Month: March 2018

Download eBooks and Audiobooks

Posted on by Meghan McCorkell

More than 10,000 titles were downloaded from the Pratt in February alone!

The Pratt has multiple services where you can download the latest eBooks and Audiobooks.  Our newest service, Hoopla Digital allows you to take out the hottest titles without ANY WAIT!  Each Pratt customer gets 6 downloads a month.  Hoopla also includes streaming TV and movies.

Pratt customers also have access to the Maryland’s Digital eLibrary known as Overdrive.  Overdrive has thousands of titles, and a curated selection of books on the main page.

Over on RBDigital Pratt customers can check out up to 12 eBooks and 12 Audiobooks for 21 days. With RBDigital you can also download magazines for free.

So, get your Pratt Library card now, and start downloading.

 

 

Tell Us What You Love #atthepratt

Posted on by Meghan McCorkell

We’ve launched a new hashtag so you can post your library love!

Share what you love about the Pratt Library on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and it could wind up on our new social hub, atthepratt.org. 

Do you have a story about how the Pratt impacted your life?  What surprises you about the Pratt? What books are you reading? Did you love a program you attended?  Share your story on social media with #atthepratt. 

You can also check out the new social hub to find resources that can help you tell your Pratt story.

So, show the Pratt Library some love and use #atthepratt.

 

TONIGHT: Black Girls Rock

Posted on by Meghan McCorkell

Join the Pratt for an unforgettable night with Beverly Bond, creator of Black Girls Rock.

She will talk with R&B star Brave Williams about her new book, Black Girls Rock! Owning Our Magic, Rocking Our Truth, which pairs inspirational essays and affirmations with photographs.

WHAT: Beverly Bond, Black Girls Rock

WHERE: Reginald F. Lewis Museum

WHEN: TONIGHT, 6:30pm

Register here

 

In the book, Maxine Waters shares the personal fulfillment of service. Moguls Cathy Hughes, Suzanne Shank, and Serena Williams recount stories of steadfastness, determination, diligence, dedication, and the will to win. Erykah Badu, Toshi Reagon, Mickalane Thomas, Solange Knowles-Ferguson, and Rihanna offer insights on creativity and how they use it to stay in tune with their magic.  Pioneering writers Rebecca Walker, Melissa Harris-Perry, and Joan Morgan speak on modern-day black feminist thought. Lupita Nyong’o, Susan Taylor, and Bethann Hardison affirm the true essence of holistic beauty. Iyanla Vanzant reinforces Black Girl Magic in her powerful pledge. Through these and dozens of other unforgettable testimonies, Black Girls Rock! Is an ode to black girl ambition, self-love, empowerment, and healing.

Beverly Bond is a women’s empowerment leader, entrepreneur, mentor, philanthropist, celebrity DJ, cultural curator and social innovator. In 2006, Bond founded BLACK GIRLS ROCK! and created the annual BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Awards to celebrate the excellence and accomplishments of black women across sectors. Bond’s work as a businesswoman and community leader has earned her awards such as Ebony magazine’s Power 100 list of most influential Blacks in America, two Gracie Awards, and three NAACP Image Awards.

Click here to register and reserve your seat. 

This program is in partnership with Mahogany Books and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum.

#TakeoverTuesday: Pennsylvania Avenue Branch

Posted on by Meghan McCorkell

It’s #TakeoverTuesday.  Today we’re going inside the Pennsylvania Avenue branch.

The Pennsylvania Avenue Branch is located at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and North Avenue in West Baltimore. The branch opened its doors in 1953, when it was known as Branch 17.  It replaced the original Easterwood Park location that operated from 1914 to 1953.  The branch was remodeled in 1983 and housed the system’s first computer center.  In that first year, more than 500 adults completed computer education courses.

Today, as visitors approach the outside the branch they are greeted by Penny, a mural of a girl reading.

Just recently, Pennsylvania Avenue was designated the anchor library of West Baltimore, with expanded hours to serve the community. 

Pennsylvania Avenue is one of four Pratt locations that offer Social Worker in the Library.   Social Work graduate students from the University of Maryland School of Social Work offer customers help in areas like SNAP benefits, shelter, addiction, immigration, learning differences, health concerns and safety.

The Pratt and Maryland Legal Aid also offer Lawyer in the Library.  The program has helped thousands of people resolve legal issues, such as expungements, child custody, bankruptcy, wills and more.

This spring, the branch is also offering Yoga for Everyone  and Zumba classes, computer courses in the lab, story times for children,  painting and pastry, and so much more.

So pop on over to Pennsylvania Avenue and check out all we have to offer.