|
|
| On Monday I celebrated Enoch Pratt Free Library becoming more modern and mobile than ever. I joined the Pratt Library's CEO, Dr. Carla Hayden, library staff, and the students and teachers at the St. Ambrose School for the unveiling of the new Mobile Library. With resources ranging from free access to books and online resources for families to library business centers that help support entrepreneurship and retraining, libraries and bookmobiles support lifelong learning.
 The Mobile Library is an extension of the excellent services the Pratt Library provides. The Pratt Library has been offering mobile services since the horse drawn "book cart service" in 1943. The first Pratt Bookmobile started in 1949. The new Mobile Library will provide access to information and technology and supply resources for life-long learning to Americans of all walks of life, no matter where they are. To put it plainly-Bookmobiles bring the world to you.
They go where library branches can't. Students and adults who cannot make it to Pratt Library's brick and mortar branches can use the Mobile Library to check out materials. The Mobile Library strengthens neighborhoods through the information and materials it offers. Libraries and mobile services are part of the solution when a community is struggling economically.
The Mobile Library services will also be making stops at senior centers, Municipal and State buildings, the Hispanic Relocation Center, schools, and the communities of Edmondson Avenue and Reisterstown Road-where the current Pratt branches are closed for renovation. The Mobile Library will expand the reach of the Pratt Library immensely and improve the lives of people in new ways.
 This new Mobile Library will extend to communities resources many of us already enjoy at library branches, including books, DVDs, and computer services. In their own communities, residents will have access to the latest best-sellers, Spanish and Russian language materials, audio visual materials, and large print books.
I am proud of Dr. Hayden, her staff, and their effort to make the Enoch Pratt Free Library more popular than ever. Despite a decrease in hours and two branches being closed for renovation, over one million people walked through the doors of all Pratt locations in the past six months - a 20% increase from the previous year. This comes on the heels of 2009's yearly statistical report showing that the Pratt's visitors had already increased by 32%.
Clearly, patrons are discovering that the Pratt Library offers more than books and DVDs. The library now has the Virtual Supermarket (a partnership with the Health Department) as well as many activities for teens and children, including acting workshops, crafts, story-time and so much more.
Many patrons depend on the Pratt Library for computer usage. Recent studies suggest that as many as thirty-percent of Baltimore residents do not have internet or computer access. Thousands of visitors depend on the Pratt Library for computer access to check email or search for a job. The Pratt offers more than 500 public computers which makes them the largest provider of public computers in the region.
There has also been an increase in visitors to great author events at the library. Many of these events attract hundreds of people - often a standing room only affair. Authors like Tavis Smiley, Michael Pollan, Chuck Palahniuk, Antero Pietilo, Annette Gordon-Reed, Junot Diaz and Gwen Ifill have visited in the past year.
The Pratt Library is at the heart of every community in Baltimore. For more information about the Mobile Library, visit the Library's website at www.prattlibrary.org. Also look for the Pratt Library on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, Foursquare, and MySpace. |
|
Sincerely,
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
Mayor, City of Baltimore
| |
Friday, April 2, marks the Good Friday holiday. Please note the following changes to city services:
- Non-essential City offices will be closed.
- Trash and recylcing will not be collected. Saturday, April 3, will be the holiday make-up collection for trash and recycling in those areas that are regularly scheduled for collection on Fridays.
- No bulk trash collection will be scheduled.
- Citizen drop-off centers will be closed (all yards including Quarantine Road Landfill, Northwest Transfer Station and Eastern, Western and Northwestern Sanitation Yards).
- Parking meters will be in effect.
The PNC Bank Neighborhood Grant Program provides financial assistance to qualified organizations for the purpose of producing special events. The application deadline is Friday, April 2 by 5pm. New this year, the minimum amount for cash grants has increased to $500. The awarded grants enable neighborhood associations and community-based nonprofit groups to produce events that revitalize communities and engage its residents. Funded events include street festivals, parades, flea markets, concerts, health fairs, fundraisers, back-to-school rallies and more. The PNC Bank Neighborhood Grant Program is sponsored by PNC Bank and produced by the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts. For more information, contact the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts at 410-752-8632 or visit www.promotionandarts.com.
The Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts is now accepting applications for the 33rd annual Baltimore Farmers' Market & Bazaar. Space is available for farmers, crafters, concessionaires and street performers. Applications can be downloaded online at www.promotionandarts.com (Events & Festivals). Deadlines for application vary. The Baltimore Farmers' Market & Bazaar is presented by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and produced by the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts. Its season runs from May 2 through December 19.
|
44th Legislative District Special Initiative
Saturday, April 3, 8:00 am-5:00 pm
The 44th Legislative District Complete Count Committee will be holding a series of health screenings and mini job fairs, conveniently located at neighborhood supermarkets. In addition to FREE screenings by Bon Secours Health Systems, you will find employment information and resources from Goodwill Industries of Chesapeake. Census information will also be distributed.
