMLS hosts a virtual premiere of the documentary on Dolly Parton's Imagination Library on December 9 at 7 pm. ET. This North American premiere features a live Q&A and song from Dolly herself after the screening. Co-sponsored by Old Greenbelt Theatre.

Community Conversation: Accessing Health Insurance

Thursday, December 10 at 4 pm | Adults

Special guests from Prince George's County Health Connect discuss opportunities for Prince Georgians to enroll in health care through Maryland Health Connect. Hosted by Aishar Pinnock, Director of Talent & Culture, PGCMLS. Co-presented with Prince George's County Health Connect.

Expungement Clinic

Saturday, December 12 at 10 am | Adults
Community Legal Services of Prince George's County, Inc. and the Library host a free expungement clinic for adults who have a criminal record and need assistance with obtaining work or housing.  Registration required: https://pgcmls.info/event/4702352.

Enjoy regularly scheduled Library events for all ages such as Read Aloud, Biblioniños, STEM at Home, Crafternoons, Teen Action Group (TAG), Café a las cuatro, Career Chat and more by visiting pgcmls.info/events.

Graphics Package

About 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 Operation Warm

Operation Warm is a national nonprofit that manufactures brand-new, high-quality coats for children in need. We partner with compassionate individuals, community organizations, and corporations across North America to provide emotional warmth, confidence to socialize and succeed, and hope of a brighter future through the gift of a brand-new coat.

About the PGCMLS 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.