Hill Harper - Enoch Pratt Free Library

january & february 2010 prattlibrary.org 

Selma-to-Montgomery March for Voting Rights in 1965. Photograph by James Karales 

Programs 

For Children 

page 2 

Just For 

Teens 

page 3 

Films @ 

The Pratt 

page 4 

Writers 

LIVE! 

page 6 

Programs 

For Adults 

page 7 

BRANCH BONANZA 

This New Year is filled with 

hope, change, and opportunities 

for all our customers who use 

Pratt branch libraries. 

After a two-year renovation, 

the Edmondson Avenue and 

Reisterstown Road Branches 

will be reopening early in 2010. Both branches will have 

spectacular new spaces with more computers, meeting 

rooms, new furniture and equipment. Planning is underway 

for the renovation of the historic Canton Branch, one of 

the four original branches that Mr. Pratt built in Baltimore 

neighborhoods. 

We are also rolling out a brand new high-tech Pratt Mobile 

Library. It’s the bookmobile of the 21st century filled with 

computers and more materials for patrons who depend on it 

across Baltimore. 

In 2010 we will also be celebrating two milestones: the 100th 

anniversaries of the Patterson Park and Forest Park Branches. 

Centennial celebrations at both locations will thank and 

commemorate the generations of people who have used and 

supported these wonderful branches through the years. 

We have so much to celebrate in the New Year, and we 

hope you’ll join us in recognizing the contributions that 

Pratt branches make to Baltimore neighborhoods. 

Carla D. Hayden Chief Executive Officer 

Booklovers’ Breakfast 

featuring 

Hill Harper 

Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel 

700 Aliceanna Street 

Saturday, February 6, 2010, 8:30 a.m. - noon 

$40 per person 

Actor and author Hill Harper graduated from Brown 

University and earned graduate degrees in law and 

public administration from Harvard University. His 

work on the CBS drama, “CSI: New York,” has earned 

him two NAACP Image Awards. He is the author 

of Letters to a Young Brother, Letters to a Young Sister, 

and The Conversation: How Black Men and Women Can 

Build Loving, Trusting Relationships. He also serves as a 

volunteer and spokesman for Big Brothers, Big Sisters. 

Vic Carter, WJZ-TV anchor, will introduce Hill Harper. 

Advance registration required. To register, go to 

www.prattlibrary.org/booklovers or call 410-396-5494. 

Celebrating the Life of 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

The Pratt Library’s annual 

King Commemorative Lecture presented by 

Dr. Barry C. Black, Chaplain of the U.S. Senate 

Saturday, January 16, 2 p.m. 

Central Library, Wheeler Auditorium 

Reception and book signing immediately following in the Poe Room 

In June, 2003, Rear Admiral Barry C. Black was elected the 62nd 

Chaplain of the United States Senate. Prior to going to Capitol Hill, 

Chaplain Black served in the U.S. Navy for more than 27 years, ending 

his career as the Chief of Navy Chaplains. A native of Baltimore, Chaplain Black is an alumnus of Oakwood 

College, Andrews University, North Carolina Central University, Eastern Baptist Seminary, Salve Regina 

University, and United States International University. He holds a Doctorate degree in Ministry and a Ph.D. 

in Psychology and has received numerous awards and service medals. He is the author of From the Hood to the 

Hill: A Story of Overcoming. 

The Schapiro Lecture Series presents 

Elisa New, author of 

Jacob’s Cane: A Jewish Family’s Journey from the Four Lands 

of Lithuania to the Ports of London and Baltimore 

Thursday, January 21, 7 p.m., Central Library, Poe Room 

When Elisa New held her great-grandfather Jacob Levy’s cane in 

her hands for the first time in 1997, she realized that her family’s 

story was not the standard coming-to-America tale she had long 

assumed. In the mid-1880s, Levy landed not at Ellis Island, but at Baltimore where he soon 

became a successful businessman and prominent socialist leader. New and her daughter 

Yael set out to research their family history, from Lithuania to Baltimore to London, and in 

the process unlocked family mysteries and explained the etchings on Jacob Levy’s cane. 

Elisa New is professor of English and American literature at Harvard University and the 

author of The Line’s Eye and The Regenerate Lyric. 

Sponsored by a bequest from Mrs. Gloria L. Schapiro. 

Brown Lecture Series presents 

Jerald Walker, author of 

Street Shadows: A Memoir of Race, Rebellion and Redemption 

Sunday, February 28, 2 p.m., Central Library, Poe Room 

Jerald Walker and his six siblings were raised in a Chicago housing 

project by parents of modest means with solidly middle class values 

and aspirations. A boy of great promise, Walker seemed destined to 

fulfill the hope of his parents and teachers until he descended into 

the “thug life,” becoming a high school dropout and drug and alcohol abuser. The shooting 

death of a coke dealer friend served as the wake-up call that turned his life around. 

Jerald Walker is associate professor of English at Bridgewater State College in 

Massachusetts. His work has appeared in numerous publications including Best American 

Essays, Brothers: 26 Stories of Love and Rivalry, and Mother Jones. 

Sponsored by a generous gift from the Eddie C. and C. Sylvia Brown Family Foundation.

Programs For Children 

PAWS TO READ 

Ages 6-12. Sign up to read 

with dog friends. Dog 

volunteers from Pets on 

Wheels will be on hand to 

hear stories. 

Central Library 

Saturdays, January 23 & February 20, 2 p.m. 

Call 410-396-5402 to register. 

Light Street Branch 

Saturday, February 6, 2 p.m. 


Southeast Anchor Library 



CENTRAL LIBRARY 

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME 

Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. & Saturdays, 11 a.m. 

Call 410-396-5402 to register groups of 5 

or more. 

TERRIFIC TWOS 

Thursdays, 11:15 a.m. 

Call 410-396-5402 to register groups of 5 

or more. 

MOTHER GOOSE ON THE LOOSE 

Fridays (except Jan. 1 & 15), 10:30 a.m. & 

11:30 a.m.; Saturdays, 10:15 a.m. 

THE KING HAS A BIRTHDAY 


Ages 6-12. Celebrate Elvis’s birthday 

with songs and facts about the life of 

Elvis Presley. 

DRAGON APPRECIATION DAY 


Ages 6-12. Celebrate these fire-breathing 

and fast-flying creatures with stories and 

crafts. 

BROOKLYN BRANCH 

BUENA CASA, BUENA BRASA (MOTHER 

GOOSE ON THE LOOSE IN SPANISH) 

Todos los jueves (Thursdays), 10:30 a.m. 

Canciones, rimas, cuentos, y juegos, para 

los niños (0-3 años) y los padres o cuidadores. 



CANTON BRANCH 


Tuesdays, 4 p.m. 



For nonwalking children and their 

caregivers. 


For walking children up to the age of 

three and their caregivers. 

CANTON CRAFTERNOON 


Ages 6-12. Get ready for Valentine’s Day 

with stories and snowy crafts. 

CHERRY HILL BRANCH 


Fridays (except Jan. 1 & 15), 10:30 a.m. 


Fridays (except Jan. 1 & 15), 11:30 a.m. 

HOLA FRIENDS = HELLO AMIGOS 

Wednesdays, January 6 & 20; February 3 

& 17, 10:30 a.m. 

Ages Birth-5. Stories, rhymes, games, puppetry 

and songs in Spanish and English. 

MAKE A UNITY DOVE WREATH 

Friday, January 8, 3 p.m. 

Ages 6-12. Listen to a story about peace 

and togetherness, then create a Unity 

Wreath. Call 410-396-1168 to register. 

