by Daria Phair, Librarian

Many of us have captured life’s moments in photographs. Who gave us this wonderful invention? French scientist and inventor Joseph Nicéphore Niépce (1765–1833) produced the earliest surviving photograph, View from the Window at Le Gras, in 1827, using a camera obscura and a process he called “heliography.” By 1837, Louis Daguerre (1787-1851) had discovered a technique for reproducing images that were fixed and didn’t fade.  A photography boom ensued. To explore more of the history and people in this artistic field, check out what the Fine Arts Department has on famous photographers and techniques through the ages. Here are a dozen examples.

You can always depend on Kanopy having the latest and greatest indie films and documentaries. The next time you are planning a movie night at home, take a look at what’s new on Kanopy. Don’t forget, you can watch up to 10 movies each month on Kanopy. 

Here at the Pratt, we are so grateful for all of our staff members that continue to serve our community throughout the pandemic. From virtual storytime and events, to Sidewalk Service and one-on-one help with unemployment and sharing COVID-19 relief information, we are so proud of how the Enoch Pratt Free Library was there for Baltimore.

Do you know who else we are thankful for? YOU! We are so thankful and excited for our customers visiting the local branches. If you didn’t know already, all Pratt Locations are open at 25% capacity for limited browsing and computer access. You’ll be able to browse and borrow items from the collection and use the public computers for up to two hours.

To enter our buildings, we do ask a few things to help keep you and the Pratt staff safe.

Thank you again for all that you do to support the Pratt Library. Here’s a look at how we are celebrating National Library Week!

by Daria Phair, Librarian

The Fine Arts and Music Department has a large collection of books on the history, manufacturers, marks, and approximate values of various antiques and collectibles – artwork, ceramics, furniture, glassware, jewelry, silverware, toys, and many others.  Below are a few examples of titles that may help identify items in your collection.  If a book is reference, the Fine Arts staff is eager to look up whatever information you seek.  Ebooks on antiques and collectibles can also be checked out by going to Hoopla at https://www.prattlibrary.org/books-and-more.  

In honor of World Autism Awareness Day, we wanted to spotlight a few books featuring characters that are on the Autism spectrum. From fiction and romance to nonfiction and thriller, we hope that you can not only learn from, but enjoy these novels.