Get Ready to Party at the Central Grand Reopening

Posted on September 12, 2019September 9, 2019 by Ashley Barnes

After three years, we are happy to announce the completion of the renovation of the Central Library. We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than with a free Block Party and Open House!

If you are in the Baltimore area make sure to stop by the Central Library on Saturday, September 14 from noon to 4pm.

For a full list of events, please check out the schedule here.

You’re in store for a jam-packed day of fun. Here’s what you can look forward to….

Author Talks
Don’t miss these exciting conversations featuring acclaimed authors with strong ties to Baltimore.

Laura Lippman in conversation with Sujuta Massey
Kondwani Fidel and Chris Wilson, moderated by D. Watkins

Giveaways and Prizes
Interested in Pratt swag? Make sure to stop by early to pick up one of our giveaways. You even have a chance at winning a prize when you take the virtual tour.

Speaking of a virtual tour…
Come and learn about the history and the future of the Pratt with our virtual tour. There will be ten stops around the Central Library. Download the app CampusAR and start exploring the magic of augmented reality!

Live Music and Performances
You can’t have a party without music! Here’s a few of the performers lined up.

Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women Step Team
A1 Chops
Morgan State University Choir
Nico Sarbanes

Free Family Fun
Kids activities will be held all day. Don’t miss out on…

123 Andrés
Black Cherry Puppet Theater
National Aquarium
Face painting

What’s New for Teens: Back-to-School Edition!

Posted on September 10, 2019September 9, 2019 by Ashley Barnes

Hope you are ready for the brand new school year! New grades, new classes, and new books; how exciting! Check out the latest books to hit the Pratt shelves for young adults.

The Vanishing Stair
By Maureen Johnson

The twists and turns continue in the follow up to the bestselling novel Truly Devious. An unsolved kidnapping and triple murder that rocked Ellingham Academy in 1936, has consumed Stevie Bell for years. She soon learns the case isn’t just a piece of history—it’s a live wire into the present.

Read | Download | Listen

I’m Not Dying With You Tonight
By Kimberly Jones & Gilly Segal

Over the course of one night Lena and Campbell, two girls from very different backgrounds, must rely on each other to get through the violent race riot that has enveloped their city.

Read | Download

The Backstagers and the Theater of the Ancients
By Andy Mientus

After all the backstage ghost drama during Phantasm, things are quiet for the Backstagers. When a mysterious voice haunts the Backstagers, they set off on a globetrotting adventure to discover the ancient secrets of the legendary artifacts of the theater.

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Step up your studying with these books.

*Careers if You Like Music* By Laura Roberts
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*Cool Careers without College for People who Love Coding*
By Asher Powell
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*Game Design Workshop*
By Tracy Fullerton
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*Painless Geometry*
By Lynette Long, Ph.D.
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Other resources to check out!

Chat with an online tutor and get additional homework help here.

Find popular practice tests and exams (including civil service exams, ACT, SAT, and more) here.

Don’t forget to check out our Pratt databases for additional homework help here.

Books for Back to School

Posted on September 9, 2019September 9, 2019 by Ashley Barnes

School is back in session! Check out these new books that can inspire kids about the first week of school and prepare them to get back in the classroom.

The King of Kindergarten
By Derrick Barnes

Starting kindergarten is a big milestone—and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark! The day will be jam-packed, but he’s up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm.

Read | Download | Listen

Lola Goes to School
By Anna McQuinn

Spunky Lola is ready to embark on a new adventure—the first day of school! Don’t miss this comforting, cheerful read that demystifies the school day for preschoolers and kindergartners.

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The Pigeon HAS to Go to School
By Mo Willems

Why does the Pigeon have to go to school? He already knows everything! And what if he doesn’t like it? What if the teacher doesn’t like him? Find out what’s in store for Pigeon in this irresistible comedy.

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Get ready for the classroom with these picks.

***Math Learn and Explore: 1st Grade***
**By Linda Ruggieri**
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*The New Children’s Encyclopedia*
By DK Publishing
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Hot Topics & Politics

Posted on September 3, 2019August 23, 2019 by Ashley Barnes

Don’t miss out of these nonfiction books on hot button topics including politics, race, and identity. Check them out!

How to Be Antiracist
By Ibram X. Kendi

The Stamped from the Beginning author weaves an electrifying combination of ethics, history, law, and science with his own personal story of awakening to antiracism. This is an essential work for anyone who wants to go beyond the awareness of racism to the next step: contributing to the formation of a just and equitable society.

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I Love You, But I Hate Your Politics
By Jeanne Safer, Ph.D

In today’s political climate, disagreements have been ravaging our personal relationships like never before. From friends to relatives to lovers, no relationship is immune to this crisis. This practical guide draws from fifty interviews with every type of politically-mixed couple.

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UnFreedom of the Press
By Mark Levin

With historical research for which his books are renowned, Mark Levin makes a case of how those entrusted with news reporting today are destroying freedom of the press from within.

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