MAY AND JUNE 2008
REGULAR AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS AT
THE PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY MEMORIAL LIBRARY SYSTEM

Hyattsville—The following is a listing of author events, storytimes, book discussions, special and ongoing programs to be held in May and June at public libraries throughout the county. All library programs are free and open to the public. ●Indicates programs for children, teens, families or all ages.

Libraries will be closed for Memorial Day: Sunday, May 25 and Monday, May 26.

Administrative Offices, 6532 Adelphi Road, Hyattsville 301-699-3500, TTY 301-808-2061

BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES MEETINGS Thursday, May 8 8 pm Open to the public. 7 pm work session. Thursday, June 12 8 pm Open to the public. 7 pm work session.

• ●DAYTIME STORYTIME A librarian reads age appropriate stories Ages 3-5 Tuesdays, 10:30 am
• ●EVENING STORYTIME A librarian reads age appropriate stories Ages 3-6 Wednesdays, 7 pm
• ●CHESS CLUB All ages. Saturdays, May 10 & June 14 1 pm Just come to play. May 17 & June 21 3 pm Instructor: Henry Singletary
• BOOK DISCUSSIONS Wednesday, May 14 7:30 pm A librarian leads a discussion of Sara Gruen’s Water for Elephants. Wednesday, June 11 7:30 pm Ian McEwan’s Amsterdamand selection of titles for 2008-2009
• GARDENING WORKSHOP: Gardening with Native Plants Saturday, May 17 11 am-1 pm Master gardeners will share information and offer sound horticulture advice on spring garden topics. An extensive question and answer period will follow. They will identify and diagnose plant and gardening problems. Bring in samples from your problem plants and have them evaluated. (Note: make sure the samples are fresh and at least 3 or 4 inches with foliage.) Horticultural literature will be available. Made possible by Prince George’s County Master Gardeners.
• BLACK LITERATURE BOOK DISCUSSIONS Wednesday, Black Literature Wednesday, May 28 7:30 pm A librarian leads discussion on Zelda Lockhart’s Fifth Born Wednesday, June 25 7:30 pm Barack Obama’s Dreams from My Father
• GARDENING WORKSHOP: Vegetable Gardens Saturday, May 24 1-3 pm Master gardeners will share information and offer sound horticulture advice on spring garden topics. An extensive question and answer period will follow. They will identify and diagnose plant and gardening problems. Bring in samples from your problem plants and have them evaluated. (Note: make sure the samples are fresh and at least 3 or 4 inches with foliage.) Horticultural literature will be available. Made possible by Prince George’s County Master Gardeners.
• ●WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA: hANSEL & gRETEL Ages 6-12 Saturday, June 21 10 pm Free opera workshops for children and their families. WNO Teaching Artists will introduce families to the stories and music of opera. Children will explore how music communicates plot, character and emotion through hands-on crafts and creative music activities. 

• ●DAYTIME STORYTIME A librarian reads age appropriate stories Ages 2-5 Wednesdays, 10:30 am. Storytime ends June 18.

Beltsville Branch, 4319 Sellman Road, 301-937-0294, TTY 301-808-2061

• ●DAYTIME STORYTIMES A librarian reads age appropriate stories 18-36 Months with Caregiver Mondays, 10:30 am. Ages 3-5 Wednesdays, 10:30 am
• ●Mommy and Me Children Ages 6 & under. Monday, May 5 10:30 am. A librarian reads age appropriate stories celebrating moms. Also scheduled for May 8 10:30 am
• FRIENDS OF THE BELTSVILLE LIBRARY MEETINGS Tuesdays, May 6 & June 3 6:30 pm
• ●Daddy and Me Children Ages 6 & under. Join Tuesday, May 10 7 pm A librarian reads age appropriate stories celebrating dads. Also scheduled for June 12 10:30 am.
• ●CHESS CLUB All ages. Tuesdays,May 13 & 27 and June 10 & 24 7 pm
• FRIENDS OF THE BELTSVILLE LIBRARY MONTHLY BOOK DISCUSSIONS Wednesday, May 14 7:30 pm A librarian leads a discussion of Terry Ryan’s The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio. Wednesday, June 11 7:30 pm Rachel Carson’s Lost Woods
• ●Teddy Bears on Parade Children Ages 6 & under. Thursday, May 15 10:30 am. Bring your favorite teddy bear and join us for musical activities, stories, songs and fingerplays.
• ●TEEN ADVISORY BOARD MEETINGS Ages 13-18 Saturdays, May 17 & June 14 2 pm
• BOOK DISCUSSIONS Tuesday, May 20 10:30 am A librarian leads a discussion of Jim James L. Swanson’s Manhunt. Tuesday, June 17 10:30 am E.L. Doctorow’s The March
• ●READING THEATRE FOR HOMESCHOOLERS Ages 7-9. Thursday, May 22 10:30 am Have fun reading out loud with a group: be a character, member of the chorus or the audience. Lee Wardlaw’s Punia and the King of the Sharks.
• ● Ice Cream Social All ages. Tuesday, June 3 7 pm Learn about our summer reading program, while sampling ice cream with sprinkles and chocolate fudge. Sponsored by the Friends of the Beltsville Library.
• ●Goombay’s The Caribbean Experience Ages 6-12 Monday, June 16 2 pm
• ●GAMING DAZE PART II: PLAY VIDEO GAMES@YOUR LIBRARY Ages 13-18 2:30 pm Thursday, June 19 Join your friends for an afternoon of gaming on Nintendo Wii. Sponsored by the Friends of the Beltsville Library. Also scheduled for June 26.
• ●Blue Sky Puppet Theater’s Rufus Preschool-12 Monday, June 23 2 pm   