REMEMBERING DR. MARTIN LUTHER 

KING, JR. 

Thursday, January 14, 3:30 p.m. 

Ages 6-12. Listen to a story by a noted 

African American author. Make a collage 

with images that pertain to the life of Dr. 

King. Call 410-396-1168 to register. 

BE MY VALENTINE 

Thursday, February 11, 3:30 p.m. 

Ages 6-12. Listen to a story about the origin 

of St. Valentine’s Day, then make a Valentine’s 

Day card for your special someone. Materials 

provided. Call 410-396-1168 to register. 

GEORGE WASHINGTON TRIVIA GAME 

Friday, February 19, 3 p.m. 

Ages 6-12. Listen to a story about the life 

of George Washington. Divide into teams 

and win prizes for correct answers to our 

trivia questions. 

FOREST PARK BRANCH 





GOVANS BRANCH 


Wednesdays, 11 a.m. 


Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. 

WINTER WONDERLAND STORYTIME 

AND CRAFT 

Thursday, January 14, 4 p.m. 

Ages 3-12. 

VALENTINE’S DAY CRAFT 

Thursday, February 4, 4 p.m. 

Ages 3-12. 

HAMILTON BRANCH 


Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. 



HAMPDEN BRANCH 





The Tooth Fairy’s Guide to Terrific Smiles 

Central Library; Tuesday, February 23, 10:30 a.m. 

HERRING RUN BRANCH 

Ages 6-12. In honor of National Tooth Fairy Day (February 28) and National Children’s Dental Health 

Month, Baltimore’s National Museum of Dentistry will present an oral health program focused on the 

importance of healthy dental habits, proper nutrition and all things tooth-related. Kids 

will practice brushing and flossing, explore healthy food choices, and find out how their 

teeth grow. Call 410-396-5402 to register groups of 5 or more. 




Thursdays, 10 a.m. 

ROADBLOCKS TO FREEDOM 


Ages 6-12. Play a game that honors civil 

rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. and 

his famous March on Washington. Winners 

receive small prizes. 

POLLOCK PAINTS A PICTURE 

Tuesday, January 26, 3:30 p.m. 

Ages 6-12. Hear paint stories and learn 

about the painter Jackson Pollock. Then 

paint something to show your artistic genius. 

Bring a smock or old cover-up shirt. 

DAY AND NIGHT, DARKNESS AND LIGHT 

Monday, February 22, 3:30 p.m. 

Ages 6-12. Stories and a craft. 

LIGHT STREET BRANCH 





MOVIE MATINEE 


Ages 6-12. Grab a bag of popcorn and 

watch short 16mm children’s films on a 

real movie screen. 

NORTHWOOD BRANCH 

CHAPTER BY CHAPTER – COVER TO COVER 

Wednesdays, 4 p.m. 

Ages 6-12. Join us for a read aloud; listen 

or take a turn reading aloud. 





ORLEANS STREET BRANCH 



TERRIFIC TWOS 


FIFTY NIFTY UNITED STATES 


Ages 6-12. Learn facts about the states through 

books, maps, the Internet, activities and a craft. 

VIRTUAL SNOWFLAKE 


Ages 6-12. Learn how snowflakes are 

formed and make your own using paper or 

a virtual flake using the Internet. 

LOVE MY LIBRARY 

Thursday, February 11, 3:30 p.m. 

Ages 6-12. Take a tour, read library 

stories, and play library games. 

A MOUNTAIN OF MITTENS 

Tuesday, February 23, 3:30 p.m. 

Ages 6-12. Read A Mountain of 

Mittens by Lynn Plourde 

and enjoy games, 

finger plays, and a 

craft. 

PATTERSON PARK BRANCH 


Mondays (except Jan. 18 & Feb. 15), 11 a.m. 

Spanish friendly. 

AFTERSCHOOL STORYTIME 

Tuesdays, 3:15 p.m. 

Ages 6-12. 



Spanish friendly. 

WHAT DID DR. KING DO FOR YOU? 

January 11 to 14 

Ages 6-12. Answer questions about Martin 

Luther King and win a prize. 

WHO DO YOU LOVE? 

WHO DO YOU LIKE? 

Wednesday, February 10, 4 p.m. 

Ages 6-12. Make a card for the important 

people in your life. 

PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE BRANCH 





A-ONE STORIES 

Wednesday, January 13, 4 p.m. 

Ages 6-12. Stories, activities, authors and 

illustrators that feature the letter A or 

number 1. 

CATCHING SOME ZZZZ’S 


Ages 6-12. Listen to stories and participate 

in activities featuring the last letter of 

the alphabet, Z. 

WHAT’S BLACK AND WHITE 

AND RED ALL OVER? 


Ages 6-12. Stories and activities that feature 

black-and-white animals and objects 

plus the color red. 

ROLAND PARK BRANCH 


Mondays (except Jan. 18 & Feb. 15), 

1:30 p.m. & Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. 



BOOKOPOLY 

Wednesday, January 13, 3:30 p.m. 

Brendan Buckley’s Universe and Everything 

In It by Sundee Tucker Frazier 

Wednesday, February 10, 3:30 p.m. 

A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban 

Ages 6-12. 

SOUTHEAST ANCHOR LIBRARY 


Mondays (except Jan. 18 & Feb. 15), 11 a.m. 

BUENA CASA, BUENA BRASA (MOTHER 

GOOSE ON THE LOOSE IN SPANISH) 

Todos los martes (Tuesdays), 10:30 a.m. 

Canciones, rimas, cuentos, y juegos, para 

los niños (0-3 años) y los padres o 

cuidadores. 


Thursdays, 11 a.m. 

2 / January & February 2010

Just For Teens 

LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW! 


Ages 6-12. Hear stories about wintry 

weather and make paper snowflakes. 

OPEN MINDS 

Mondays, February 1, 8, & 22; 

Wednesdays in February, 4 p.m. 

Ages 8-11. Listen to fun stories as inspiration, 

learn how to use a digital camera to 

express your ideas, and uncover the variety 

of careers related to the arts. A special 

treat will be a multi-week residency led by 

Philadelphia performance artist Sebastienne 

Munheim. Presented in partnership 

with the Creative Alliance. Registration 

required; call Karen Summerville at 410- 

276-1651 or karen@creativealliance.org to 

register. 

VALENTINE’S DAY CELEBRATION 

Tuesday, February 9, 4 p.m. 

Ages 6-12. Make a card to capture your 

valentine’s heart and enjoy a snack. 

WALBROOK BRANCH 


Mondays (except Jan. 18 & Feb. 15), 10:30 

a.m. 


Mondays (except Jan. 18 & Feb. 15), 1 p.m. 

WHAT’S YOUR DREAM? 

Throughout the month of January 

Ages 3-12. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a 

dream. What’s yours? Add your dream to 

our wall of dreams. 

APPRECIATE A DRAGON 

January 11-16 (except Jan. 15), 2:30 p.m. 

Ages 6-12. In honor of Appreciate a 

Dragon Day, make a paper bag dragon 

puppet and cast your vote for your favorite 

dragon book. 

WASHINGTON VILLAGE BRANCH 


Thursdays, 1 p.m. 

WAVERLY BRANCH 





AFTER SCHOOL READ IT AND CREATE IT 

Mondays, January 4 & 11, 3:30 p.m. 

Ages 6-12. Read There is a Bird on Your 

Head! by Mo Willems or one of his other 

books. Create crafty pig and elephant 

characters. 

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY 

Saturday, February 13, 10:30 a.m. 

Ages 3-12. Stories and crafts to make and 

give. 

PANCAKE! PANCAKE! 


