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 On Wednesday, I, along with dozens of residents and many of my government colleagues, attended the grand re-opening ceremony for the Reisterstown Road Branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library. The renovation, which took three years to complete, increased the size of the branch to 13,000 square feet, and added new conference and meeting rooms, as well as special areas for teenagers and children. The branch offers 32 public computers, free Wi-Fi, and a 30,000 volume collection of books for patrons of all ages. The Enoch Pratt Free Library plays an essential role in strengthening our communities. In Baltimore, our libraries are part of the solution when a community is struggling economically. By providing free access to books and resources, as well as career and business centers that help patrons looking for jobs, they give all people an equal opportunity to grow and thrive. That is why this year my administration maintained funding in the City's Fiscal Year 2012 Budget for the Enoch Pratt Free Library system. The funding allows the libraries to maintain current operating hours at all neighborhood branches throughout the fiscal year. At the same event, the Pratt officially unveiled the new e-readers that are available for patrons to check out. Beginning this week, the Reisterstown Road branch will be one of the first Pratt locations to offer e-readers available for checkout to the public. Each e-reader will be preloaded with 22 titles, including best-sellers in fiction and non-fiction, books for children and teens, and several classics. I am grateful for Dr. Carla Hayden and all Pratt Library employees for their work to improve the services available at the braches every year. In 2010, there were over 2,000,000 visits to the Pratt Library, which is a 58% increase over the previous two years. Mr. Enoch Pratt would be proud that the library is always finding new and creative ways for people of all ages and backgrounds to explore their world in books. For more information about the Reisterstown Road Branch or the branch closest to you, visit the Library's website at www.prattlibrary.org. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at my website or by email at mayor@baltimorecity.gov. You can also follow the Mayor's Office and be a part of the conversation on Twitter. |
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Sincerely,
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
Mayor, City of Baltimore
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League of Women Voters Candidate Forums
Various Dates
Various Locations
The League of Women Voters will hold candidate forums for the positions of Mayor, City Council President, and City Council Member. A variety of candidates from all parties will participate in these forums. For more information or a list of dates and locations, visit baltcity.lwvmd.org. |
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Fell's Point Farmers Market
Saturdays through November 12, 7:30 am-11:30 am
Broadway Square
After more than 200 years, the Farmers Market is returning to historic Fells Point. Shop local farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other homemade items. For more information, visit www.fellspointmainstreet.org. |
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West Baltimore Farmers' Market
Saturdays Through November, 9:00 am-1:00 pm
West Baltimore MARC400 N. Smallwood Street
The West Baltimore Farmers' Market presents its seconds season, bringing locally grown foods to the communities in West Baltimore. Farmers from around the region will have an array of seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, meat, and more. For more information, visit westbaltimoremarc.blogspot.com. |
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Summer Sounds at the Square
Fridays through September 16, 6:00 pm-9:00 pm
Belvedere Square, York Road and Belvedere Avenue
Let the concert season begin! Belvedere Square brings back Summer Sounds at the Square for its eighth season. These free, weekly outdoor concerts feature live music from Baltimore's favorite local bands. Concert-goers can also enjoy scrumptious gourmet food and beverages from Belvedere Square market vendors and restaurants! For a complete schedule of performances and dining options, visit www.belvederesquare.com. |
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Thursdays at the Lewis
Thursdays, June-August, 5:00 pm-8 pm
Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt Street
Do you wish that you could tour the museum after work? Every Thursday this summer, the museum offers extended hours from 5:00 pm-8 pm for a reduced admission price of $5. On the Third Thursday of every month, visitors can enjoy live music and free appetizers. For more information, visit www.africanamericanculture.org. |
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Studio Artist Biennial
Through August 20
School 33 Art Center, 1427 Light Street
Experience an exhibition highlighting the original works of current School 33 Art Center studio artists. The gallery is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from noon to 6:00 pm. For more information, visit www.school33.org. |
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Charm City Garden Tour
Saturday, August 13, 1:00 pm-5:00 pm
Various locations
This year's tour will explore and celebrate the gardens of Baltimore's west side. Choose from either our bicycle or charter bus tour options. Stick around for the post-tour garden party at Whitelock Community Farm, complete with locally-sourced refreshments, live entertainment, and games. Participants should register prior to the event. For more information or to register, visit sites.google.com/site/charmcitygardentour. |
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Jazz in the Sculpture Garden
Saturday, August 13, 7:00 pm
Saturday, August 20, 7:00 pm
Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive
Enjoy the beauty of the BMA's Sculpture Gardens with a glass of wine, good friends, and cool jazz on a hot summer night. Tickets sell out quickly. For more information and a list of performing artists, visit www.artbma.org. |
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Spirited Women of Baltimore Power Lunch
Wednesday, August 17, 11:00 am-2:00 pm
Morton's The Steakhouse, 300 S. Charles Street
Morton's The Steakhouse and MyCity4Her.com host the annual Spirited Women of Baltimore Power Lunch. The luncheon honors this year's Spirited Women winners, and proceeds from ticket sales benefit the American Red Cross of Central Maryland. Visit www.MyCity4Her.com, call 410-327-9090, or email m@mycity4her.com or cm.mba@mortons.com to purchase tickets or for more information.