• FRIENDS OF THE BLADENSBURG LIBRARY meeting Tuesday, May 20 6:30 pm
• ●REPTILE WONDERS’ THE NATURE CENTER ON THE GO: BUGSAges 6-12.Tuesday, June 24 10:30 am  

• ●DAYTIME STORYTIMES A librarian reads age appropriate stories Newborn-12 Months with Caregiver Thursdays, 11:30 am, limit 15. 12-23 Months with Caregiver Tuesdays, 10:15 am & 11:15 am, limit 15. 2 year olds with Caregiver Wednesdays, 10:15 am & 11:15 am, limit 20. Ages 3-5 Mondays, 1 pm (except May 19), Thursdays, 10:30 am, limit 30 children. Families Saturdays, 10:30 am, limit 30 children
• ●EVENING STORYTIMES A librarian reads age appropriate stories Families Tuesdays, 7 pm, limit 30. Ages 7-9 Wednesdays, 7 pm, limit 30
• ●SLEEPY TIME AT THE LIBRARY Newborn-5 years with caregiver. Thursday, May 1 7 pm Children with special needs, their family and friends are invited for storytime, music and motor activities, with fun in mind. Meet other parents and check out the latest information resources. Also meets June 5 & 19
• ●WITH PEN IN HAND All ages. Monday, May 5 7:15 pm. The Bowie Branch Writer’s Group invites authors of all ages and all genres, published or not, to join in writing and critiquing members’ works. Also scheduled for June 2.
• BOOK DISCUSSIONS Thursday, May 8 7:15 pm A librarian leads a discussion of Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake. Thursday, June 12 7:15 pm Sidney Poitier’s The Measure of a Man
• ●READ TO ROVER Ages 7-10. Saturday, May 10 Build your child’s confidence in reading! Bring a favorite book or choose one from the library and Read to Rover! Specially trained therapy dogs will be glad to listen. Each child will read for 15 minutes. Registration required, call branch for details.
• ●FUN TIME AT THE LIBRARY Newborn-5 years with caregiver. Monday, May 12 3 pm Children with special needs, their family and friends are invited for storytime, music and motor activities, with fun in mind. Meet other parents and check out the latest information resources
• GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSIONS Tuesday, May 13 7:15 pm A librarian leads a discussion John Stuart Mill’s Utilitarianism. Tuesday, June 10 7:15 pm George Bernard Shaw’s Caesar and Cleopatra
• FRIENDS OF THE BOWIE LIBRARY MEETINGS Tuesdays, May 20 & June 17 7 pm
• ●TEEN ADVISORY BOARD MEETING Ages 13-18 Wednesday, May 21 3 pm
• GARDENING WORKSHOP: THE GOOD, BAD AND UGLY BUGS Saturday, May 24 10 am-Noon Master gardeners will share information and offer sound horticulture advice on spring garden topics. An extensive question and answer period will follow. They will identify and diagnose plant and gardening problems. Bring in samples from your problem plants and have them evaluated. (Note: make sure the samples are fresh and at least 3 or 4 inches with foliage.) Horticultural literature will be available. Made possible by Prince George’s County Master Gardeners.
• ●WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA: hANSEL & gRETEL Ages 6-12 Tuesday, June 3 7 pm Free opera workshops for children and their families. WNO Teaching Artists will introduce families to the stories and music of opera. Children will explore how music communicates plot, character and emotion through hands-on crafts and creative music activities.
• ●The Three Sillies! (An Old English Folktale With a Twist) Ages 5 years and up. Tuesday, June 24 7 pm Free tickets are available at the meeting room door on the lower level 30 minutes before each show. Limited to 200 for each program. Also scheduled for June 25 & June 26 2 pm.

