Author: Ashley Barnes

What’s New in 2020 for Kids

Posted on by Ashley Barnes

Start off the new year with a new book! Take a look at these fun and engaging picks for children.

Boxitects
By Kim Smith

A STEAM-centered, adorably illustrated picture book about Meg, a brilliant and creative boxitect who creates extraordinary things out of ordinary cardboard boxes!

Read the book

Dream Flights on Arctic Nights
By Brooke Hartman

With singsong rhymes and colorful illustrations, families are sure to enjoy this beautiful bedtime story to explore the Arctic before drifting off to sleep.

Read the book | eBook

Also new this month:

Bedtime for Sweet Creatures
By Nikki Grimes
Read the book
Chirp
By Kate Messner
Read the book
The Forgotten Girl
By India Hill Brown
Read the book

Tackle your Resolutions with Hoopla

Posted on by Ashley Barnes

Do you have a “new year, new me” mindset? If so Hoopla, has great tools to help you reach your goals.

Get organized:

Making Space, Clutter Free
By Tracy McCubbin
Read eBook
Remodelista: The Organized Home
By Julie Carlson and Margot Guralnick
Read eBook
The Clutter Remedy
By Marla Stone
Read eBook

Get moving:

Every Body Yoga
By Jessamyn Stanley
Read eBook
Ignite By Spri Hi-Intensity Season 1
Watch here
Jillian Michaels: Beginner Shred – Season 1
Watch here

Eat healthier:

Eat to Live Quick and Easy Cookbook
By Joel Fuhrman
Read eBook
Quick Keto Meals in 30 Minutes or Less
By Martina Slasjerova
Read eBook
The Healthy Lunchtime Cookbook
By Various Authors
Read eBook

Get your finances in order:

I Will Teach You to Be Rich
By Ramit Sethi
Read eBook
Playing with FIRE
By Scott Rieckens
Read eBook
You Need a Budget
By Jesse Mecham
Read eBook

Get inspired:

Girl, Wash Your Face
By Rachel Hollis
Read eBook
Present Over Perfect
By Shauna Niequist
Read eBook
The Positive Shift
By Catherine A. Sanderson
Read eBook

2019 Staff Favorites, Part 2

Posted on by Ashley Barnes

Looking for a new book to check out? Take a look at a few of the recommendations from the Pratt staff.

Nonfiction books

The Residence: Inside the Private World of The White House
By Kate Anderson Brower

“Stories from the White House staff–you couldn’t make them up!”

Recommended by Anne Calhoun, Herring Run Branch

Book | eBook

Mr. Know-It-All: The Tarnished Wisdom of a Fifth Elder
By John Waters

“This collection of memoirs and essays from Baltimore’s own John Waters is hilarious, offensive in all the right ways, and even touching.”

Recommended by Morgan Stanton, Canton Branch

Read the book

Children’s books

Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky
By Kwame Mbalia

“I love the portrayal of famous creatures and characters from African-American folklore being brought to life. Not only that, but the growth the main character goes through to get over his best friend’s passing is done very well.”

Recommended by George Richardson-Foster, Marina Interlibrary Loan Service (MILO)

Book | eBook

This Kid Can Fly: It’s about ability (not disability)
By Aaron Phillip

“Such an endearing, raw, heartfelt story. Will challenge anyone’s ableist preconceived notions and force you to examine how you view people with disabilities.”

Faith Owhonda, Herring Run Branch

Book | eBook

Young Adult books

Dig
By A.S. King

“Three generations of a white family in Pennsylvania come to grips with their own racism and humanity. The language is beautiful and fierce, the plot is thorny, and the characters are true-blue.”

Recommended by Paula Willey, Southeast Anchor Library

Book | eBook |eAudio

Long Way Down
By Jason Reynolds

“A 45-minute read, written completely in verse that is a powerful argument for seeing the effects of gun violence on young black teens. Jason Reynolds is a national treasure.”

Recommended by Ann Gordon, Govan Branch

Book | eBook |eAudio

Thank You, Dr. King!

Posted on by Ashley Barnes

Happy Birthday Dr. King! At the Pratt, we are celebrating the legacy of Civil Rights Leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. all month long. Besides observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (All Pratt branches will be closed on Monday, January 20), there’s a variety of events being held this January.

Selma Screening
Saturday, January 18 at 1pm
Reisterstown Road Branch

Come and watch the award-winning film from acclaimed director Ava DuVernay starring David Oyelowo, Tom Wilkinson, Tim Roth, Carmen Ejogo, Common, and more.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Lecture: D.O.P.E. (Dedication, Opportunity, Positivity, and Excellence) Dad 101
Sunday, January 19 at 3:30pm
Central Library

This panel discussion featuring Stephen McGill II, Sherman Barksdale, Kenji Jackson, and Glen Mourning will highlight the abilities of Black Fathers and their ability to have a lifelong impact on our children.

Documentary & Discussion: In Remembrance of Martin
Monday, January 27 at 6pm
Washington Village Branch

Join in a thought-provoking film featuring comments from Dr. King’s family, friends, and advisors. You won’t want to miss a discussion with refreshments.

Can’t make it to one of the events? Check out one of these books and films.

A Call to Conscience: The Landmark Speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
By Clayborne Carson
Book | eBook
Becoming King: Martin Luther King Jr. and the Making of a National Leader
By Troy Jackson
Book | eBook
Dear Martin
By Nic Stone
Book | eBook
Día De Martin Luther King, Jr.
By Aaron Carr
eBook
MLK: An American Legacy
By David J. Garrow
eBook
Martin Luther King Jr. – We Shall Overcome
Watch on Kanopy

Envision Financial Freedom in 2020

Posted on by Ashley Barnes

By Katy Troeschel, Business, Science and Technology Department

We all know that the library promotes literacy, but did you know that financial literacy is a thing? Learn the ins and outs of mastering your money with these upcoming programs at the Central Branch.

Conquering Debt
January 15th at 12pm

Investing 101
 February 12th at 12pm

Earn It, Plan It, Keep It
March 18th at 12pm

You Can Bank On It
April 15th at 12pm

No need to register, just show up! These free programs are hosted by CASH Campaign of Maryland, who also provides tax assistance for those who qualify. If you’d like some downtime while arranging your finances, you could check out online casino options that many find entertaining. To find out if you qualify for free tax preparation and to set up your appointment, please contact CASH directly at 410-234-8008 or online at bmorefreetaxes.org.

Don’t forget to add these books to your reading list!

What Matters Most
By Chanel Reynolds
Read the book
How Money Works
By DK Publishing
Read the book
You are a Badass at Making Money
By Jen Sincero
Book | eBook | eAudio