Ages 3-12. To celebrate International 

Pancake Day, join us for stories, fun and 

pancakes of course. 

Mother Goose on the Loose is an 

interactive nursery rhyme program 

with music and movement for 

children up to age three and their 

caregivers. 

Preschool Storytime is a program 

of stories for children ages 3-5. 

Terrific Twos is a program 

with books, bubbles, rhymes, and 

bouncing balls for two year olds and 

their caregivers. 


LEARN ABOUT THE EXCITING 

CAREER OF A DOULA 

Tuesday, January 12, 4 p.m. 

Meet students from the Johns Hopkins 

School of Nursing who are training as doulas. 


HOOKED: CROCHETING FOR TEENS 

Tuesdays (except Jan. 5), 3 p.m. 

Learn the basics of crocheting and work on 

mini projects. All skill levels welcome. Supplies 

will be available. Call 410-396-1168 to register. 

EXPRESSIONS: POETIC VERSE 

Tuesdays, January 5 & February 2, 5 p.m. 

Unlock your inner poet by using your 

thoughts, feelings, and emotions to create 

poetry. 

WII PLAY @ YOUR LIBRARY 

Thursdays, January 28 & February 25, 3:30 p.m. 

Race your way through Mario Kart, bowl 

against your friends, or rock along with 

Guitar Hero. 

SONGWRITING: PERFORMING LIFE’S ART 

Thursdays, February 4 & 18, 5 p.m. 

Local artist Jaghai will help you discover 

the songwriter in you. 

BE MINE: VALENTINE’S DAY CRAFT 

Wednesday, February 10, 3:30 p.m. 

GOVANS BRANCH 

UNO TOURNAMENT 

Tuesday, January 19, 4 p.m. 

ANTI-VALENTINE’S DAY GAME NIGHT 


No hearts or mushy stuff…lots of 

chocolate and board games. 


GET READY, GET SET, PLAY GAMES 


Drop in for a variety of Wii video and 

board games. Bring your own games or 

play one of ours. 

GREAT STORIES BOOK CLUB 


Marked by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast 


Tattoo Artists by Jeanne Nagle 

VALENTINE’S DAY CRAFTS 



PRESS PLAY 


Show off your gaming skills with Wii and 

board games. 

READ ME 


Teen forum to discuss book themes 

relating to everyday life. 

ORLEANS STREET BRANCH 

ORIGAMI 


Learn how to create flowers, monsters, 

hats and more with construction paper. 

WII @ ORLEANS 

Wednesdays, January 13 & 27; February 

17, 3:30 p.m. 

TEENS, FRIENDS, AND FAMILY GAME 

BOARD NIGHT 

Thursdays, January 28 & February 11, 6 p.m. 

KARAOKE NIGHT 


Come sing your heart out. 

Interns Needed 


Community Youth Corps Program Seeks Interns 

MAKE YOUR NEXT MOVE 

Wednesdays, January 13 & February 10, 4 p.m. 

Make your next move in a game of Wii, 

Uno or Connect Four. 

PEN NSYLVAN IA AVEN U E BRANCH 

CHESS KINGS 

Mondays (except Jan. 18 & Feb. 15) & 

Wednesdays, 3 p.m. 

A chess club for beginners and experts alike. 

ANIME REVIEW 

Mondays (except Jan. 18 & Feb. 15), 

3:30 p.m. 

Enjoy an hour of anime and manga with 

light refreshments. 

WII OPEN PLAY 

Saturdays, January 9 & February 13, noon 

Compete against your friends. 


MASTER THE ART 

Tuesdays, January 5 & February 2, 3:30 p.m. 

Meet the masters, and make your own 

masterpiece using various art techniques. 

Supplies provided. 

READY, SET, PLAY! 

Thursdays, January 7 & February 4, 3:30 p.m. 

Join your friends and play an assortment 

of classic board games. 

NOT YOUR AVERAGE CAREER: 

MOBILE CRIME UNIT 

Wednesday, January 13, 10:30 a.m. 

John French of the Baltimore Police 

Department’s Mobile Crime Unit will 

discuss what real crime scene investigators 

do every day. 

The Pratt Library’s Office of School and Student Services 

is now accepting applications for the Community 

Youth Corps Program. If you are in middle or 

high school and want to earn community service 

learning credit at the library, here is your chance. 

Become a Community Youth Corps Intern and be an 

important part of the Enoch Pratt Free Library and 

your community. Pick up an application at any Pratt 

library or by logging on to www.smartlink.org. 

The Community Youth Corps and other young adult 

programs are supported by an Anonymous Donor, 

The Baltimore Community Foundation, and The 

Helena Foundation. 

CHESS MASTERS 

Tuesdays, January 19 & February 16, 3:30 p.m. 

Play chess with the giant chess set during 

our monthly chess club. Beginners and 

experts welcome. 

WII OPEN PLAY 

Thursdays, January 21 & February 25, 

3:30 p.m. 

Compete against your friends. 

D.I.Y. CRAFT 


Candy Sushi 

LOTS OF DRAMA 

Thursdays, February 11 & 18, 3:30 p.m. 

Ages 12-18. A two-week acting workshop 

focusing on improvisation, monologue, 

and scene work. Limited to 20 participants. 


DTLR BOOK DISCUSSION 


The Beautiful Struggle by Ta-Nehisi Coates 

Pick up a free copy of this month’s book at 

the library’s Teen Desk. 


WAVERLY MANGA CLUB 

Wednesdays, January 6 & February 3, 5:30 p.m. 

Watch and review anime shows and other 

graphic novels. 

TEEN GAME NIGHT 

Wednesdays, January 13 & February 10, 

5:30 p.m. 

Enjoy an evening of video and board 

games. Refreshments provided. 

January & February 2010 / 3

Films @ The Pratt 

Free Family Flicks @ 

the Central Library 

FLUSHED AWAY 

Saturday, January 30, 2 p.m., 

Wheeler Auditorium 

A pampered 

British rat named 

Roddy who, while 

attempting to rid the 

house of unwanted 

(and unwashed) 

guest Sid, is flushed 

into the London 

sewer system. Used 

to the good life, Roddy finds he must 

now make it on his own in the sewer 

world of Ratropolis, where the villainous 

ruler Toad has it in for all rodents. (Rated 

PG; 90 min.) 

monsters vs. aliens 

Saturday, February 6, 2 p.m., 


When a meteorite 

from outer space 

hits a young girl 

and douses her 

with the alien liquid 

Quantonium, it 

turns her into a 

48-foot tall monster. 

She is then taken to 

a secret government compound where 

she meets a ragtag group of monsters 

also rounded up over the years. This 

crew of reluctant heroes is asked to 

save the earth from the evil alien 

Gallaxhar in this animated comedy. 

(Rated PG; 94 min.) 

CENTRAL LIBRARY, Wheeler auditorium 

THE MIRACLE OF 

MORGAN’S CREEK 

Saturday, January 23, 10:15 a.m. 

This Preston Sturges farce concerns 

small town girl Trudy (Betty Hutton), 

who attends a party “to see the boys 

off” during World War II, gets drunk, 

gets pregnant, and marries a soldier she has only met once. She 

then enlists the aid of her hapless boyfriend, 4-F Norval Jones 

(Eddie Bracken), to try to straighten out the situation. (Directed by 

Preston Sturges, USA, 1944, 98 min.) 

THE APARTMENT 


Billy Wilder’s dark comedy about love, 

loneliness, and ambition is set against 

the crass commercialization and urban 

alienation of the winter holidays. C.C. 

