Today is Juneteenth, an important day in American history. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, commemorates the June 19, 1865 announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas marking the end of slavery in the United States.
Are you not familiar with the holiday? Here are some book, television and film recommendations to learn more about Juneteenth.
In honor of Pride Month, there’s a new Free to Bmore Podcast spotlighting 50 years of Pride. It’s been half a century since the Stonewall Uprising kicked off Pride marches across the world. In the episode, LGBTQ + community members discuss how far the movement for equal rights has come, and how much further there is to go. Give it a listen here.
The Pratt staff had a great time over the weekend at Baltimore Pride 2019! You might have saw us walking in the Pride Parade on Saturday, June 15. In case you didn’t, here are a few pictures.
Check out what’s on our reading list this LGBTQ + Pride Month.
To all of the dads, uncles, grandfathers, and father figures out there, wishing you all the happiest Father’s Day this weekend. In honor of the holiday, we’ve compiled a list of books highlighting the different aspects and perspectives on fatherhood. Hope you enjoy them!
A Father First: How My Life Became Bigger than Basketball
By Dwayne Wade
In this moving and triumphant memoir, Wade shares his inspiring thoughts about fathers and sons, the gratifying responsibilities of being a dad to his two sons, and recounts his growing up years and memorable rise to the top of professional basketball.
Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey through His Son’s Addiction
By David Sheff
What had happened to my beautiful boy? To our family? What did I do wrong? Those are the wrenching questions that haunted David Sheff’s journey through his son Nic’s addiction to drugs and tentative steps toward recovery.
Hair Love
By Matthew A. Cherry
When Daddy steps in to style Zuri’s hair for an extra special occasion, he has a lot to learn. But he loves Zuri, and he’ll do anything to make her and her hair happy. Tender and empowering, Hair Love is an ode to loving your natural hair — and a celebration of daddies and daughters everywhere.
Make sure to add these books to your reading list!
We’re excited to add Read Along books to the shelves of Enoch Pratt Free Library. Young readers don’t have to miss out on the fun of the Pratt’s Summer Challenge if they are still learning to read. With a simple push of a button, young readers can enjoy these new books with attached speakers that transform the print book into an all-in one read- along.
Here are some of our favorite picks. Check them out!
School is almost out of session so that means it’s a great time to stop by your local branch of Enoch Pratt Free Library. Visit for a family film night, storytime fun, and of course to pick up books to read for the 2019 Summer Challenge.
Check out what children’s books are new to our shelves!
The Important Thing About Margaret Wise Brown
By Marc Barnett
This exceptional picture book artfully plays with form and language to vividly bring to life one of greatest children’s book creators who ever lived: Margaret Wise Brown.
Juana & Lucas: Big Problemas
By Juana Medina
When her mami meets someone new, Juana worries that everything will change in a humorous, heartwarming follow-up to the Pura Belpré Award–winning Juana & Lucas.
Hello! Are you ready for a brilliant day? A brother and sister enjoy a day full of spills, thrills, and silly adventures in this playful story comprised only of words that contain a double L (such as spills, thrills, and silly)!
Red: A Crayon’s Story
By Michael Hall
A blue crayon mistakenly labeled as “red” suffers an identity crisis in this picture book by the New York Times–bestselling creator of My Heart Is Like a Zoo. This funny, heartwarming, colorful picture book about finding the courage to be true to your inner self.
Also new this month:
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