Events will take place at the following locations:
Hollins Market-Union Square
Stop Shop and Save-Pennsylvania Avenue
Food Depot-Westside Shopping Center
Save A Lot-McMechen Street |
|
Census March to the Mailbox
Saturday, April 10, 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Join residents from all over the city. Reach out to Baltimore City neighborhoods with low Census mail-in response rates. There will be FREE giveaways and plenty of fun.
For more information about how you can volunteer, please call 410-396-4735. |
|
2010 Spring Flower Show March 27-April 11, 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Spring into the Wonderful World of Oz this year! Follow a yellow brick road through a rainbow of Spring flowering bulbs. This event is FREE and open to the public. A $3 donation is suggested. The Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory & Botanic Gardens of Baltimore is located at 3100 Swann Dr. in Druid Hill Park and is open Tuesday-Sunday.
For more information call 410-396-0008 or visit http://www.baltimorecity.gov/recnparks. |
|
Fairy Tale Festival April 1-30
The Enoch Pratt Free Library presents this month long celebration of folk and fairy tales. Enojoy fairy tale themed activities for the whole family at the Central Library and all Pratt branches.
Visit www.prattlibrary.org or call 410-396-5430 for more information. |
|
Breakfast with the Bunny Saturday, April 3, 8:00 am-10:00 am
Join the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore on the Mansion House Porch for holiday activities, an Animal Ambassador encounter, and more. Advance tickets are required ($35 non-members, $25 members, $15 children ages 2-12, under 2 free), zoo admission is included.
For more information, visit www.marylandzoo.org. |
|
Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower Open Studio Day Saturday, April 3, 1:00 pm-5:00 pm
Join talented artists as they open their studios for the Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower Open Studio Day. Visitors can enjoy artwork from local and regional artists and have the opportunity to purchase original pieces. During this monthly event, guests can get an up-close view of artists' workspaces and artistic creations. Tours are available for those interested in viewing the historic tower and its new renovations. The Bromo Seltzer Arts Tower is located at 21 South Eutaw Street.
For more information visit www.promotionandarts.com. |
|
Pennsylvania Avenue Easter Parade Sunday, April 4, 2:00 pm
Join us for the return of the parade! Residents will join with Clergy, Church congregations and community leaders to walk along historic Pennsylvania Avenue to celebrate Easter. Procession begins at Pennsylvania Avenue & Cumberland Street and ends at St. Peter Claver Church.
For more information, call (410) 779-7056 or visit www.PennsylvaniaAvenueMainstreet.org. |
|
Spring Into Good Health Tuesday, April 6, 10:00 am-3:00 pm
Presented by the University of Maryland Medical System, this event features FREE health screenings and information. Come learn about stroke and heart disease prevention, men's and women's health, and child safety. Immunizations, vascular screenings, and a variety of other services will be offered. Spring Into Good Health will be held at Mondawmin Mall, 2401 Liberty Heights Drive.
For more information, call 1-800-492-5538 or visit www.umm.edu. |
|
Baltimore City 10th Annual Victims' 5k Fund Run/Walk and 1 Mile Walk Saturday, April 17, 9:00 am
Join the Office of the State's Attorney at its 10th Annual Victims' 5k Fund Run/Walk and 1 Mile Walk. The event will help maintain an emergency fund for victims of crime. Funds cover expenses such as broken windows and locks, stolen property and identification replacement. The event begins at Patterson Park. Pre-registration prior to April 17 is $20.00; day of race registration is $25.00.
Register online at www.charmcityrun.com or call (410) 396-1897 for more information. |
|
Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake's Spring Cleanup Saturday, April 17, 8:00 am-1:00 pm
Join your neighbors and choose a location that needs a special cleanup. Community representatives should call 311 early to register. Containers for debris collection will be available on a first call basis. Clean up supplies will be limited and all tools must be signed for by the community leader and returned to the Bureau of Solid Waste. Even communities without a container can participate by bagging and stacking debris at a designated location, to be picked up on Monday, April 19th. Please provide your designated collection point when you register your clean up with 311. |
|
Financial Fitness Day Saturday, April 17, 8:30 am-1:30 pm
It's your money, get your finances in shape. Get advice from HUD certified counselors and attend financial and homewonership classes. Registration is FREE, but space is limited. To register, call by April 1. Presented by Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore, this event is located at Pleasant Hope Baptist Church, 430 East Belvedere Avenue.
For more information and to register, call 410-327-1200.
| |
|
|
|