• ●DAYTIME STORYTIME A librarian reads age appropriate stories Ages 3-5 Tuesdays, 10:30 am
• ●BABYSITTING BASICS WORKSHOPS Teens 13-19. Monday, May 5, 12 & 19 4 pm Learn basic first aid and fire safety tips for babysitting, what parents expect of you and what you should expect from them. Explore how to use books, puppets, crafts, music and more during playtime with children. Participants who complete all three sessions will receive an official babysitting certificate from 4-H, Prince George’s County. Please register at the branch. Minimum of 10 participants required.
• ●TEEN ADVISORY BOARD MEETINGS Ages 13-18 Tuesdays, May 6 & June 3 4:30 pm
• ●CHESS CLUB All ages. Wednesdays, May 14 & 28 and June 11 & 25 5 pm Instruction by Eagle Chess Academy
• ●Mr. Derby’s Musical Nursery Rhyme Jam Preschool-12 Wednesday, June 25 11:30 am 

Glenarden Branch, 8724 Glenarden Pkwy., 301-772-5477, TTY 301-808-2061

• ●DAYTIME STORYTIME A librarian reads age appropriate stories Ages 3-5 Thursdays, 10:30 am, limit 35
• ●TEEN ADVISORY BOARD MEETINGS Ages 13-18 Tuesdays, May 6 & June 3 4 pm
• FRIENDS OF THE GLENARDEN LIBRARY MEETINGS Saturdays, May 10 & June 7 10 am
• ●CHESS CLUB All ages. Tuesdays, May 13 & 27 and June 10 & 24 6 pm Instruction by Eagle Chess Academy
• Celebrate Foster Care Month: An Afternoon of Information Saturday, May 17 1 pm. Adults. Join us for an informative session on foster care and adoption. A representative from Prince George’s County Department of Social Services will be available to answer your questions. Registration required call branch for details. Sponsored by the Friends of the Glenarden Library.
• ●Buggy Fear Factor Ages 13-18 Wednesday, June 18 2 pm Why does everyone tune in to the reality show, Fear Factor? To see people eating gross things, of course. Join us for “tasty treats.” Registration and parental consent required.

• ●DAYTIME STORYTIMES A librarian reads age appropriate stories Newborn-17 Months with Caregiver Tuesdays, 10:30 am, limit 15. 18-35 Months with Caregiver Wednesdays, 10:30 am, limit 15. Ages 3-5 Thursdays, 10:30 am, limit 20.
• ●BOOKIDS BOOK DISCUSSIONS Ages 8-12. Wednesdays, May 14 & June 11 6:30 pm A librarian leads a book discussion for children, call branch for details.
• BOOK DISCUSSIONS Wednesday, May 21 7 pm A librarian leads a discussion of An Na’s A Step from Heaven and selection of titles for 2008-2009. Wednesday, June 18 7 pm Michael Cunningham’s Specimen Days
• ●Teddy Bears Picnic Thursday, June 12 10:30 Ages 2-5 with caregiver. Join us for stories, activities, and refreshments and a teddy bear picnic. Bring your favorite teddy bear or other stuffed animal. Limit 125 children.
• Home$ense: Green Remodeling on a Budget Monday, June 16 7 pm Would you like to remodel in an environmentally sensitive way, but are concerned about the cost? Then join Ruthie Mundell to learn how to successfully "green" your next home improvement project at a low cost. She'll share suggestions and ideas that incorporate sustainable materials and moderately priced green products, along with discussing architectural salvage and old home restoration. Mundell is outreach director for Community Forklift, a non-profit home improvement store that sells reclaimed, surplus, and green building materials. Community Forklift makes repairs and renovation more affordable while keeping reusable materials out of landfills, conserving natural resources and promoting environmentally-friendly building materials and methods.
• ●Ice Cream Social All ages. Tuesday, June 17 7 pm Learn about our Summer Reading Program with fun activities, prizes and ice cream for children, teens and adults.

