Librarians share several programs as people find ways to stay cool during extreme heat

BLADENSBURG, Md. ( DC News Now ) — With the extreme heat over the past few days, families are looking for ways to beat the heat. Local librarians said they’ve noticed more people coming in to enjoy the AC.

One of those locations seeing an increase in visitors is the newly built Bladensburg Branch Library. Employees said they’re encouraging people to come in and cool off, they have water, air conditioning, and many resources.

The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System ( PGCMLS ) has multiple programs to keep kids, teens, and even adults involved, out of trouble, and out of the summer heat, and it’s all free.

There’s story time for kids, weekly teen group meetings, community service hours opportunities, family nights, healing circles, summer reading programs that offer free prizes, and of course books and free wifi.

“We definitely have retained a very community feel in here. And it’s it’s a fun place just to drop in,” said Debra Capponi, a librarian at the Bladensburg branch.

Throughout the summer, PGCMLS offers a summer meal program that provides free lunch for students. Employees said they’re happy to be part of a safe space for the community.

“I think that with the library being really a social safety net in a lot of ways, and whether that’s for a family where, summer camp was out of reach for the kids and they need a safe place for the kids to come while they’re at work,” said Heather Jackson, West Area director for PGCMLS.

“The children have educational opportunity needs. They have opportunities for activities that they won’t get in trouble for. They won’t get hurt, you know, if they’re, in the library,” she added.

The libraries in Prince George’s County are open every day except for Sunday. For business hours and summer programs visit their website .

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