“Bud” Baxter (Jack Lemmon) scrambles 

up the corporate ladder by letting the big 

shots use his apartment for their extramarital 

affairs, but complications arise 

when Bud falls in love with Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine), 

the latest mistress of his philandering boss (Fred MacMurray). 

(Directed by Billy Wilder, USA, 1960, 125 min., b&w) 

A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH 

(U.S.: STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN) 


A British bomber pilot (David Niven), 

whose plane has just been hit by enemy 

fire, falls in love with an American radio 

operator (Kim Hunter) as he goes to a sure 

death. But, due to a mix-up in heaven, he 

survives, leading to many complications. 

The young lovers are aided in their plight 

by a British doctor-turned-lawyer (Roger 

Livesey). (Directed by Michael Powell, Great Britain, 1946, 104 min.) 

GUN CRAZY 



Gun Crazy is both a classic film noir and a 

love story in which the couple, John Dall 

and Peggy Cummins, go together like 

guns and ammo. The story (co-written by 

the blacklisted Dalton Trumbo) follows 

the ill-fated romance between carnival 

sharpshooters Bart Tare (Dall) and Annie 

Laurie Starr (Cummins) as they abandon 

sideshow performance for the loot-andshoot 

thrills of bankrobbing. (Directed by 

Joseph H. Lewis, USA, 1950, 86 min., b&w) 

A VALENTINE FOR FILM LOVERS: 

MY DEAR SECRETARY 


In this classic romantic comedy 

from 1949, Kirk Douglas stars as 

Owen Waterbury, a bestselling 

novelist. Waterbury recruits aspiring 

writer Stephanie ‘Steve’ Gaylord 

(Larraine Day) as his latest secretary. 

The stars in her eyes fade when she finds 

she is to work in his apartment with a 

constant parade of eccentric visitors and slapstick provided by 

klutzy roommate Ronnie (Keenan Wynn). (94 min., b&w) 

LearningExpress 

Library 

In addition to print collections, the 

Pratt Library has online resources to 

help you prepare effectively for standardized 

testing or take a skills building 

course or build a better resume. 

Using the online LearningExpress 

Library, you can choose from a wide 

range of resources to help you achieve 

your goals. 

LearningExpress Library offers 

practice tests (AP, SAT, Graduate 

School Aptitude Tests, ASVAB, and 

many others), skill building courses 

(4th grade to adult), job hunting skills 

(creating a resume, cover letters, 

interviews) and many other resources 

to help you accomplish your goals. 

[www.prattlibrary.org/find answers/ 

databases]. 

After you set up your own free 

personal account, you will be given a 

selection of online courses and practice 

tests, instant online scoring, a record 

giving you customized analyses of your 

strengths and weaknesses, and personalized 

recommendations for continued 

improvement of your scores. All 

of your answers are saved in your 

personal “My Center” page, which 

ensures complete privacy. 

Whatever your interests 

and goals, LearningExpress 

Library has everything you 

need in one place. 

Non-Profit Management & 

Fundraising Classes 

Presented by Andrea Snyder, Grants Collection Manager 


BEFORE YOU SEEK A GRANT 

Wednesday, January 13, 1 - 3 p.m., Poe Room 

For representatives of community groups without nonprofit 

status or new nonprofits with very little experience in grantseeking. 

Learn what you need to do before approaching foundations 

for funding, how to incorporate and where to get help. 

INTRODUCTION TO FUNDRAISING RESOURCES 

AT THE PRATT LIBRARY 

Thursday, February 25, 10 a.m. – noon, Public Computer Center 

Find out about the treasure-trove of books, magazines, directories 

and databases available at the Pratt Library. This session will 

introduce you to the Grants Collection, the Foundation Center's 

information-packed website and databases, and other fundraising 

resources for nonprofits. This session will include hands on 

practice using fundraising resources such as Foundation Directory 

Online. 

Jobs And Careers 

JOB SEARCHING 101 

Tuesday, January 12, 2 p.m., Central Library, Poe Room 

Tuesday, February 16, 10:30 a.m., Brooklyn Branch 

Want to jump start your job search? Learn about 

job searching, networking, résumé writing, and 

interviewing. If you have a résumé, feel free to 

bring along a paper copy to discuss. 

SOCIAL NETWORKING AND YOUR JOB SEARCH 

Saturday, February 6, 10 a.m., 

Central Library, Poe Room 

Learn about LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter 

and Blogging and how to use these tools 

to navigate your job search. Presented by 

career coach Darlene McDaniel. 


Computer Classes 

Central Library, Public Computer Center. 

Call 410-396-5430 or 410-545-6319 to register. 

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS 

Tuesday, January 5, 2 p.m. & Thursday, January 21, 10 a.m. 

BUSINESS RESEARCH 101 

Wednesday, January 6, 10 a.m. 

INTRODUCTION TO WINDOWS 

Tuesday, January 12, 2 p.m. & Thursday, January 28, 10 a.m. 

CREATE A RÉSUMÉ 

Thursday, January 14, 10 a.m. 

INTRODUCTION TO WORD I 

Tuesday, January 19, 2 p.m. & Thursday, February 4, 10 a.m. 

INTRODUCTION TO WORD II 

Tuesday, January 26, 2 p.m. & Thursday, February 11, 10 a.m. 

FACEBOOK 


INTRODUCTION TO THE INTERNET 

Tuesday, February 2, 2 p.m. & Thursday, February 18, 10 a.m. 

INTRODUCTION TO ONLINE JOB SEARCHING 


SETTING UP AN E-MAIL ACCOUNT 

Tuesday, February 16, 10 a.m. 

Free Computer Classes 

Introduction to Windows, Surfing the Internet, Microsoft 

Word, and Microsoft Excel are offered at the Pratt Centers for 

Technology Training located at the Southeast Anchor Library and 

the Orleans Street, Northwood, and Pennsylvania Avenue branch 

libraries. You must be registered to attend. Call 410-545-0702 for 

information and class schedules. 

4 / January & February 2010

Black History Month 

BOOK DISCUSSIONS 

CENTRAL LI BRARY 

Saturday, January 30, 10:15 a.m. 

The Naming of the Dead 

by Ian Rankin 


My Stroke of Insight 

by Jill Bolte Taylor 


A PLACE AT THE FRONT OF THE BUS 

Thursday, February 4, 10 a.m. 

Ages 6-12. Celebrate Rosa Parks’ birthday 

by answering questions about African 

American heritage. Call 410-396-5402 to 

register groups of 5 or more. 


BUFFALO SOLDIERS 


Ages 6-12. Who were the Buffalo Soldiers? 

Are they still around? Look back at 

African American and American history 

through books. Call 410-396-1120 to 

register groups of 5 or more. 


HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW? 

Friday, February 5, 3 p.m. 

Ages 6-12. Competitive team playing with 

trivia facts about Black History. 

BLACK HISTORY: 

THE LEGACY CONTINUES 


An intergenerational panel discusses 

the pre- and post- Civil Rights era, the 

present challenges and triumphs the 

community faces, and the hopes and 

dreams for the future. 


BLACK HISTORY MONTH’S 

ANNUAL CELEBRATION PRESENTED 

BY THE BLACK WRITERS GUILD 


A family program of original poetry, songs 

and readings from members of the Black 

Writers Guild. 


LET ME IN, LET ME OUT 


A storytime about walls & fences, 

including two Humpty Dumpty stories, 

and a roadblock game for Black History 

Month. 

Programs For Families 


WHAT’S THE BUZZ ALL ABOUT? 

January 24 to February 28, 1 p.m. 

