Largo, MD – The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) continues to exemplify the important role of public libraries in adapting to meet community needs. Through the PGCMLS Foundation and a grant from Capital One Foundation, PGCMLS is launching an English/Spanish COVID-19 Vaccine Hunter Hotline starting April 1 at 9 am. The number for the hotline is (240) 392-3622, and hours are Monday-Friday, 9 am-7 pm. The hotline will assist the public by directly booking vaccination appointments for them based on eligibility and availability, adding them to vaccine pre-registration lists, and answering any questions about the vaccination process.

The goal of the hotline is to assist Prince George’s County residents and workers with obtaining vaccine appointments as quickly as possible. “Our new hotline is inspired by the tremendous crowdsourced effort of the social media-based vaccine hunter groups, in which tech savvy community members–including many PGCMLS staff–volunteer their time to help neighbors secure vaccine appointments,” said Nicholas Brown, PGCMLS’ Chief Operating Officer for Communication and Outreach. “With this grant, we are also thrilled to provide temporary part-time employment for local residents.

This hotline differs from existing county and state hotlines in that it reviews vaccination options across all available providers: retail pharmacies and grocery stores, healthcare facilities, Prince George’s County, the State of Maryland, Veterans Administration (VA), and more.

“The Library and the PGCMLS Foundation would like to thank Capital One Foundation for its generous grant to help us provide this essential service to our communities,” said Shelley O’Brien, PGCMLS Director of Development and Donor Engagement. PGCMLS is committed to keeping the community informed and connected to essential services.

Thanks to the PGCMLS Foundation and Capital One Foundation, PGCMLS is expanding its already commendable efforts to bridge the digital divide by increasing equity in access to the COVID-19 vaccines available to the public.

About the PGCMLS Foundation

The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) Foundation provides critical philanthropic support to the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System. It strengthens the Library’s capacity to innovate, adapt to change, and ensure our libraries remain a vital resource for all in Prince George’s County now and in the future. Our libraries are more than a place to find books; they are spaces–both physical and online–to empower individuals, strengthen families, and make our county a better place.

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 915,000+ 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 booklovers, immigrants and refugees, job seekers, children, young professionals, seniors, and families alike.

PGCMLS’ robust online offerings include curated content collections for kids, teens, educators, Spanish speakers, and more. Virtual events and outreach provide access to the Library from the comfort of home or on the go. Special programs include the D.R.E.A.M. Lab, STEM Pals, and 3D printing, which offer teens and lifelong learners with opportunities to learn cutting-edge technology and STEM skills for job readiness or personal enrichment. The Library also provides drive-up WiFi access at all branches and mobile hotspot devices. The Library’s Laurel Branch Library received the 2018 AIA/ALA Library Building Award and was designated the best new public building in Maryland.

As a strong community partner, the Library regularly collaborates with local government agencies and non-profit organizations to provide access to essential community services and programs. Partners include the Prince George’s County Human Relations Commission, Employ Prince George’s, Prince George’s County Public Schools, and Prince George’s Community College. Learn more at pgcmls.info or by visiting the Largo-Kettering Branch at 9601 Capital Lane, Largo, MD 20721. Curbside Services are available Tuesday-Friday (1-6 pm) and Saturday (1-5 pm) at 16 of the Library’s branches.