Wednesday, September 2, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alexis Gunderson
(301) 699-3500 x6158
alexis.gunderson@pgcmls.info
Largo, Maryland – From September 10-19, the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) will once again be commemorating Welcoming Week, a yearly celebration aimed at bringing together community members of all backgrounds. This year’s Welcoming Week celebrations will conclude with the Library's sixth annual Festival of Cultures — an all-day, all-ages, free event that honors the rich diversity woven throughout Prince George’s County and fosters deeper bonds of understanding among neighbors.
A global initiative led by Welcoming America, the annual Welcoming Week celebration helps communities build strong, inclusive connections across cultural lines. This year’s theme is “Stories We Share: The Courage to Connect.” Branches across PGCMLS will celebrate the county’s diverse community this Welcoming Week by building connections, and helping nurture a sense of belonging for everyone through a variety of storytime, community discussion, and “Conversation Club” programs.
The Library has a history of deep commitment to this work; PGCMLS’ Welcoming Week programming was recently highlighted as a case study in a presentation at the 150th American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference about how libraries support immigrants, refugees, and newcomers.
Serving as a capstone to this year’s Welcoming Week celebration, the 2026 Festival of Cultures will be held at the Surratts-Clinton Branch Library from 11 am-3 pm on Saturday, September 19.
In addition to local community resource partners, the performer line-up includes an interactive workshop presented by the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Latino; a Filipino arts and dance presentation from Mabuhay Inc.; a special French dual-language storytime presented by PGCMLS staff; face painting by Pirate Girl Painter; a Japanese ramen-making program from Table for Two; an energetic line dancing session hosted by instructor Dot Hicks; a mehndi workshop with a local professional henna artist, and a special art exhibition from local artist (and PGCMLS security guard) Mylar “Nick” Liggins.
The Library invites community members to come together throughout Welcoming Week and on September 19 at the Festival of Cultures to build connections with each other through conversation, stories, music, dance, art, and a sharing of traditions. All are welcome!
Presented by the Parents’ Place of Maryland
Free | Tuesday, September 15 at 6:30 pm | Kids and Teens | Greenbelt Branch Library | Link
Learn to nurture personal and communal well-being at this program presented by the Parents’ Place of Maryland. Participants will learn about universal practices rooted in diverse cultural traditions — grounding, breathing, music, and storytelling — that foster connection, healing, and emotional balance. In this grounding workshop, participants will celebrate the power of connection to promote love, resilience, and harmony across cultures.
Free | Wednesday, September 16 at 5 pm | Adults | Spauldings Branch Library | Link
At this special Welcoming Week edition of “Coffee and Conversation,” community members are invited to connect with one another and re-affirm the importance of immigrants and their many contributions to our society through meaningful conversation around themes of connection and belonging. The group is encouraged to share stories, learn more about each other’s experiences, and write supportive letters to members of the immigrant community. All are welcome!
Free | Ages 3-5 | Multiple Branch Libraries | Link
This Welcoming Week, caregivers and toddlers are invited to connect with neighbors and join PGCMLS for a fun “Ready 2 Read” storytime celebrating inclusion and diversity at the following branch libraries:
Free | Saturday, Sept. 19 at 11:30 am | Teens and Adults | Bladensburg Branch Library | Link
To honor and celebrate Welcoming Week, join community members at the library for a discussion about immigrant life in the United States. Participants will be invited to share their stories of triumph and struggle, as well as of their efforts to make this country a place of belonging for everyone. Registration is encouraged but not required. All are welcome.
Presented by Wanuku Rites of Passage, Inc.
Free | Saturday, Sept. 19 at 1:30 pm | Teens and Adults | Oxon Hill Branch Library | Link
At this special event presented by local non-profit, Wanuku Rites of Passage, Inc., participants will learn what “rites of passage” are, how different cultures (including indigenous cultures) approach them, and different benefits of these rites.
Free | Saturday, Sept. 19 from 11 am-3pm | All Ages | Surratts-Clinton Branch Library | Link
The 6th Annual Festival of Cultures is upon us — join the Library to celebrate connection, culture, and community!
This vibrant annual celebration honors the rich diversity woven across Prince George’s County. Throughout the day, attendees will enjoy dynamic cultural performances from local community organizations, as well as engaging activities like face painting, themed arts and crafts, a special French dual-language storytime, food demonstrations, an authentic henna and sari workshop, and more!
To discuss coverage opportunities, contact PGCMLS Communications Specialist Alexis Gunderson at alexis.gunderson@pgcmls.info.
About the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System
The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) is a beacon within its diverse and dynamic community. The Library serves Prince George’s County, Maryland’s 966,000+ residents through 19 public branches, a law library in the County Correctional Center, various pop-up services and events, and 24/7 access to free online resources. As a trusted and responsive community leader, PGCMLS democratizes knowledge and opportunity by providing safe, accessible spaces where customers of all backgrounds can freely engage with the resources needed to build knowledge, literacy, skills, and creativity at every phase of life. Learn more at pgcmls.info/about-us.