Help us celebrate the 100th anniversary of 

the Forest Park Branch by joining our circle 

of quilters. A hundred years ago quilt making 

was a way to bring family, friends and 

communities together, to socialize and to 

exchange information. Join our quilting 

bees: bring pieces of your own fabrics, needles 

and thread so that we can reminisce 

about the past and talk about the future 

as we sew together a magnificent quilt. 

OPEN HOUSE: CELEBRATING 100 YEARS 

OF LIBRARY SERVICE 

Wednesdays, January 27 & February 

24, 6:30 p.m. 

Meet the staff, tour the library, sign up for 

library cards, check out books, and learn 

about our programs and services. 

H ERRI NG RU N BRANCH 

THERE’S STILL MORE BREWING 

AT THE LIBRARY 

Tuesday, January 12, 6:30 p.m. 

Join us for our 2nd annual hot tea party 

in celebration of National Hot Tea Month. 

MEET THE AUTHOR 

barbara lee 

Renegade for 

Peace & Justice 

Sunday, January 24, 2 p.m. 

Central Library, 


Congresswoman Barbara Lee was first 

elected to represent California’s ninth 

Congressional District in 1998. In addition to being one of Congress’ 

most vocal opponents to the war in Iraq, she has been a leader in 

promoting policies that foster international peace, security and 

human rights. 

Congresswoman Lee is a graduate of Mills College and UC/Berkeley. 

Prior to being elected to Congress, she served in the California 

legislature for eight years. Congresswoman Lee is currently serving as 

the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. 


BLACK HISTORY WEDNESDAYS 

Wednesdays in February 

Do you know about the many 

contributions African Americans have 

made to your daily life? Answer questions, 

find out facts, and win a prize. 


SOUL ON CANVAS: 

THE ART OF URSULA CAIN-JORDAN 


Maryland artist Ursula Cain-Jordan finds 

her inspiration in the everyday struggles 

she witnesses in her own experiences, her 

environment, and her community. Join 

us as she discusses what brings her 

inspiration and how she expresses that in 

her unique and thought-provoking art. 

BE MINE, VALENTINE 


Create a Valentine’s Day card for family 

and friends and anyone who’s special 

to you. 


ART FOR EVERYONE 

Saturdays, January 16 & February 20, 10 a.m. 

Explore different art forms and learn to 

make original artwork using a variety of 

materials. Presented by Sandy Anderson. 


SATURDAY STORYTIME 

Saturdays, 1:30 p.m. 

Stories and a craft for 

the whole family. 

WALBROOK BRANCH 

A DISPLAY OF HEROES 

Throughout the month of February 

Ages 3-12. Tell us who your African- 

American hero is and why, and pick out a 

book about that hero to put on display. 

CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH 


Ages 6-12. Hear the stories of some important 

African Americans throughout history. 

BE CREATIVE 


Ages 6-12. Create art in the style of 

famous African-American artists. 


AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH 

TRIVIA NIGHT 


Trivia contest, quizzes, crossword puzzles 

and online scavenger hunts. 

POETRY 

OUT LOUD 

Sponsored by the Maryland State Arts Council 


Central Library, Wheeler Auditorium 

Aaron Henkin of WYPR-FM will 

host the Maryland State Poetry Out 

Loud finals featuring nine regional 

winners who will compete for the 

championship, a $200 prize, and an 

all-expense paid trip to Washington, 

DC for the national competition 

April 25-27. Music will be provided 

by Bruce Casteel. 

The Maryland State Arts Council has 

partnered with the National Endowment 

for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation 

to conduct the 2010 Poetry Out Loud 

competition, which awards more than 

$100,000 in prizes to students and 

schools at the state and national levels. 

Maryland’s competition is open to 11th 

and 12th graders from public and 

private schools across the state. For 

information, email Christine 

Stewart, cstewart@msac.org. 

CH ERRY H I LL BRANCH 


Woodholme: A Black Man’s Story 

of Growing Up Alone 

by DeWayne Wickham 


Michelle: A Biography by Liza Mundy 

H ERRI NG RU N BRANCH 


Just After Sunset by Stephen King 


Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer 

PEN NSYLVAN IA AVEN U E BRANCH 


The Help by Kathryn Stockett 


Sag Harbor by Colson Whitehead 


In a Shade of Blue: Pragmatism 

and the Politics of Black America 

by Eddie S. Glaude, Jr. 


If the Shoe Fits by Marilynn Griffith 



Trading Dreams at Midnight 

by Diane McKinney-Whetstone 

Business Matters 

Central Li brary, Poe Room 


HOW TO START AND 

FINANCE YOUR BUSINESS 

Saturdays, January 9 & 16, 11 a.m. 

Learn how to start and finance 

a business, including registering 

with the State of Maryland, IRS, 

business plan breakdown, credit and 

financing. Presented by the Small 

Business Administration. 

SECU PRESENTS: 

MONEY MANAGEMENT 

Monday, January 25, 6 p.m. 

Learn how to re-create your 

spending plan, find the extra cash 

to meet financial goals and use the 

right tools to track your spending. 


SETTING FINANCIAL GOALS 

Monday, February 1, 6 p.m. 

Learn how to create effective shortterm, 

mid-term, and long term goals 

and how to achieve those goals 

without significantly altering your 

lifestyle. 

TAX PREPARATION ASSISTANCE 

Fridays, February 5 & 19, 10 a.m. 

Help is available for taxpayers who 

make less than $49,000 a year. Tax 

payers must bring tax forms (W-2's 

or 1099's) and Social Security cards 

for each dependent. Picture ID 

voided checks necessary for direct 

deposit. Sponsored by the Baltimore 

CASH Campaign. 


UNDERSTANDING YOUR CREDIT 


Learn what shows up and what 

doesn’t on your credit report 

and how to dispute inaccurate 

information. Learn your score, what 

it means, and how to improve 

it along with the myths about 

establishing and repairing credit. 

January & February 2010 / 5

Writers LIVE! 

Readings and Book Signings 

Podcasts 

Selected writers 

now available. 

Hear them at 

www.prattlibrary.org. 

All programs will be held at the Central Library, unless otherwise indicated. 

Copies of the authors’ books will be on sale at book signings following the programs. 

Fred Emil Katz 

Our Quest for Effective Living: 

How We Cope in Social Space; 

A Window to a New Science 

Wednesday, January 6, 6:30 p.m., Poe Room 

Science is more than observation of what exists in nature: science 

is adventure of the mind. It took many creative leaps of the mind 

to produce science as sophisticated as modern physics and genetic 

biology. In his new book, Fred Katz offers creative leaps about the social space in which 

we humans live our lives. Katz taught sociology at various universities, including the State 

University of New York/Buffalo and Tel Aviv University. 

Vic Carter 

From Yonder to Here: 

A Memoir of Dr. Ozell Sutton 

Tuesday, January 12, 6:30 p.m., Poe Room 

WJZ-TV anchor Vic Carter tells the compelling story of Ozell 

Sutton, a civil rights pioneer who risked his life to ensure the 

rights of others. From rural Arkansas, Dr. Sutton conducted voter 

registration in the South and helped select and train “The Little Rock Nine.” He later 

worked for the Department of Justice as a conciliator and forced rural police departments 

to offer adequate protection to marchers. At age 23 Vic Carter received broadcasting’s 

highest honor, the George Foster Peabody Award. He was named Journalist of the Year 

by the University of Georgia’s School of Journalism and was inducted into the National 

Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame. 

