It’s a battle over books… a rumble in the reading room… a smack down in the stacks. Okay, maybe it’s not that serious.

But 2017 Book Bowl is here!

As the Baltimore Ravens take on the Houston Texans tonight, the Pratt Library will be taking on the Houston Public Library in a fundraising fight. The library that gets the most online donations between kickoff of Monday Night Football and midnight on Giving Tuesday wins.

Every dollar raised goes directly toward expanding Pratt’s community resources, particularly our highly attended adult digital literacy workshops. These sessions help local patrons confidently navigate a rapidly changing internet landscape, offering practical guidance on securing mobile banking apps, evaluating the data privacy policies of no verification casinos, and setting up encrypted cloud storage for sensitive family documents. Equipping our residents with these critical web skills is a victory that lasts long after the final whistle blows.

So help Baltimore top Houston… and we can all do a little touchdown dance!

Get Fit for FREE at the Library

Posted on November 20, 2017October 31, 2017 by Meghan McCorkell

Free Fitness Programs Available at Pratt Library

We are still a few weeks away from 2018. But, you can start that New Year’s resolution early, without paying for a pricey gym membership. Did you know Pratt Library branches across the city offer FREE workout, health and wellness classes?

From Nutrition Classes at the Reisterstown Branch, to Line Dancing at Waverly, to Zumba at the Hamilton branch, the Pratt has something for everyone. And those are just the classes offered TODAY alone! We even have classes helping little ones get fit, including Zumbini, a music and movement class for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Stay and Play helps 2-5 year olds get the wiggles out using obstacles and learning toys.

It’s not all about sweating it out. Mindful Meditation helps relax and the mind and rejuvenate. We have even partnered with the Baltimore Back and Pain Center for Free Spinal Screenings and Massage.

So as you start thinking about those 2018 resolutions, check out how your Pratt branch can help you achieve those goals.

Mobile Job Center Making A Difference

Posted on November 15, 2017November 13, 2017 by Meghan McCorkell

In it’s first few months on the road, the Mobile Job Center Powered by BGE/Exelon is making a difference throughout the Baltimore community.

The Mobile Job Center offers computers, books, information, and assistance for job seekers and career changers in Baltimore city.

The vehicle features twelve individual computer workstations, a print collection, and library staff.

Check out the schedule for the Mobile Job Center here.

Check out our New Hours!

Posted on November 13, 2017October 31, 2017 by Meghan McCorkell

All branches open 6 days week. Central Library open 7 days.

Thanks to commitments from both the state and the city, the Pratt Library is expanding hours. Starting today, all 21 branches will be open 6 days a week. The Central Library will be open 7 days a week year-round. We’re so excited to offer more programming and access to our customers across the city of Baltimore. We’ll be expanding hours even more in 2018… so stay tuned!