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March 6, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nicholas A. Brown
(301) 699-3500 x6241
Nicholas.Brown@pgcmls.info
Largo, Maryland – The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) is proud to present a series of 27 special events this March to celebrate Women’s History Month. This annual national commemoration was established in 1981 and is part of the Library’s year-round cultural heritage programming. PGCMLS recognizes the essential contributions of women in American history and in leading the Prince George’s County and Maryland communities forward. Customers are invited to attend children’s, youth, and adult education programs that will deepen their appreciation of many women leaders by learning about their stories.
The 2023 Women’s History Month lineup includes special events, new episodes of PGCMLS’ “These Books Made Me” podcast, new on-demand event videos that share first-person stories of women leaders (like PGCMLS’ own Edith Johnson-Gilmore who was a member of the Black Panther Party), and a wide range of curated reading and streaming media recommendation lists. This month’s featured book discussions explore works by Rabia Chaudry (author of the 2022/2023 Prince George’s County Reads selection “Fatty Fatty Boom Boom”), Janet Beard, Maggie Shipstead, and Gabriela Garcia.
Latinas in Aviation Special Events
The Library and College Park Aviation Museum will co-present a series of events this spring that feature authors and pilots who contributed to the book “Latinas in Aviation: Maryland Edition.” The speakers are also participants in the College Park Aviation Museum’s Latinas in Aviation Festival. This festival is an engaging annual event in the fall that attracts Hispanic/Latin women pilots and aviation enthusiasts to celebrate the empowerment of Latin women in aviation. The joint Women’s History Month events will take place at several PGCMLS branch libraries and aim to engage teens and adults in learning about pathways to careers in STEM and aviation fields. Books will be available for purchase and signing at the events.
Independent Film Series: “Madan Sara” Screening and Discussion
The Hyattsville Branch Library Independent Film Series features a screening and discussion of “Madan Sara” (not rated, recommended for teens and adults) on Monday, March 13 at 7 pm. The "Madan Sara" documentary tells the stories of these indefatigable women who work at the margins to make Haiti’s economy run. Despite facing intense hardship and social stigma, the hard work of the Madan Sara puts their children through school, houses their families, and helps to ensure a better life for generations to come. This film amplifies the calls of the Madan Sara as they speak directly to society to share their dreams for a more just Haiti. The film’s creator and executive director, Etant Dupain, will be in attendance.
Schedule of Additional Featured Events
Visit pgcmls.info/events for complete event details. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. Please contact (240) 455-5451 or askalibrarian@pgcmls.info at least 72 hours in advance.
“These Books Made Me” Podcast
PGCMLS’ podcast, “These Books Made Me,” celebrates literary heroines. Newly released episodes feature discussions of classic works by women authors, including “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” by Ann Brashares, “Anne of Green Gables” by Lucy Maud Montgomery, “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen,” and “Nancy Drew: The Secret of the Old Clock” by Carolyn Keene. Episodes feature library staff members Heather Jackson, Ella Alsonso, Hannah Erickson, Hawa Jalloh, Darlene Reyes, and Maria Vivar-Guzman, and special guests like Professor Ingrid Satelmajer of the Department of American Studies at University of Maryland College Park. “These Books Made Me” is available at pgcmls.info/podcasts and on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music. Accompanying blog posts are available on the Library’s Medium.
On-Demand Videos
The Library’s YouTube channel offers a wide range of on-demand videos for families and lifelong learners to learn about important women historical and literary figures. Explore the PGCMLS Women’s History Month YouTube playlist, which includes episodes of the “Women in Faith: Diverse Voices Speak” series, co-presented with the Prince George’s County Office of Human Rights, and STEM at Home: Black Women Scientists. Enjoy the Library’s recent “A Conversation with a Former Black Panther” event, which features long-time PGCMLS staff member Edith Johnson-Gilmore.
Curated Reading and Streaming Media Lists
The Library offers curated reading and streaming media lists for customers to deepen their appreciation of women’s history. Explore reading recommendations via PGCMLS’ Women’s History Hub, Staff Picks, and Libby. Streaming media recommendations are available on Kanopy, Hoopla, and Freegal.
Featured Magazines
One of the most untapped resources the Library offers is its collection of thousands of popular magazines in digital format. Magazines are available with a PGCMLS library card through Libby and Flipster platforms. Libby offers over 325 “women’s lifestyle” magazines in 16 languages, including Marie Claire, Woman’s World, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan México, and Vanity Fair España. Flipster’s collection of two dozen magazines includes Southern Living, Threads, Travel & Leisure, Real Simple, Parents, and Essence.
About the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System
The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) helps customers discover and define opportunities that shape their lives. The Library serves the 967,000+ residents of Prince George’s County, Maryland through 19 branch libraries, a 24/7 online library, and pop-up services throughout the community. PGCMLS is a responsive and trusted community-driven organization. Programs, services, and outreach activities serve book lovers, immigrants and refugees, job seekers, children, young professionals, seniors, and families alike. PGCMLS is the recipient of the 2021 Urban Libraries Council Top Innovator Award for Workforce and Economic Development. Learn more at pgcmls.info/about-us.