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August 26, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Nicholas Brown

(301) 699-3500, ext. 6241

nicholas.brown@pgcmls.info

Civil Rights Leader Dolores Huerta To Headline 

2021 PGCMLS Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

Largo, Md. – The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System’s (PGCMLS) cultural and educational programs explore the contributions of the people and communities who contribute to the unique diversity in Prince George’s County. The 2021 Hispanic Heritage Month commemoration at PGCMLS (September 15-October 15) celebrates the ways Hispanic culture influences life in the United states, from arts and culture to literature and civil rights history. Headlining the series of virtual and in-person events for children, teens, and adults, is a special event with legendary labor leader, women's advocate, and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta. Ms. Huerta will discuss her life and work in conversation with Prince George’s County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks on Wednesday, October 6 at 7 pm (virtual). The program is co-presented with the Prince George’s County Office of Human Rights and will be presented in English (ASL interpretation provided). Visit pgcmls.info/hispanic-heritage to explore the Library’s Hispanic Heritage Month calendar.

Featured Hispanic Heritage Events

Jennifer De Leon on "White Space" - Co-presented with the Prince George's County Office of Human Rights

Tuesday, September 14 at 7 pm | Adults | Virtual

Walter Dean Myers grant winner Jennifer De Leon discusses her collection of essays, "White Space." The collection explores her experiences as a Guatemalan-American woman existing in two cultures.

Hispanic Heritage/Welcoming Week Outdoor Festival

Welcome: Hope in the Community Begins With Us!

Saturday, September 18 at 12-4 pm | All ages | New Carrollton Branch Library

Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with music, dancing, stories, face painting, and much more. Featured performers include guitarist Mr. Lilo, Mariachi Los Mensajeros del Sur de Humberto Guzman, and Ayelen Dance & Folklore. Connect with community resources, get COVID-19 vaccinations, and dine at our food truck. Face mask required for all attendees over the age of 2. Rain date is October 2, 2-4 pm. Co-presented with the Prince George’s County Latino Advisory Board.

Dolores Huerta with County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks - Co-presented with the Prince George's County Office of Human Rights

Wednesday, October 6 at 7 pm | Teens and Adults | Virtual

Dolores Huerta is a legendary labor leader, women's advocate and civil rights activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers (UFW) with UFW President César Chavez. Ms. Magazine named Huerta One of the Three Most Important Women of l997 and Ladies Home Journal listed her as one of the 100 Most Important Women of the 20th Century. In 2012, President Obama bestowed Huerta with her most prestigious award, The Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States. 

COVID-19 Event Advisory

Please be advised that the status, location, or format of PGCMLS events may change based on COVID-19 pandemic conditions. Please visit pgcmls.info/events or call (240) 455-5451 to review the latest event details prior to traveling to the branch/venue for the program.

  • Face masks and physical distancing are required for all participants over the age of 2. 
  • Please register at pgcmls.info/events or by calling (240) 455-5451 to show interest and to receive event updates.
  • Registration does not guarantee admission.
  • Participation is permitted on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Capacity limits may apply.
  • Outdoor programs will be canceled or rescheduled in the case of inclement weather, they will not be transferred indoors.

Hispanic Heritage Event Highlights

Latinas in Aviation Panel and Chat (Thurs., 9/9 at 7 pm – Virtual) - Co-presented with College Park Aviation Museum as part of Latinas in Aviation

Mucha Música - A musical journey through Latin America

  • Laurel Branch Library: Wed., 9/15 at 6:30 pm
  • Oxon Hill Branch Library: Wed., 9/22 at 6:30 pm
  • South Bowie Branch Library: Wed., 9/29 at 6:30 pm
  • Spauldings Branch Library: Wed., 10/6 at 6:30 pm
  • Bowie Branch Library: Wed., 10/13 at 6:30 pm 

Marimba Music Concert 

  • Upper Marlboro Branch Library: Wed., 9/15 at 6:30 pm
  • Fairmount Heights Branch Library: Wed., 9/22 at 6:30 pm
  • Beltsville Branch Library: Wed., 9/29 at 6:30 pm
  • Baden Branch Library: Wed., 10/6 at 6:30 pm
  • Mount Rainier Branch Library: Wed., 10/13 at 6:30 pm

STEM at Home with Graciela-Tiscareno-Sato, Captain Mama Sorpresa (Fri., 9/17 at 12 pm – Virtual) - Co-presented with College Park Aviation Museum as part of Latinas in Aviation

Poet C.T. Salazar in Conversation (Mon. 9/20 at 7 pm – Virtual) - Co-presented with the Prince George’s County Office of Human Rights

Café a las cuatro - Conozca a su comunidad (Tues., 9/21 at 4 pm – Virtual)

Latin Dancing to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month 

  • Greenbelt Branch Library: Wed., 9/22 at 6:30 pm
  • Accokeek Branch Library: Wed., 9/29 at 6:30 pm 
  • Largo-Kettering Branch Library: Wed., 10/6 at 6:30 pm
  • Glenarden Branch Library: Wed., 10/13 at 6:30 pm

Hispanic Heritage Month Outdoor Bibliobop Dance Party (Sat., 9/25 at 2 pm – Greenbelt Branch)

Independent Film Series - Councilwoman (Mon., 9/27 at 7 pm – Virtual)

The Elephant We Don't See: A Diversity Dialogue - "In the Dream House" by Carmen Maria Machado (Tues., 9/28 at 7 pm – Virtual) - Co-presented with the Prince George’s County Office of Human Rights

Open Mic: Connection, hosted by Mauricio Novoa (Wed., 9/29 at 7 pm – Virtual) - Co-presented with Creative Suitland

Pedro Muñoz Guevara on Soy de esta tierra (Thurs., 9/30 at 7 pm – Virtual)

Embroidery: Then and Now (Fri., 10/1 at 4:30 pm – New Carrollton Branch)

123 Andrés: Bilingual Children's Music (Tues., 10/5 at 4:45 pm – New Carrollton Branch)

Teen Reader's Advisory: Latinx Comics (Tues., Oct. 5 at 7 pm – Virtual)

Book Discussion: "With the Fire on High" by Elizabeth Acevedo (Wed., Oct. 12 at 6:30 pm – Virtual)

Online Resources

PGCMLS customers can celebrate Hispanic Heritage year-round with the Library’s online resources. Visit the Hispanic Heritage Hub at pgcmls.info/hispanic-heritage. Spanish speakers are invited to access the Library’s resources via the Spanish language portal, pgcmls.info/su-biblioteca. Check out Gale in Context: Biography to research famous Latin Americans or Mango to learn a language. Browse Hispanic autobiographies, books, DVDs, and CDs or place them on hold for pick up at your local neighborhood branch library. Children can practice Spanish with interactive children’s books from Latin America available through Make Make by Lectorum. Download related ebooks, audiobooks, and dozens of popular Spanish language magazines on OverDrive/Libby.

Graphics Package

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 20774.