• ●DAYTIME STORYTIME A librarian reads age appropriate stories Ages 3-7 Tuesdays, 10:30 am
• ●TEEN ADVISORY BOARD MEETING Ages 13-18 Mondays, May 5 & June 2 4 pm
• ●CHESS CLUB All ages. Wednesdays, May 7 & 21 and June 4 & 18 6:30 pm Instruction by Eagle Chess Academy
• FRIENDS OF THE HILLCREST HEIGHTS LIBRARY MEETINGS Mondays, May 12 & June 9 7 pm
• ●INTELLIGENTSIA READERS: MOTHER AND DAUGHTER BOOK DISCUSSIONS Ages 8-12. Wednesdays, May 14 6:30 pm Call branch for details
• ●YU-GI-OH SOCIAL CLUB: DUELING, TRADING AND PLAYING Preteens and teens. Saturday, May 24 2 pm Play with different competitors, bring your cards. Also meets June 28.
• GARDENING WORKSHOP: BUTTERFLY GARDENING Saturday, May 24 11 am-1 pm Master gardeners will share information and offer sound horticulture advice on spring garden topics. An extensive question and answer period will follow. They will identify and diagnose plant and gardening problems. Bring in samples from your problem plants and have them evaluated. (Note: make sure the samples are fresh and at least 3 or 4 inches with foliage.) Horticultural literature will be available. Made possible by Prince George’s County Master Gardeners.
• ●Piano Basics Tuesday June 10 3 pm Hillcrest Heights Branch. Ages 5-up. Join us for instruction on the basics of piano. Also scheduled for June 24, July 8 & 22 and August 5.
• ●Pop Culture Jeopardy Ages 13-18 Thursday, June 12 2-4 pm Compete for the chance to be the ultimate trivia champion. Just like the popular TV game show, teams or individuals choose a category and a point level. Read the answer and you have 30 seconds to ring in with the question.
• ●Mr. Derby’s Musical Nursery Rhyme Jam Preschool-12 Thursday, June 19 2 pm
• ●Reptile World Ages 6-12 Wednesday, June 25 5 pm

• ●DAYTIME STORYTIMES A librarian reads age appropriate stories 9-23 Months with Caregiver Mondays, 10:15 am. Ages 2-3 Mondays, 11 am & Tuesdays, 10:15 am. Ages 3-5 Tuesdays, 11 am
• ●EVENING STORYTIME A librarian reads age appropriate stories Ages 3-6 Wednesdays, 7 pm
• ●ENGLISH-SPANISH STORYTIME/CUENTOS PARA NIYOS EN ESPAYOL Y INGLÉSAges 3-6 Saturdays, 10:30 am/Edades 3-6 Sabados, 10:30 am
• ●SPANISH CONVERSATION CLUB Ages 16-up. Monday, May 5 7:30 pm Learning to speak Spanish? Join our club and practice speaking Spanish in a friendly atmosphere. Meets each Monday.
• ●ENGLISH CONVERSATION CLUB Ages 16-up. Tuesday, May 6 7:30 pm Learning to speak English? Join our club and practice speaking English in a friendly atmosphere with people from diverse backgrounds. Meets each Tuesday.
• ●CHESS CLUB All ages. Thursdays, May 8 & 22 and June 12 & 26 7 pm Instruction by Eagle Chess Academy
• ●TEEN ADVISORY BOARD MEETINGS Ages 13-18 Saturdays, May 10 & June 7 11:30 am
• BOOK DISCUSSIONS Wednesday, May 21 10:30 am A librarian leads a discussion James Agee’s A Death in the Family. Wednesday, June 18 10:30 am Gavin Menzies’ 1421
• FRIENDS OF THE HYATTSVILLE LIBRARY MEETING Wednesday, June 4 7 pm
• ●Homeschool Geography Fair Ages 13-18 Friday, June 6 11 am-1 pm Join us for the first annual Homeschool Geography Fair for middle and high school students (grades 7-12). Students will design their own exhibits focusing on a country of their choice. These individual exhibits will be displayed in a judged contest. Ribbons will acknowledge first, second and third place winners. Presented by Culture at Home, an African American homeschool support group. Light refreshments will be served. Registration required. To register, please call 301-699-3500 ext. 235.
• MEET THE AUTHOR: WARREN BROWN Cake Love: How to Bake Cakes from Scratch Tuesday, June 17 7 pm Warren Brown, host of Sugar Rush on the Food Network, wants you to bake your cake and eat it, too. He wants you to conquer your fear of flour and learn to love every step of cake baking—including the step in which you present your made-from-scratch masterpiece to dazzled family and friends. Brown abandoned a law career for baking—something he found more satisfying. He provides all the basics on ingredients, equipment, techniques and recipes. Informative step-by-step shots will guide you. Brown is the proprietor of CakeLove and LoveCafe. He lives in Washington, D.C.
• ●WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA: hANSEL & gRETEL Ages 6-12 Wednesday, June 18 7 pm Free opera workshops for children and their families. WNO Teaching Artists will introduce families to the stories and music of opera. Children will explore how music communicates plot, character and emotion through hands-on crafts and creative music activities.

