The Greenbelt Library is officially open under Phase 3 guidelines as of Monday, June 14. Librarian Rebecca Oxley has felt the absence of the usual activity that happened at the Library pre-pandemic. “I missed interacting face to face with the community and getting a sense of what the community needs,” she said. Oxley reflected on the Library’s first day under Phase 3 guidelines, saying that “we had children in the children’s room and it truly filled me with joy.” Teen Services Specialist Isaiah West says he has missed working with the diverse population in Prince George’s County. “I love being a part of a hub of the community for the different communities served,” he said, adding that it was gratifying to be able to “provide a voice for the people to be themselves and have a place for self-discovery.”
The Library’s extended services now include two-hour study room sessions, full browsing of Library resources without reservations and a sidewalk pick-up service, by appointment, outside the main entrance (formerly curbside). Or, requested books can be retrieved from the shelves inside, as before, without making an appointment. Computer use will be available with up to a 50-percent capacity by appointment, but walk-ins may be accommodated if any computers are free. Printing and scanning self-service are also available.
Masks and social distancing remain necessary at the Library under Phase 3 guidelines. The Library’s updated extended hours and other information are available below or at pgcmls.info/reopening.
All Prince George’s County libraries will be closed on Saturday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth.
Melissa Signorini is an intern writing for the News Review this summer.
At the Library
All county library branches will be closed on Saturday, June 19, for the Juneteenth holiday.
Library hours are Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesdays from noon to 8 p.m.; and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Curbside service has become Sidewalk Service with a table placed outside the upper level entrance. Study rooms are open but meeting rooms will remain closed. Appointments for one hour of computer use can be made at pgcmls.info/reopening or 240-455-5451. Reservations can be made up to seven days in advance. The library is not accepting book donations for the foreseeable future but has a third-party book donation bin outside the lower-level entrance.
The Greenbelt Library now offers mobile printing to the public. The first 10 black and white pages are free. More information is available at pgcmls.info/ mobile-printing.
Mobile Hotspots
Families can borrow mobile hotspot devices for up to nine weeks at a time. Adults ages 18 and older with library cards in good standing may request a SmartSpot through the curbside booking form. One device per household may be borrowed.
Kids Achieve Club
The Kids Achieve Club program provides academic support with homework assistance and reading practice in English for Speakers of Other Languages for students in grades 1 to 6. The program was created to support the unique needs of English learners to foster a love of reading and to provide academic support.
The Washington Nationals and Prince George’s County Memorial Library System are partnering for a second year on “Summer @ Your Library,” Prince George’s County’s summer reading and library engagement program. The 2021 theme is Tails and Tales and it will be offered in English and Spanish for all ages. This year’s program runs through Friday, August 20 and will be primarily offered online with select in-person events.