Libraries Help During Hurricane Harvey

Posted on by Meghan McCorkell
Courtesy: Harris Co. Public Library Facebook

We often refer to libraries as “safe havens.” That is certainly what our colleagues in Texas are now providing for their communities.

While many are still assessing the damage to their own facilities, they’re reaching out to find ways to serve their customers.

                                                              As Hurricane Harvey battered Texas, two Houston libraries were used as temporary shelters for displaced residents.  This week, the library system will reopen 19 of it’s 42 branches to offer customers free Wi-Fi and assistance filling out applications or FEMA forms.  They’ll also provide yoga classes, family-friendly movies, books, games and crafts.  Library archivists will also lend a hand, showing people how to preserve family photos, books, and memorabilia that may have been damaged in the floods.

Courtesy: Harris County Public Library Facebook

In neighboring Harris County, library officials set up a pop-up library inside an evacuation shelter.   Librarians held story time for kids, brought a 3D printer to conduct a STEM program, and even provided laptops for people to contact their loved ones.  This week, Harris County has also opened nearly two dozens of its public libraries for emergency relief services.

Courtesy: Rosenberg Library Facebook

Libraries are the centers of many communities. And in Galveston, neighbors, staff and volunteers showed up to help clear the water from the Rosenberg Library after the storm.

 

So many facilities have been destroyed or damaged by Hurricane Harvey.  As libraries look to rebuild, the Texas Library Association has set up a Disaster Relief Fund.               You can donate here. 

 

 

 

September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month

Posted on by Meghan McCorkell

As students are hitting the books, there’s one thing you can arm them with for success: a Pratt Library card.  Did you know there are all different kinds?

FIRST CARD: For children six and under, the First Card is  fine-free. Featuring popular Olivia the Pig, the First Card allows you to bring home enough books to keep your littlest readers entertained until your next library trip.

 

 

CHILDREN & TEEN CARDS: For ages 7-17, the children and teen cards enjoy reduced late fees of just 10 cents a day.

 

 

 

 

TEACHER CARD: Baltimore City School educators and registered home school parents can check out 30 items that can circulate for 6 weeks and be renewed once.

 

 

Celebrate Labor Day in Crisfield…. Without Leaving Home

Posted on by Meghan McCorkell
Courtesy: Digital Maryland

It’s a Labor Day tradition in Crisfield, Maryland…. the National Hard Crab Derby.  Started in 1947 by Crisfield Times editor Egbert L. Quinn, the Derby is a celebration of Crisfield’s reputation as “Seafood Capital of the World.”  Some of the events at this year’s Derby include the Miss Crustacean Pageant, a 10k Run/Walk, a crab cooking contest, and boat docking competition. Of course, the main event is the Derby itself, where 400 blue crabs compete for top prize.

Courtesy: Digital Maryland

Now, you can get a taste of the action without leaving home.  Digital Maryland has just published the Crisfield National Hard Crab Derby collection, in partnership with Somerset County Library.  The collection includes programs highlighting the history, culture, and activities surrounding the event. The collection is owned by the Crisfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

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1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

Posted on by Meghan McCorkell

In our latest edition of Stories from the Stacks, we introduce you to the Mowbray family who are loyal customers of our Waverly Branch.  4-year old Emerson and his parents write down all the books he reads.  This summer, he hit more than a thousand.  Congratulations, Emerson!

Check out the Pratt Library’s First Card for our customers under six so your children can start hitting the books too!