Josh Weil 

The New Valley: Novellas 

Wednesday, January 27, 6:30 p.m., Poe Room 

Josh Weil’s The New Valley, published last year, was honored with 

a “5 Under 35” National Book Award. Set in the hardscrabble 

hill country between West Virginia and Virginia, the three linked 

novellas open up the private worlds of three very different men 

as they confront love, loss, and their own personal demons. Since 

earning his MFA from Columbia University, Josh Weil has received many fellowships 

and grants and is the 2009 Tickner Fellow and writer-in-residence at Gilman School in 

Baltimore. 

Fran Allen McKinney 

Been Through, Going 

Through The Journey 

Wednesday January 27, 6 p.m., Northwood Branch 

Wednesday, February 10, 6:30 p.m., Poe Room 

In her new book, Fran Allen McKinney offers the experiences of her life as a life-line for 

others: the confirmation that you are not alone, validation that you are not crazy, and 

realization that you will survive the twists and turns of life. A native of Omaha, Nebraska, 

McKinney served nearly eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps. She earned a Bachelor’s 

degree in business from Johns Hopkins University and now serves as District Director for 

Congressman Elijah E. Cummings. 

Peter E. Dans 

Christians in the Movies: 

A Century of Saints and Sinners 

Sunday, January 31, 2 p.m., Wheeler Auditorium 

For a long time the portrayal of Christians in cinema was largely 

favorable, but around 1970 this changed and Christianity was 

mocked on the silver screen. Reviewing nearly 175 films from 

1905 to 2007, Peter Dans explores this shift and the associated societal and cultural 

changes that took place in the later decades of the 20th century. Peter Dans is the author 

of Doctors in the Movies, Perry’s Baltimore Adventure, and Life on the Lower East Side. 

Dennis Barnes 

Shades of Light 

Saturday, February 6, 2 p.m., Roland Park Branch 

Poet Dennis Barnes graduated from Pennsylvania State 

University. He leads poetry workshops and readings throughout 

the Baltimore area for Poets’ Ink. His poems have been published 

in more than 30 magazines and anthologies, including the 

Christian Science Monitor. Barnes was the 2005 recipient of the 

People’s Poetry “Done the Most to Advance Poetry” award. 

Shades of Light is his first book of poetry. 

Neil Sheehan 

A Fiery Peace in a 

Cold War: Bernard 

Schriever and the 

Ultimate Weapon 

Wednesday, February 3, 6:30 p.m., 

wheeler auditorium 

Neil Sheehan, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning classic, A 

Bright Shining Lie, tells the story of the nuclear arms race that 

changed history and the visionary American Air Force officer, 

Bernard Schriever, who led the high-stakes effort. He details 

Schriever’s quest to prevent the Soviet Union from acquiring 

nuclear superiority, to penetrate and exploit space for America, 

and to build the first weapons meant to deter an atomic holocaust 

rather than to be fired in anger. A Fiery Peace in a Cold War was 

named “one of the 10 best books of 2009” by Publishers Weekly. 

Grant Wahl 

The Beckham Experiment: 

How the World’s Most Famous 

Athlete Tried to Conquer America 

Wednesday, February 17, 7 p.m., Wheeler Auditorium 

In 2007, David Beckham left the comfort and security of European 

soccer and embarked on a new and risky adventure in the U.S. with 

the L.A. Galaxy. Sports writer Grant Wahl spent two years following 

Beckham and the Galaxy and, in The Beckham Experiment, 

provides the behind-the-scenes drama of Beckham’s time on the road in one of sports’ most 

fascinating gambles. In 12 years at Sports Illustrated, Grant Wahl has written 31 cover stories 

and covered five World Cups, three Olympics, and 12 NCAA basketball tournaments. 

Gil L. Robertson IV 

Family Affair: What It Means 

To Be African American Today 

Saturday, February 20, 2 p.m. , Central Library, Poe Room 

This collection of personal stories and short essays, edited by 

Gil Robertson, addresses a wide range of issues and emotions 

facing African Americans: family, culture, relationships, 

community, and self. Contributors include Isaac Hayes, Ruby 

Dee, Isaiah Washington, Beverly Johnson, and Victoria Rowell. 

Gil Robertson is a national authority on African American pop 

culture and co-founder of the African American Film Critics Association. He is also the 

author of Writing as a Tool of Empowerment, a resource book for media professionals, and 

the editor of Not in My Family: AIDS in the African American Community. 

Alexandra Natapoff 

Snitching: Criminal 

Information and the 

Erosion of American Justice 

Sunday, February 21, 2 p.m., Poe Room 

Alexandra Natapoff, professor of law at Loyola Law School 

in Los Angeles, is an award-winning scholar and a nationallyrecognized 

expert on snitching in the criminal justice system. In her book, she discusses 

the widespread use of criminal informants, the legal, cultural and political consequences, 

from street to drug crime to Hip Hop music, the FBI, and terrorism. Natapoff served as 

an assistant federal public defender in Baltimore from 1998 to 2003. 

Christopher Corbett 

The Poker Bride: 

The First Chinese in the Wild West 

Wednesday, February 24, 6:30 p.m., Poe Room 

When gold rush fever gripped the globe in 1849, thousands of 

Chinese immigrants came through San Francisco on their way to 

seek their fortunes. In The Poker Bride, Christopher Corbett looks 

at this Chinese experience through a little-known legend from 

Idaho lore, the story of Polly, a young Chinese concubine, won by 

a white gambler in a poker game in Idaho. Corbett is the author of Orphans Preferred: The 

Twisted Truth and Lasting Legend of the Pony Express and Vacationland; he writes the popular 

“Back Page” column for Style magazine and teaches at UMBC. 

6 January & February 2010

Programs For Adults 

WATCH, 

LOOK, LISTEN… 


CANTON BRANCH 


Become a fan and follow the 

latest news from the Pratt 

Library on Facebook, Twitter, 

MySpace, You Tube 

and Flickr. 

ROOKS AND BOOKS 

Tuesdays, January 12 & February 9, 

3:30 p.m., Central Hall 

Chess sets are provided for play, but 

you’re welcome to bring your own set. 

power of the purse: 

7 wealthy habits presented 

by deborah owens 

Tuesday, February 2, 6:30 p.m., Poe Room 

Are you leading 

an “unwealthy” 

lifestyle? What’s your 

worst bad habit when 

it comes to your 

finances? Financial 

lifestyle coach 

Deborah Owens 

will answer your 

questions and show 

you how to develop the seven “wealthy” 

habits. Owens’ new book, A Purse of Your 

Own: An Easy Guide to Personal Finance, 

will be on sale at a book signing following 

her program. 

Baltimore cash presents: 

do-it-yourself (DIY) 

financial resources 

Tuesday, February 9, 6 p.m., Poe Room 

Learn about e-filing taxes, credit repair, 

debt collection and other DIY financial 

tools. 


TEACHER OPEN HOUSE 

Thursday, January 7, noon - 5 p.m. 

Teachers and support staff from Brooklyn/ 

Curtis Bay schools are invited to an Open 

House. 

LEARN HOW TO JUMP START 

YOUR SMALL BUSINESS 


Tonia McCoy will explain how to develop 

and execute a successful business plan. 

QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR CREDIT REPORT? 


Linus Campbell of Consumer Credit Counseling 

of Maryland will discuss credit reports, 

how to get a copy and how to understand it. 

CANTON MEMORIES 


Sponsored by the Friends of the Canton 

Library, this program features a local 

speaker presenting a unique aspect of 

Canton’s history, displays of historic 

Canton memorabilia, and refreshments. 

CH ERRY H I LL BRANCH 

KNITTING & CROCHETING CIRCLE 

Thursdays, 2 p.m. 

For people of all skill levels. 