• ●DAYTIME STORYTIMES A librarian reads age appropriate stories Ages 2-3 Thursdays, 10:15 am. Ages 3-5 Thursdays, 11:15 am
• ●CHESS CLUB All ages. Tuesdays, 7 pm
• ●FUN TIME AT THE LIBRARY Newborn-3 years with caregiver. Thursday, May 8 10 am Children with special needs, their family and friends are invited for storytime, music and motor activities, with fun in mind. Meet other parents and check out the latest information resources. Also meets June 3.
• ●TEEN ADVISORY BOARD MEETINGS Ages 13-18 Saturdays, May 10 & June 7 10 am
• FRIENDS OF THE LARGO-KETTERING LIBRARY MEETINGS Saturdays, May 10 & June 7 10:30 am
• BOOK DISCUSSIONS Monday, May 12 1:30 pm A librarian leads a discussion of Anita Shreve’s The Last Time They Met. Monday, June 9 1:30 pm Cammie McGovern’s Eye Contact
• BLACK LITERATUREBOOK DISCUSSIONS Saturday, May 17 11 am A librarian leads a discussion Joycelyn Elders’ Joycelyn Elders, M.D. Saturday, June 21 11 Tayari Jones’ Leaving Atlanta
• ●Ice Cream Social All ages. Saturday, June 28 at 2 pm Join us to kick off summer reading and enjoy free ice cream with lots of toppings.

• ●DAYTIME STORYTIMES A librarian reads age appropriate stories Newborn-12 Months with Caregiver Wednesdays, 10:15 am. Please pick up free ticket at Children’s Desk. 12-24 Months with Caregiver Wednesdays, 11:15 am. Please pick up free ticket at Children’s Desk. Ages 2-3 Mondays, 10:30 am & 11:15 am, limit 35. Please pick up free ticket at Children’s Desk. Ages 2 1/2-4 1/2 Thursdays 10:30 am, limit 35. Please pick up free ticket at Children’s Desk. Dad & Me Storytime Newborn-36 Months with Male Caregiver Saturdays, May 3 & June 7 10:30 am. Please pick up free ticket at Children’s Desk.
• ●EVENING STORYTIME A librarian reads age appropriate stories Ages 3-6 Wednesdays, 7 pm, limit 35. Please pick up free ticket at Children’s Desk.
• ●ENGLISH-SPANISH STORYTIME/CUENTOS PARA NIÑOS EN ESPAÑOL Y INGLES Children and their Families/Niños y sus familias Tuesdays, May 6 & June 3 7:15 pm/ martes 6 de mayo y 3 de junio las siete y cuarto de la noche. Please pick up free ticket at Children’s Desk/Los boletos están gratis y disponibles en el escritorio de los niños.
• WRITE YOUR LIFE STORY Older adults. Thursday, May 8, 15, 22 & 29 10 am-Noon Experience revitalization through writing. Join us for this four-week session and share your stories. Mr. Armiger L. Jagoe, a World War II veteran, has conducted stimulating writing workshops at libraries throughout the country. Space is limited, registration required, call 301-776-6790. Minimum of 20 participants required.
• ●ENGLISH-FRENCH STORYTIME/L’HEURE DU CONTE POUR LES ENFANTS EN ANGLAIS ET FRANÇAIS Children and their Families/Les enfants et leurs familles Saturdays, May 10 & June 14 10:30 am/ samedi, le 10 mai et le 14 juin à 10h30. Please pick up free ticket at Children’s Desk/Des billets gratuits sont disponibles chez le bureau des enfants.
• ●CHESS CLUB All ages. Saturdays, May 10 & 24 and June 14 & 28 1 pm Instruction by Eagle Chess Academy
• ●TEEN ADVISORY BOARD MEETINGS Ages 13-18 Wednesdays, May 14 & June 11 7 pm
• ●READ TO ROVER! Ages 5-10. Saturday, May 24 Dogs can’t read but they can be great listeners. Specially trained therapy dogs will be available. Each child will read for 15 minutes. Registration is required, call branch for details. Also scheduled for June 28.
• BOOK DISCUSSIONS Tuesday, May 27 7:30 pm A librarian leads a discussion of Christopher Buckley’s Boomsday. Tuesday, June 24 7:30 pm Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five

