The Life and Legacy of Jackie Robinson

Today, April 15, we are joining in the celebration of Jackie Robinson Day! The day commemorates the day Robinson made his major league debut. Check out these resources from the Pratt Library about his life and legacy. 

In this 2-part special, Ken Burns explores Robinson’s rise from humble origins to integrate Major League Baseball, performing brilliantly despite the threats and abuse he faced on and off the field and, in the process, challenging the prejudiced notions of what a black man can achieve.

Jackie Robinson Part 1, Film

42 tells the life story of Robinson and his history-making signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers under the guidance of team executive Branch Rickey. The late actor Chadwick Boseman stars as Jackie Robinson.

42 : the Jackie Robinson story, Video

I Never Had It Made
by Jackie Robinson and Alfred Duckett
eBook
Who Was Jackie Robinson?
by Gail Herman and Dominic Hoffman
Audiobook
Jackie Robinson (Spanish) Read-Along
by Stephanie Macceca
eBook
Jackie Robinson
by Joe Dunn
eBook

Free Library Resources to Improve Digital Navigation

by Lydia Wilde, Library Associate II

Oftentimes, I hear people refer to themselves as “computer illiterate.” But the Pratt Library is here to help you navigate the world of technology. Here are some free resources you can access with a Pratt Library card.

Digital Learn

Digital Learn provides introductory courses on several topics, such as computers (Windows and Mac), navigating a website, being safe online, software, social media, mobile devices (Android only), and other topics.

 Learn more at https://www.digitallearn.org/

Gale Courses

Free access with an Enoch Pratt Free Library card.

Gale Courses includes computer and technology courses that suit a wide range of skill levels from beginner to advanced.

Gale Courses has courses on Adobe, Microsoft, and other applications.

Visit at https://www.prattlibrary.org/research/databases/personal-professional-improvement-classes

GCF Learn Free

GCF Learn Free has tutorials on computer basics, the Internet, Microsoft Office, and other topics.

Explore at https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/

Khan Academy

Khan Academy offers practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard that empower learners to study at their own pace in and outside of the classroom. 

Khan Academy offers courses on math, science, computing, history, art history, economics, and more, including K-14 and test preparation (SAT, Praxis, LSAT) content.

Learn more at https://www.khanacademy.org/

Microsoft 365 Training

Microsoft provides introductory videos and directions on using Outlook, OneDrive, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Yammer, and Access.

Visit at https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/training

Tech Boomers

Tech Boomers has over 100 free courses with thousands of step-by-step tutorials and informational articles that can help you learn anything and everything about computers, social media, Android, iPhone, apps, shopping online, technology basics, and other topics.

Explore at https://techboomers.com/

Perfect Beach Reads to Download for Spring Break

Don’t wait for Spring Break to pick up a great read! Go on a virtual vacation with these enjoyable books available on Overdrive. 

The Stepsisters
by Susan Mallery
eBook | eAudiobook
Next Year In Havana
by Chanel Cleeton
eBook | eAudiobook
Last Summer At The Golden Hotel
by Elyssa Friedland
eBook
The Bookstore On The Beach
by Brenda Novak
eBook
Sunset Beach
by Mary Kay Andrews
eBook | eAudiobook
Summer On The Bluffs
by Sunny Hostin
eBook | eAudiobook
Winter In Paradise
by Elin Hilderbrand
eBook | eAudiobook
Sunrise On Half Moon Bay
by Robyn Carr
eBook | eAudiobook
Blush
by Jamie Brenner
eBook
The Golden Hour
by Beatriz Williams
eBook | eAudiobook
The Vacationers
by Emma Straub
eBook | eAudiobook
Seven Days In June
by Tia Williams
eBook | eAudiobook

Behind the Microphone: Memoirs from your Favorite Funny People

Happy April’s Fools Day! Get inspired this month with these hilarious, heartwarming, and insightful books from popular comedians. 

Born A Crime
by Trevor Noah
Book | eBook
Why Not Me?
by Mindy Kaling
Book | eBook
Born Standing Up
by Steve Martin
Book
Bossypants
by Tina Fey
Book | eBook
I Must Say
by Martin Short
Book
Yes Please
by Amy Poehler
Book | eBook
The Misadventures Of Awkward Black Girl by Issa Rae
Book | eBook
I Can’t Make This Up
by Kevin Hart
Book | eBook
Girl Walks Into A Bar
by Rachel Dratch
Book
Dear Girls
by Ali Wong
eBook
Everything’s Trash, But It’s Okay
by Phoebe Robinson
Book | eBook

Imagination Celebration Returns this April!

This April, join in the fun of Imagination Celebration with the Pratt Library! We will be celebrating children’s creativity and imagination with the book What Will You Be? by Yamile Saied Méndez. 

What Will You Be?
by Yamile Saied Mendez
Book | eBook | Spanish

What Will You Be? follows a young girl dreams about all the endless possibilities, sparking a sense of wonder, curiosity, and growth. With her abuela’s loving guidance, she learns her potential is limitless. Books, eBooks, and a Spanish-language edition, ¿Qué Serás?, is also available.

Throughout the month of April, Imagination Kits are available at Pratt Library locations. Imagination Kits are filled with activities and crafts for preschoolers that encourage creativity and imagination. Imagination Kits are available on a first come, first served basis, while supplies last. 

Author
Yamile Saied Mendez

Don’t forget to add the Imagination Celebration events to your calendar! On Thursday, April 7th, Author Yamile Saied Méndez will join us for Kids Writers LIVE! Following a virtual reading, she will take questions from the audience. Find out about more Imagination Celebration events here