WII PLAY FOR ADULTS & SENIORS 

Wednesdays, January 27 & February 24, 

3:30 p.m. 

Rejuvenate your body and your mind with 

fun games including tennis, bowling, and golf. 


UNTANGLED YARN: KNITTING FOR 

BEGINNERS AND BEYOND 


Learn the two basic knitting stitches, how 

to cast on, how to bind off, how to read 

a knitting pattern and more. Bring your 

own knitting needles and yarn. 


TIME TO KNIT 

Mondays (except Jan. 18 & Feb. 15), 6:45 p.m. 

Join other knitters for camaraderie and 

to give and get help. Crochet and other 

needlework projects are welcome, too. 

LOVE & LITERATURE 


Meet new people, share a passage from your 

favorite book during a two minute speed 

read, and socialize over dessert fondue. 

G I V I N G @ T H E P R A T T 

Thank You, Pratt Donors 

In 2009, you stepped up to the plate to support the Pratt and our customers. 

We thank you, and so do the more than 1.7 million people who entered the 

doors of the Central Library and our neighborhood branches. A 32% increase 

over 2008 attendance, more people visited the Pratt than attended Ravens 

games. The Pratt continues to be one of Baltimore’s top destinations! 

With your financial support: 

• The Pratt helped people get jobs. Career workshops such as Résumé 

Preparation and Interviewing Techniques experienced a 92% increase 

in attendance, and people used Pratt computers to conduct employment 

searches and to create and submit online résumés. 

• The Pratt now has more than 500 public access computers, plus 

wireless capacity at the Central Library and most neighborhood 

branches. Pratt customers without home Internet service use Library 

computers for email, research and homework assistance and to surf the net. 

• The Pratt served over 94,000 children and teens through such 

programs as Mother Goose on the Loose, the Summer Reading program, 

Family Reading Circles and the Community Youth Corps. 

• More than 64,000 adults attended our Writers Live programs and visited 

exhibits and concerts offered at the Pratt, a 64% increase over 2008. 

• Families enjoy the Pratt’s “no-cost” entertainment, saving money by 

attending family films and borrowing DVDs 

All of this was made possible because of you, our loyal Pratt donors. Thank 

you for your continued support! 

NEW CONVERSATIONS/ 

CONVERSACIONES NUEVAS 


For speakers of both English and Spanish: 

casual conversation with fellow novices 

and fluent speakers. 

MONEY TALK 

Saturdays in January (except Jan. 2), 10:30 a.m. 

This four-week workshop will show you 

how to reach your financial goals and 

make good decisions. For more information, 

visit www.projectmoney.org. Limited 

to 10 participants; call Blanca at 410-522- 

5068 to register. 

REMEMBERING MARTIN LUTHER KING, 

JR.’S DREAM 


William Harrison from 100 Black Men 

of Maryland will read Dr. King’s “I Have 

a Dream” speech. Ron K. Williams, 

spoken word artist and freelance writer 

for the Baltimore Times, will read a poem 

honoring Dr. King, and the New Antioch 

Combined Choir will perform songs of 

hope and inspiration. 

PLANNING YOUR SPRING GARDEN 

WITH NATIVE PLANTS 

Monday, January 11, 6 p.m. 

Work with fellow gardeners and local 

experts – including Anne Fleshman from 

Baltimore Contained and Ashley Traut 

from Herring Run Watershed – to start 

planning your garden for the spring. Presented 

in conjunction with the Southeast 

Community Development Corporation 

and the Herring Run Watershed. 

GARDEN CLUB: INDOOR 

POTTED PLANT DECORATING 


Help the Garden Club of the Southeast 

Anchor Library with an indoor planting 

project. Decorate planters for the library 

using stencils, and create a pot to take 

home. 


GET FIT @ YOUR LIBRARY 

Mondays (except Jan. 18 & Feb. 15), noon 

Get your Monday workout to popular line 

dances, hip-hop, Caribbean, and African 

rhythms. Wear comfortable shoes and 

clothes. 

UNDERSTANDING THE GOOD FAITH 

ESTIMATE AND THE IMPORTANCE OF 

HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE 


A good faith estimate (GFE) is an official 

document that is required to be given to 

you within three days of your mortgage 

loan application. It outlines all of the costs 

associated with your home purchase and 

can be helpful when comparing competing 

mortgage offers. Also learn about 

homeowner insurance options and how to 

choose the policy best for you. 

THE BALTIMORE CITY HOMEBUYER’S 

GUIDE: ARE YOU PLANNING TO BUY 

A HOME IN BALTIMORE CITY? 


Learn about the purchase process, credit 

awareness and budget planning, finding 

your homebuying team and understanding 

the mortgage process. 

Be a Volunteer 

Volunteers play an important role throughout 

the Pratt Library system, performing a variety of 

activities and assignments at the Central Library, 

in the branches, and behind the scenes. To find 

out more, contact the Volunteer Services Office 

at 410-396-9940 or vso@prattlibrary.org. 

Pratt Advisory Council 

The Pratt Advisory Council is a citizens’ 

community forum that promotes interest, usage, 

and support of the Library and serves as an 

advisory council to the Board of Directors. The 

President of the Pratt Advisory Council serves as 

an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors. 

The Council’s next meeting is Wednesday, 

January 20, 6:15 p.m. at the Central Library. 

Call 410-545-7132 for information. 

Library Friends Meetings 

brooklyn BRANCH 

Friends of the Brooklyn Branch 

Meeting, Wednesday, January 20, 3 p.m. 

CANTON BRANCH 

Friends of the Canton Branch 

Meetings, Mondays, January 11 

& February 8, 6:30 p.m. 

light street BRANCH 

Friends of the Light Street Branch 

Meetings, Mondays, January 11 


pennsylvania avenue branch 

Friends of the Pennsylvania Avenue Branch 

Meetings, Wednesdays, January 27 



Friends of the Southeast Anchor Library 

Meetings, Thursdays, January 28 


LIBRARY BOARDS OF TRUSTEES AND DIRECTORS 

Vernon A. Reid (T/D) Nancy Hackerman (D) 

Chair, Board of Trustees 

and board of directors Robert S. Hillman (T) 

Sandra P. Gohn (T/D) Barbara A. Hoffman (T/D) 

Immediate Past Chair 

Sherrilyn A. Ifill (D) 

Stephenie M. Beran (T/D) 

Vice Chair, 

Mark Kaufman (D) 

board of directors 

Antonia Klima Keane 

Mary H. DeKuyper (T/D) 

Vice Chair, 

(T/D) 


Alexander W. Koff (D) 

Mary Baily Wieler (T/D) 

Vice Chair, 

Sayra Wells Meyerhoff (D) 


James Dabney Miller (T/D) 

Myron M. Oppenheimer (D) 

Treasurer 

James Piper III (T/D) 

Edward N. Kane, Jr. (D) 

Secretary 

Virginia K. Adams (T) 

Edward J. Brody (T) 

Mark R. Cheshire (T/D) 

Nancy Dorman (T/D) 

Christine M. 

Espenshade (D) 

Kate Rawson Powell (D) 

George L. Russell III (T/D) 

Jeffrey H. Scherr (T/D) 

Graylin E. Smith (D) 

Lorne B. Steedley (T/D) 

Marc Steiner (D) 

Garland O. Williamson (T) 

T = Trustee D = Director 

Meetings of the Library 

Directors and Trustees 

will be held Wednesday, March 3, 

at 6:15 p.m. at the Central Library. 

Compass is published six times a year by the 

Programs and Publications Department, Enoch 

Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, 

Maryland 21201-4484. 