• ●DAYTIME STORYTIMEA librarian reads age appropriate stories Ages 3-5 Wednesdays, 11 am
• ●Mark Jaster’s A Fool Named “O” Ages-6-12. Wednesday, June 25 11 am

• ●DAYTIME STORYTIMES A librarian reads age appropriate stories Newborn-11 Months with Caregiver Wednesdays (except June 18 & 25), 11 am. Please register at the Children’s Desk before the first session of this 6 week series. 12-23 Months with Caregiver Tuesdays (except June 15, 22 & 29), 11 am. Please register at the Children’s Desk before the first session of this 6 week series. 18-35 Months with Caregiver Thursdays, 11 am. Please register at Children’s Desk. Ages 2-3 Wednesdays, 10:15 am. Ages 3-5 Thursdays, 10:15 am. Ages 3-7 Saturdays, 10:15 am
• ●EVENING STORYTIME A librarian reads age appropriate stories Ages 3-7 Tuesdays, 7 pm
• BOOK DISCUSSIONS Thursday, May 8 10 am A librarian leads a discussion of Jeffrey Eugenides’ Middlesex. Thursday, June 12 10 am Selection of titles for 2008-2009
• BLACK LITERATURE BOOK DISCUSSIONS Saturday, May 10 10 am A librarian leads a discussion of Angela Nissel’s Mixed. Saturday, June 14 10 am Joyce Carol Oates’ Black Girl/White Girl and selection of titles for 2008-2009
• ●TEEN ADVISORY BOARD MEETINGS Ages 13-18 Saturdays, May 10 & June 21 2:30 pm
• ●YAB (YOU AND BOOKS) BOOK DISCUSSION Ages 9-12. Saturday, May 17 11:15 am A librarian leads a book discussion for children, call branch for details. Please pick up and submit permission form for refreshments prior to day of discussion.
• Friends of the New Carrollton meeting Thursday, May 29 7 pm
• ●Ice Cream SociaL All ages. Saturday, May 31 2 pm Discover what great things will be happening at your library this summer at our first annual ice cream social. Sign up for summer reading and enjoy a sweet treat. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Sponsored by the Friends of the New Carrollton Library.
• MEET THE AUTHOR: TA-NEHISI COATES The Beautiful Struggle: A Father, Two Sons, and an Unlikely Road to Manhood Tuesday, June 10 7 pm Coates’s impressive debut is set in 1980s Baltimore, a city in distress. “The details of Coates's travels through disintegrating neighborhoods and schools that seemed almost designed to torment a bookish, dreamy kid would be pedestrian in many writers' hands, but he wields words with a rare grace that gives his story an uncommon power.”—Kirkus Reviews. Against this bleak backdrop Ta-Nehisi and his six siblings were raised by an enigmatic and unconventional father intent on pushing his children past the streets and into the doors of Howard University. Through sharp observation and poetic phrasing, Coates crafts a story about the strong ties that bind father and son. A former staff writer at the Village Voice and Time, Coates contributes to the New York Times Magazine, The Atlantic and other publications. He lives in New York City.