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Keep the Peace Ride and Rally
Saturday, August 20, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Bluford Drew Jemison Academy, 1130 N. Caroline Street
Peacekeepers Motorcycle Club, in partnership with the Mayor's Anti-Animal Abuse Advisory Commission, invites you to a day of service and activities. The motorcycle ride against animal cruelty will begin at 9:00 am (registration $20), starting at Harley Davidson Route 40. At 11:00 am, activities and service will begin at BDJ Academy. For more information, email cuffone2@yahoo.com.
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Back 2 School Drive
Monday, August 22, 6:00 pm-9:00pm
Five Seasons Parking Lot, 830 Guilford Avenue
The Baltimore hip Hop Council hosts this back to school drive. All new school supplies are needed, including book bags, notebooks, folders, pens, pencils, crayons, and paper. Monetary donations are also welcome, and supplies will be distributed directly to Baltimore schools. For more information, email thebaltimorehiphopcouncil@gmail.com or call 443-739-0152. |
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Back to School Rally
Tuesday, August 23, 3:00 pm-8:00 pm
Baltimore City Public Schools, 200 E. North Avenue
Start the school year off strong, and discover community resources and services to make 2011-12 your best year yet. Students can receive immunizations and health screenings at no charge. Take home free school supplies (pre-registration required), and join the entire City Schools community for live music and performances. For more information, call 443-984-1650 or email back2schoolrally@baltimorecity.gov. |
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Dundalk Antiques Appraisal Day
Saturday, August 27, 10:00 am-4:00 pm
St. Helena Community Building, 6509 Colgate Avenue
Come to the Dundalk Antiques Appraisal Day and discover the value of your family heirlooms. This event features a panel of accredited appraisers and national experts. Proceeds will benefit the St. Helena Community Association, Inc. The appraisal charge is $20 for your first item, $10 for the second, and the third item is free (limit 3 items). For more information, visit www.orgsites.com/md/redrocketreview or email antiqueday@yahoo.com. |
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Baltimore Music Festival
Saturday, August 27, 7:15 pm
CENTERSTAGE, 700 N. Calvert Street
This 5th annual back to school fund raiser and concert will feature headliner Steve Cole, performer Kadejah One', songwriter Gordon Chambers, and many more. The festival will be hosted by Radio One's Larry Young. Bring a new school supply item to donate. Proceeds and donations will benefit local students. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.bilalaliproductions.com. |
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Riverside Park Summer Concert Series
Sunday, August 28, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Riverside Park
Pack a picnic, bring a chair or blanket, and enjoy a relaxing summer evening with music and friends. Bring a few dollars for the bake sale and raffle. August's concert will feature Mambo Combo.
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Small Business Seminar
Monday, August 29, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Small Business Resource Center, 1101 E. 33rd Street, Suite C-307 This seminar is designed to provide training to small business owners who want to do business with the City of Baltimore. Come learn about optimizing your certification. Registration is $25. For more information or to register, contact the Mayor's Office of Minority and Women-Owned Business development at 410-396-3818. |
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