The mission of the Enoch Pratt Free Library is to 

provide equal access to information and services 

that support, empower, and enrich all who pursue 

knowledge, education, cultural enrichment, and 

lifelong learning. The free cultural and educational 

programs at the Pratt libraries are made possible 

by the generous support of donors to the Enoch 

Pratt Free Library. 

January & February 2010 | 7

KING COMMEMORATIVE LECTURE January 16 

enoch pratt free library 

400 Cathedral Street 

Baltimore Maryland 21201-4484 

nonprofit org. 

u.s. postage 

paid 

baltimore md 

permit no. 3925 

King Commemorative Lecture: 

Chaplain Barry Black 

saturday, january 16, 2 p.m., Central Library 

Dr. Barry C. Black, Chaplain of the U.S. Senate, speaks at Pratt Library’s 

annual Martin Luther King celebration. See page 1. 

Pratt Contemporaries 

3rd Anniversary Celebration 

Saturday, January 30 

8:00 pm 


400 Cathedral Street 

Tickets: $45 

RSVP: 410-396-5283 or 

prattcontemporaries.org 

Black & White cocktail attire requested. 

Schapiro Lecture Series: Elisa New 

thursday, january 21, 7 p.m., central library 

Elisa New, author of Jacob’s Cane, talks about her Jewish family’s journey from 

Lithuania to the ports of London and Baltimore. See page 1. 

Booklovers’ Breakfast: Hill Harper 

Saturday, february 6, 8:30 a.m., 

baltimore marriott waterfront hotel 

Actor and author Hill Harper is the featured speaker at the Pratt Library’s 

annual Booklovers’ Breakfast. Admission: $40 per person. See page 1. 

Black History Month 

Free public programs at Pratt libraries, including a talk by Congresswoman 

Barbara Lee, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. Rep. Lee will be at the 

Central Library on January 24 to discuss her book, Renegade for Peace & Justice. 

See page 5. 

LOCATIONS / HOURS 

Upcoming Events at the Pratt 

B&WCompassAd4.5x5.35.pdf 11/30/09 1:04:56 PM 

All pratt libraries will be closed on: 

fridays, january 1 & 15; monday, january 18; monday, february 15 

Central Library / 

State Library Resource Center 

400 Cathedral Street, Baltimore, MD 21201 

PHONE: 410-396-5430 Fax: 410-396-1441 

Tty: 410-396-3761 

E-Mail: geninfo@prattlibrary.org 

telephone reference: Begins at 9 a.m., Mon.-Sat. 

HOURS: Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 

Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Sunday (October-May), 1 p.m.-5 p.m. 

Bookmobile 

PHONE: 410-396-0995 

HOURS: Call Bookmobile Headquarters for schedule. 

Brooklyn Branch 

300 East Patapsco Ave., Baltimore, MD 21225 

PHONE: 410-396-1120 Fax: 410-396-1698 

E-Mail: brk@prattlibrary.org 

HOURS: Monday & Wednesday, 12 p.m.-8 p.m. 

Tuesday & Thursday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 

Friday, Closed; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Canton Branch 

1030 South Ellwood Ave., Baltimore, MD 21224 / 

PHONE: 410-396-8548 Fax: 410-396-7491 

E-Mail: cnt@prattlibrary.org 


Tuesday, 12 p.m.-5:30 p.m. 

Thursday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 


Cherry Hill Branch 

606 Cherry Hill Road, Baltimore, MD 21225 

PHONE: 410-396-1168 Fax: 410-396-1174 

E-Mail: chr@prattlibrary.org 

HOURS: Monday, Closed 

Tuesday & Thursday, 12 p.m.-8 p.m. 

Wednesday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 

Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Clifton Branch 

2001 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21213 

PHONE: 410-396-0984 Fax: 410-396-0985 

E-Mail: clf@prattlibrary.org 

HOURS: Monday-Wednesday, 1 p.m.-5:30 p.m. 

Thursday & Saturday, Closed 

Friday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. 

Edmondson Avenue Branch 

4330 Edmondson Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21229 

Closed For Renovations 

Forest Park Branch 

3023 Garrison Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21216 

PHONE: 410-396-0942 Fax: 410-396-0945 

E-Mail: frs@prattlibrary.org 


Tuesday, 12 p.m.-5:30 p.m. 

Thursday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 


Govans Branch 

5714 Bellona Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21212 

PHONE: 410-396-6098 Fax: 410-396-6291 

E-Mail: gvn@prattlibrary.org 





Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Hamilton Branch 

5910 Harford Road, Baltimore, MD 21214 

PHONE: 410-396-6088 Fax: 410-396-6097 

E-Mail: hml@prattlibrary.org 

HOURS: Monday & Thursday, 12 p.m.-8 p.m. 

Tuesday & Wednesday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 

Friday, Closed 


Hampden Branch 

3641 Falls Road, Baltimore, MD 21211 

PHONE: 410-396-6043 Fax: 410-396-7152 

E-Mail: hmp@prattlibrary.org 






Herring Run Branch 

3801 Erdman Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21213 

PHONE: 410-396-0996 Fax: 410-396-0997 

E-Mail: hrr@prattlibrary.org 

HOURS: Monday & Tuesday, 12 p.m.-8 p.m. 

Wednesday & Thursday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 



Light Street Branch 

1251 Light Street, Baltimore, MD 21230 

PHONE: 410-396-1096 Fax: 410-396-1097 

E-Mail: lgh@prattlibrary.org 

HOURS: Monday & Thursday, 12 p.m.-8 p.m. 

Tuesday & Wednesday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 



Northwood Branch 

4420 Loch Raven Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21218 

PHONE: 410-396-6076 Fax: 410-396-6547 

Tty: 410-396-7061 

E-Mail: nrt@prattlibrary.org 




Orleans Street Branch 

1303 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD 21231 

PHONE: 410-396-0970 Fax: 410-396-0979 

E-Mail: orl@prattlibrary.org 

HOURS: Monday, 12 p.m.-5:30 p.m. 




Patterson Park Branch 

158 North Linwood Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224 

PHONE: 410-396-0983 Fax: 410-396-5215 

E-Mail: ptt@prattlibrary.org 

HOURS: Monday & Wednesday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 



Pennsylvania Avenue Branch 

1531 West North Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21217 

PHONE: 410-396-0399 Fax: 410-396-0025 

E-Mail: pnn@prattlibrary.org 





Reisterstown Road Branch 

6310 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, MD 21215 

Closed For Renovations 

Roland Park Branch 

5108 Roland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21210 

PHONE: 410-396-6099 Fax: 410-396-6116 

E-Mail: rln@prattlibrary.org 

HOURS: Monday & Wednesday 12 p.m.-8 p.m. 



Southeast Anchor Library 

3601 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21224 

PHONE: 410-396-1580 Fax: 443-984-3941 

E-Mail: sel@prattlibrary.org 

HOURS: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. 

Tuesday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 

Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Walbrook Branch 

3203 West North Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21216 

PHONE: 410-396-0935 Fax: 410-396-0332 

E-Mail: wlb@prattlibrary.org 

HOURS: Monday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 


Wednesday, 12 p.m.-5:30 p.m. 


Washington Village Branch 

856 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21230 

PHONE: 410-396-1099 Fax: 410-396-1115 

E-Mail: wsh@prattlibrary.org 

HOURS: Monday & Wednesday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 



Waverly Branch 

400 East 33rd Street, Baltimore, MD 21218 

PHONE: 410-396-6053 Fax: 410-396-6150 

E-Mail: wvr@prattlibrary.org 



Friday, Closed; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Hill Harper - Enoch Pratt Free Library

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