Get Informed for the 2024 Election!

By Ivory Copeland, Social Science & History Department

With Election Day less than one month away, Enoch Pratt Free Library is here to help. Our 2024 Voter Information Guide provides information to help you understand and get involved in the election process in Maryland.

Here’s a sample of the incredible resources you can find in the Social Science & History Department in Central Library:

What You Need to Know about Voting and Why
By Kim Wehle

Book

Representation and the Electoral College
By Robert M. Alexander

Book

Guide to U.S. Elections
By CQ Press

Book

The Encyclopedia of U.S. Presidential Elections
By David C. Saffell

Book

The Right to Vote
By Alexander Keyssar

Book

Bending Toward Justice
By Gary May

Book

Let Us Vote!
By Jennifer Frost

Book

Everything You Need to Know about Voting Rights and Voter Disenfranchisement
By Julia J. Quinlan

Book

Historic Firsts in the U.S. Elections
Edited by Evelyn M. Simien

Book

Back Roads and Better Angels
By Francis S. Berry

Book | eAudio

Our Unfinished March
By Eric Holder
Book | eAudio

We’ve Got to Try
By Beto O’Rourke

Book | eBook

What’s New to Read this October

Not sure what to add to your TBR list this month? Take a look at the latest books available from the Pratt Library this October.

Framed
By John Grisham and Jim McCloskey

Book | eBook | eAudio

Mama
Nikkya Hargrove

Book | eBook | eAudio

Absolution
By Jeff Vandermeer

Book | eBook | eAudio

Paper Boat
By Margaret Atwood

Book | eBook | eAudio

The Grey Wolf
By Louise Penny

Book | eBook | eAudio

How to Build a Fashion Icon
By Law Roach

Book | eBook | eAudio

Wish I Were Here
By Melissa Wiesner

Book | eBook | eAudio

Mystery in the Title
By Ian Ferguson and Will Ferguson

eBook

The Message
By Ta-Nehesi Coates

Book | eBook | eAudio

The Black Utopians
By Aaron Robertson

Book | eBook

The Last One at the Wedding
By Jason Rekulak

Book | eBook | eAudio

Society of Lies
By Lauren Ling Brown

Book | eBook | eAudio

Be Ready For When Luck Happens
By Ina Garten

eBook | eAudio

The Mighty Red
By Louise Erdrich

Book | eBook | eAudio

The Boyfriend
By Frieda McFadden

Book | eAudio

What’s New for Teens this October

A new month means new books to read! Here’s a look at the latest books available for teens at the Pratt Library this October.

Silent Sister
By Megan Davidhizar

Book | eBook | eAudio

Girls Who Burn
By MK Pagano

eBook

The Brightness Between Us
By Eliot Schrefer

Book | eBook | eAudio

Gentlest of Wild Things
By Sarah Underwood

Book | eBook

Onyx & Beyond
By Amber McBride

Book

Old Wounds
By Logan-Ashley Kisner

Book | eBook | eAudio

Master of One
By Jaida Jones & Dani Bennett

Book | eBook

Twenty-Four Seconds from Now
By Jason Reynolds

Book | eBook | eAudio

Our Wicked Histories
By Amy Goldsmith

eBook

The Glass Girl
By Kathleen Glasgow

Book | eBook

Roar of the Tides
By Veronica Rossi

eBook

Killer House Party
By Lily Anderson

Book | eBook

A Message from the Pratt Library Board

September 30, 2024

Dear Pratt Library Community,

Today marks an exciting new chapter for the Enoch Pratt Free Library as we welcome Chad Helton as our new President & CEO. After a nationwide search, the Board of Directors unanimously selected Chad to lead us into our next chapter, and we are thrilled about the fresh ideas, energy, and vision he brings to the Pratt Library.

Chad has more than 15 years of leadership experience in both public and academic libraries, including leading major institutions such as Hennepin County Library in Minnesota and the Los Angeles Public Library in California. His proven ability to manage complex systems, direct large teams, and lead through times of change will be instrumental in helping the Pratt Library continue to evolve and serve Baltimore’s diverse communities. Chad’s personal journey, from starting his career in libraries delivering books to satellite libraries in a golf cart to leading one of the country’s most respected library systems, exemplifies his belief in the power of libraries to transform lives. This belief drives his commitment to ensuring that the Pratt Library remains a vital resource for all.

Chad is passionate about making the Pratt Library a welcoming and essential resource for every Baltimore resident, no matter where they live. His vision for the Pratt is to continue to serve as a community cornerstone, offering access to critical information, programs, and services that empower and uplift individuals and families throughout our city. In the coming months, Chad will host a series of community town halls at library branches across the city to meet you, listen to your thoughts, and hear how the Pratt Library can better serve you. Stay tuned for more details about these upcoming events!

In the meantime, I invite you to hear directly from Chad in this where he shares his thoughts on the future of the Pratt Library and his commitment to serving our communities.

On behalf of the Board, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Darcell Graham for her outstanding leadership as Interim CEO during this transition. Darcell’s dedication and guidance were invaluable, and we are grateful for her many contributions to the library and the community over her 26-year career here.

As we embark on this next chapter with Chad at the helm, we look forward to continuing our mission to empower, enrich, and enhance the quality of life for all of Baltimore’s residents through free and equitable access to information, services, and opportunities. 

Thank you for your continued support of the Pratt Library.

Warmly,  

Christine Espenshade
Chair, Board of Trustees and Board of Directors
Enoch Pratt Free Library

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with these Books

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! Join us in celebrating by reading a book spotlighting Hispanic talent and culture. Here’s a look at recommendations from our Pratt Librarians.

A Sunny Place for Shady People
By Mariana Enriquez
Book | eBook | eAudiobook

How We Named The Stars
By Andrés N. Ordorica
Book | eBook

House Of Bone And Rain
By Gabino Iglesias
Book | eBook | eAudiobook

A Dish Best Served Hot
By Natalie Caña
Book | eBook | eAudiobook

All Friends Are Necessary
By Tomas Moniz
Book | eBook

The Next Best Fling
By Gabriella Gamez
Book | eBook

Familia
By Lauren E. Rico
Book | eBook | eAudiobook

Oye
By Melissa Mogollon

Book | eBook | eAudiobook

The Cemetery of Untold Stories
By Julia Alvarez
Book | eBook | eAudiobook

The Great Divide
By Christina Henríquez
Book | eBook | eAudiobook

Isabel and the Rogue
By Liana De la Rosa
eBook | eAudiobook

Tropicália
By Harold Rogers

Book | eBook