• ●DAYTIME STORYTIMES A librarian reads age appropriate stories Newborn-12 Months with Caregiver Wednesdays, 10:45 am, limit 15. Please register at Children’s Desk. 12-23 Months with Caregiver Wednesdays, 11:30 am, limit 15. Please register at Children’s Desk. Ages 2-3 Thursdays, 10:30 am (except June 19). Ages 3-5 Thursdays, 11:15 am (except June 19)
• ●EVENING STORYTIME A librarian reads age appropriate stories Ages 2-7 with Parents Thursdays (except May 6), 7 pm
• Poetic Voices from the Harlem Renaissance Thursday, May 1, 2008 7 pm. Join us to celebrate the literature of the Harlem Renaissance with readings by the Anointed P.E.N.S. and storyteller Bob Smith. Poetry by Langston Hughes, Claude McKay and Countee Cullen will be featured. Sponsored by the Friends of the Oxon Hill Library.
• ●ABC(Afterschool Book Club) Ages 6-9 Tuesdays in May, 4 pm stories & activities
• ●CHESS CLUB All ages. Mondays, May 5 & 19 and June 2 & 16 7 pm Instruction by Eagle Chess Academy
• ●BABYSITTING BASICS WORKSHOPS Teens 13-19. Monday, May 5, 12 & 19 7 pm Learn basic first aid and fire safety tips for babysitting, what parents expect of you and what you should expect from them. Explore how to use books, puppets, crafts, music and more during playtime with children. Participants who complete all three sessions will receive an official babysitting certificate from 4-H, Prince George’s County. Please register at the branch. Minimum of 10 participants required.
• ●FUN TIME AT THE LIBRARY Newborn-3 years with caregiver. Wednesday, May 7 10 am Children with special needs, their family and friends are invited for storytime, music and motor activities. Meet other parents and check out the latest resources. Also scheduled for June 4.
• ●TEEN ADVISORY BOARD MEETINGS Ages 13-18 Mondays, May 12 & June 9 7:30 pm
• FRIENDS OF THE OXON HILL LIBRARY MEETINGS Tuesdays, May 13 & June 10 7 pm
• BLACK LITERATURE BOOK DISCUSSIONS Tuesday, May 13 7 pm A librarian leads a discussion of Jabari Asim’s The N Word. Tuesday, June10 7 pm Tyler Perry’s Don’t Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings
• ●CRABS (CHILDREN RAVING ABOUT BOOKS) BOOK DISCUSSIONS Ages 9-12. Tuesday, May 20 7 pm Call branch for details
• BOOK DISCUSSIONS Tuesday, May 27 2 pm A librarian leads a discussion of John Knowles’ A Separate Peace. Tuesday, June 24 2 pm Joan Didion’s The Year of Magical Thinking
• ●Summer Reading Kick-off Ages 6-12 Tuesday, June 10 4 pm Join us for stories and other fun activities to kick off our summer reading program with a pep rally.
• GARDENING WORKSHOP: Container Gardening Saturday, June 14 2 pm Oxon Hill Branch Master gardeners will share information and offer sound horticulture advice on spring garden topics. An extensive question and answer period will follow. They will identify and diagnose plant and gardening problems. Bring in samples from your problem plants and have them evaluated. (Note: make sure the samples are fresh and at least 3 or 4 inches with foliage.) Horticultural literature will be available. Made possible by Prince George’s County Master Gardeners.
• ●Mr. Derby’s Musical Nursery Rhyme Jam Preschool-12 Thursday, June 19 11 am

 Spauldings Branch, 5811 Old Silver Hill Road, 301-817-3750, TTY 301-808-2061                      

• ●DAYTIME STORYTIME A librarian reads age appropriate stories Ages 3-5 Thursdays, 10:30 am
• ●EVENING STORYTIME A librarian reads age appropriate stories Ages 2-6 Mondays, 7 pm
• ●CHESS CLUB All ages. Tuesdays, May 6 & 20 and June 3 & 17 7 pm Instruction by Eagle Chess Academy
• GARDENING WORKSHOP: Low Maintenance Plants and Gardening Tuesday, May 6 7 pm Master gardeners will share information and offer sound horticulture advice on spring garden topics. An extensive question and answer period will follow. They will identify and diagnose plant and gardening problems. Bring in samples from your problem plants and have them evaluated. (Note: make sure the samples are fresh and at least 3 or 4 inches with foliage.) Horticultural literature will be available. Made possible by Prince George’s County Master Gardeners.
• BOOK DISCUSSIONS Wednesday, May 14 2 pm A librarian leads a discussion of Kate Chopin’s The Awakening. Wednesday, June 11 2 pm Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms
• GARDENING WORKSHOP: Container Gardening Tuesday, May 20 7 pm Master gardeners will share information and offer sound horticulture advice on spring garden topics. An extensive question and answer period will follow. They will identify and diagnose plant and gardening problems. Bring in samples from your problem plants and have them evaluated. (Note: make sure the samples are fresh and at least 3 or 4 inches with foliage.) Horticultural literature will be available. Made possible by Prince George’s County Master Gardeners.
• BLACK LITERATURE BOOK DISCUSSIONS Wednesday, May 28 7:30 pm A librarian leads a discussion of Alice Walker’s By the Light of My Father’s Smile. Wednesday, June 25 7:30 pm Ian Smith’s The Blackbird Papers
• ●Joe Romano’s Books! The Magic Is Real! Ages 6-12 Tuesday, June 24 1 pm  

