Month: February 2019

Have you checked out our Podcast?

Posted on by Meghan McCorkell

The Free to Bmore podcast is a new initiative of the Enoch Pratt Free Library. But it goes well beyond library services. We’re engaging leaders and innovators who are making a difference in Baltimore City.

Our latest podcast guest was UMBC President Dr. Freeman Hrawboski, who discussed how his experience as a child marching with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. impacted his life.

Ceasefire Baltimore founder Erricka Bridgeford also joined the podcast to discuss how the non-violence movement began and how it’s spread far beyond the city of Baltimore.

Stay tuned for the next guests to the Free to Bmore podcast March episode as we celebrate Women’s History Month with two strong female leaders.

Calling All Maryland Poets!

Posted on by Meghan McCorkell

The Pratt Library’s Free Poetry Contest

Put poetry, the Pratt, and free opportunity for artists together, and what do you get? The Pratt Library’s Poetry Contest, now accepting entries through March 1.

Word POETRY formed by wood alphabet blocks. On old wooden table.

The Pratt has offered this free contest, open to Maryland residents age 18 and older, for eight years. At least 250 entries usually flow in from at least 18 counties. A local journal judges the entries anonymously and publishes the winning poem. This year we’re collaborating with Little Patuxent Review.

The 2019 winner will also enjoy the spotlight at Baltimore’s CityLit Festival, on Saturday, April 27, and at a special library celebration of the finalists one evening this summer.

Poems are like windows—ways of seeing new things—so how great is it that a window sparked the idea for the Poetry Contest? The Poetry Programming Work Group, a team of Central Library staff who coordinate the Poetry & Conversation series and other events, were looking for ways to showcase poetry. “We should have a contest and put the winning poem in the window!” someone said, referring to the Central Library’s huge show windows. The contest that developed makes waves through Maryland and beyond.

To learn the rules for the contest and read winning poems from earlier years, please visit our Poetry Contest page. The person who wins the 2019 contest could be you!

Grow with Google

Posted on by Meghan McCorkell

Looking to expand your digital literacy? Google is coming to the Pratt’s Southeast Anchor Library on Wednesday, February 27th for FREE workshops.

Learn how to:

  • Get Found on Google Search and Maps
  • Reach Customers Online with Google
  • Get Started with Email, Spreadsheets, and Presentations

Google will also offer one-on-one coaching on a number of subject including:

  • Google AdWords
  • Google Analytics
  • Google My Business
  • GSuite (Google Docs, Spreadsheets, Presentations and Forms)
  • Gmail and Google Calendar

Just drop by the reservation desk to book a time slot.

Space is limited for these free workshops. Register here.

Introducing Entrepreneur Academy

Posted on by Meghan McCorkell

The Enoch Pratt Free Library and Baltimore County Public Library are pleased to offer Entrepreneur Academy. The innovative initiative is designed to serve the Baltimore region by providing access to training for small business entrepreneurs and solopreneurs.

This 9-week workshop will have two cohorts running from March 18 – May 4. One will be taught at the Pratt Library Edmondson Ave. Branch. The other will take place at BCPL’s Woodlawn Branch.

Participants are asked to attend all nine weeks of the workshop. Space is limited. Register here.

Entrepreneur Academy Kickoff!
Woodlawn Branch of the Baltimore County Public Library
March 9, 9:30a –11:30a

Learn:

  • Marketing Research and Business Strategies
  • Financing Options
  • Financial Recordkeeping and Taxes
  • Developing Your Business Plan

Take advantage of:

  • Legal, Financial, Insurance, and Accounting Advisors
  • Networking Opportunities
  • Extensive Library and Business Resources

Classes include:

  • Market Research and Business Strategies: Part I and II
  • Ask the Experts Panel
  • Business Finances, Taxes & Recordkeeping
  • Marketing Your Business
  • Developing Your Business Plan
  • Side Hustle Showdown

Entrepreneur Academy is a partnership between the Enoch Pratt Free Library and Baltimore County Public Library. It’s made possible in part by the Urban Libraries Council.

Remembering Ethel Ennis: 1932-2019

Posted on by Meghan McCorkell

For seven decades, Baltimore’s “First Lady of Jazz” delighted audiences with her singing. Ethel Ennis died in her Baltimore home on Sunday at age 86. The Pratt Library has a number of sources where you can hear and learn more about this legendary singer. From an illustrated biography about her life, to the music she was known for, you can learn more Ethel Ennis and her impact on jazz music in America.