• ●DAYTIME STORYTIMES A librarian reads age appropriate stories Newborn-12 Months with Caregiver Wednesdays, 10:15 am. Please pick up free ticket at Children’s Desk. 12-36 Months with Caregiver Wednesdays, 11 am & 11:45 am. Please pick up free ticket at Children’s Desk. Ages 3-5 Tuesdays, 10:15 am, 11 am & 11:45 am. Please pick up free ticket at Children’s Desk. Ages 3-7 Saturdays, 11 am
• ●EVENING STORYTIMEA librarian reads age appropriate stories Ages 3-7 Thursdays, 7 pm
• ●STARS BOOK DISCUSSIONS Ages 8-12. Thursdays 7:45 pm A librarian leads a book discussion for children, call branch for details.
• 19th ANNUAL LECTURE SERIES ON AFRICAN HISTORY & CULTURE: Lesson for Iraq? The American Occupation of Haiti 1915-1934 Tuesday, May 6 7 pm Presented by Washington historian C.R. Gibbs.
• GARDENING WORKSHOP: LAWN RENOVATION Saturday, May 10 1-3 pm Master gardeners will share information and offer sound horticulture advice on spring garden topics. An extensive question and answer period will follow. They will identify and diagnose plant and gardening problems. Bring in samples from your problem plants and have them evaluated. (Note: make sure the samples are fresh and at least 3 or 4 inches with foliage.) Horticultural literature will be available. Made possible by Prince George’s County Master Gardeners.
• AFTERNOON TEA BOOK DISCUSSIONS Tuesday, May 13 2:30 pm A librarian leads a discussion of Alan Alda’s Never Have Your Dog Stuffed. Tuesday, June 10 2:30 pm Edith Wharton’s The House of Mirth
• ●READ TO ROVER Ages 7-10. Saturday, May 17 Build your child’s confidence in reading! Bring a favorite book or choose one from the library and Read to Rover! Specially trained therapy dogs will be glad to listen. Each child will read for 15 minutes. Registration required, call branch for details.
• BLACK LITERATURE BOOK DISCUSSIONS Tuesday, May 20 6:30 pm A librarian leads a discussion of Tina Stodghill’s Redbone. Tuesday, June 17 6:30 pm Nikki Giovanni’s Acolytes
• BOOK DISCUSSIONS Wednesday, May 21 7:30 pm A librarian leads a discussion of Lisa See’s Snow Flower and the Secret Fan. Wednesday, June 18 7:30 pm Edward P. Jones’ All Aunt Hagar’s Children
• FRIENDS OF THE SURRATTS-CLINTON LIBRARY MEETINGS Saturdays, May 24 & June 28 2 pm
• ●TEEN ADVISORY BOARD MEETINGS Ages 13-18 Tuesdays, May 27 & June 24 7 pm
• GARDENING WORKSHOP: COMPOSTING AND RAIN BARRELS Saturday, June 7 1-3 pm Master gardeners will share information and offer sound horticulture advice on spring garden topics. An extensive question and answer period will follow. They will identify and diagnose plant and gardening problems. Bring in samples from your problem plants and have them evaluated. (Note: make sure the samples are fresh and at least 3 or 4 inches with foliage.) Horticultural literature will be available. Made possible by Prince George’s County Master Gardeners.
• ●WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA: HANSEL & GRETEL Ages 6-12 Wednesday, June 11 7 pm Free opera workshops for children and their families. WNO Teaching Artists will introduce families to the stories and music of opera. Children will explore how music communicates plot, character and emotion through hands-on crafts and creative music activities.

• ●DAYTIME STORYTIME A librarian reads age appropriate stories Ages 3-5 Tuesdays, 11 am
• ●CHESS CLUB All ages. Thursdays, May 1 & 15 and June 5 & 19 5:30 pm
• ●CHILDREN’S HOME SCHOOL BOOK DISCUSSIONS Ages 8-12. Monday, May 5 3 pm A librarian leads a discussion of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie.
• ●HOME SCHOOL BOOK DISCUSSIONS FOR TEENS Ages 13-18 Tuesday, May 13 2 pm A librarian leads a discussion of Richard Panchyk’s Our Supreme Court and the legal case, Roe v. Wade. Call branch for details.
• TRUE CRIME BROWN BAG LUNCH BOOK DISCUSSIONS Mondays, May 19 & June 16 12 pm Call branch for details. Bring lunch, beverage provided
• ●TEEN ADVISORY BOARD MEETINGS Ages 13-18 Saturday, May 31 1 pm & Wednesday, June 18 5:30 pm
• ●WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA: HANSEL & GRETEL Ages 6-12 Monday, June 2 3 pm Free opera workshops for children and their families. WNO Teaching Artists will introduce families to the stories and music of opera. Children will explore how music communicates plot, character and emotion through hands-on crafts and creative music activities.
• ●Music with Milkshake! Preschool-12 Tuesday, June 24 2 pm

For information on wheelchair accessibility, please call your local branch library or the Administrative Offices. Sign-language interpreter available upon request. Please contact the branch at least two weeks in advance or call TTY 301-808-