Friends of the Laurel Library
A Branch of PGCMLS at 507 7th Street Maryland 20707
Welcome from the Friends of the Laurel Library!
The Friends of the Laurel Library are pleased to provide books and DVDs for sale in the Cafe area book store (the glass enclosed area on the left as you enter the Library). Stop by and look at the wide selection of Thrillers, Romance novels, non-fiction titles and children's materials at only 50 cents or $1. And you can pay with cash or PayPal or Apple Pay.
HELP - Remember excellent online Library resources are available 24/7 to help the community even when the Library buildings are closed. Be sure to stay in touch with the latest at Prince George's County Memorial Library System
Help Available
Need help with technology? Get help for your smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer. Learn about ways of accessing and searching the Prince George's County Memorial Library System. Want to download ebooks or audiobooks free from the Library catalog? It's all there to discover with a personal 1 on 1 session with a Librarian. Go to this link to schedule your personal appointment:
Schedule a 1 on 1 session with a Librarian
PGCMLS has a policy in place for authors who wish to have materials added to our collection. Click here.
Read a story about the beginnings of Library Systems in Maryland
Support the Laurel Library with a donation to the Friends through PayPal
The Friends of the Laurel Library meets in a video call on the third Monday of most months. If you would like to know more about the Friends and attend a meeting please email mike@mdcsr.com for a link to the meeting.
Here's your chance! Schedule a meetup with a volunteer from the Friends of the Laurel Library who will be happy to accept gently used children's, easy reading, romance and literary fiction books. To setup a donation send an email to mike@mdcsr.com to schedule a time and place to transfer up to three boxes of books.
The Laurel Library is a Great Place to Learn and Grow
Tuesday, July 08: 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Large Meeting Room B
Age group: Teen (13-18 yrs), Elementary (5-12 yrs), Adults event type: Chess/Games/Gaming
Dive into the exciting world of chess in a fun and supportive environment! Master the basics, sharpen your strategic skills, and enjoy friendly matches with fellow players.
Chair Yoga and Movement Class for Seniors - Presented by Healthy Bodies/Healthy Minds Yoga
Saturday, July 12: 11:00am - 12:00pm
Large Meeting Room A (Dorothy Height Room)
Age group: Adults event type: Health and Wellness
Experience a relaxing and rejuvenating Chair Yoga and Movement class designed specifically for seniors. This class focuses on improving flexibility, balance, and overall well-being in a supportive environment. Led by a certified instructor, participants will engage in gentle movements and stretches while seated, making it perfect for all fitness levels.
Playday at the Library: Color Our World - Held in Meeting Room B
Saturday, July 12: 11:00am - 11:30am
Age group: Young Children (0-5 yrs) event type: Storytime or Playday
Play and socialize. Rain or shine, it will be a good time!
Teen Game Day: Nintendo Switch
Monday, July 14: 3:30pm - 5:30pm
Large Meeting Room B
Age group: Teen (13-18 yrs) event type: Chess/Games/Gaming
Learn and play board games and card games at the library! Bring one of your own or play one of ours! Switch games will be available to play. Teens can earn community service hours
Friday, July 18: 10:30am - 11:30am
Age group: Young Children (0-5 yrs) event type: Storytime or Playday
Play and socialize during outdoor water play at the library! Weather permitting.
Kids Create: Cubelets and Ozobots
Monday, July 21: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Large Meeting Room B
Age group: Elementary (5-12 yrs) event type: STEM Fine Arts and Crafts
Have fun exploring, crafting and creating with hands-on experiments and activities. Play with mini robots! Supplies are provided.
Sing a Rainbow - Presented by the Maryland Opera
Tuesday, July 22: 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Large Meeting Room A (Dorothy Height Room)
Age group: Young Children (0-5 yrs), Elementary (5-12 yrs) event type: Special Event Performing Arts
The beautiful and enchanting Rainbow Lady teaches us about colors and all the diverse people that make music throughout the world. She also sings about all the many characters in famous operas that come from many backgrounds and cultures. Perfect for kids from PreK to 2nd grade.
Community-Led Book Discussion: "The Child Finder: A Novel" by Rene Denfeld
Tuesday, July 22: 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Conference Room 1
Age group: Adults event type: Discussions
Join a lively discussion! Join a lively discussion! This month we are discussing, "The Child Finder: A Novel" by Rene Denfeld.
Crafternoon: Color Our World - Children's Area
Thursday, July 24: 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Age group: Elementary (5-12 yrs) event type: Fine Arts and Crafts
Have fun coloring together to celebrate Summer Prince George's (SPG) ! Supplies are provided.
Magic: The Gathering: Play and Learn
Saturday, July 26: 11:00am - 1:00pm
Large Meeting Room B
Age group: Teen (13-18 yrs), Adults event type: Chess/Games/Gaming
Learn and play the strategic card game Magic: The Gathering! We’ll provide cards and teach the basics so newcomers can quickly get into the action. Bring your own cards if you have them, or just come and enjoy the game!
Sharks! - Presented by the National Aquarium
Wednesday, July 30: 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Large Meeting Room A (Dorothy Height Room)
Age group: Elementary (5-12 yrs) event type: STEM Special Event
You can be a lasting part of your neighborhood Laurel branch library by purchasing a leaf on our Donor Recognition Tree. Contribute to the work of the PGCMLS Foundation by purchasing a leaf that can be dedicated to a loved one or in recognition of your gift. Donor Trees are made possible with seed money donated by the branch "Friends of the Library" groups in Baden, Laurel, Oxon Hill and Surratts-Clinton. The Laurel Donor Tree is now installed in the Laurel branch. Be sure to stop and check it out on your next visit to the Laurel Library on the wall across from the Cafe area.
About Us
The Friends of the Laurel Library was organized in January 1996 to promote the Laurel Branch of the Prince George's County Memorial Library System. The Friends raise and donate funds to the Library for programs, materials and appreciation of the Library Staff.
Specifically, all membership dues, book sales and generous donations go to numerous amenities for the Laurel Library including:
Staff Appreciation activities
Foreign policy discussions led by local experts
Special Thanks to Generous Recent Donors to the
Friends of the Laurel Library -
Gabriella Alonso
Karen Lubieniencki
Martha Hambleton
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Laurel Branch Hours
Monday 10 am to 6 pm
Tuesday Noon to 8 pm
Wednesday Noon to 8 pm
Thursday 10 am to 6 pm
Friday 10 am to 6 pm
Saturday 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm
Join the Friends of the Laurel Library!
Email: mike@mdcsr.com
A small donation and an interest in helping the Laurel Library thrive is all you need to join
Stay informed about the latest at the Library
Email: mike@mdcsr.com
Or mail a check to
Friends of the Laurel Library
717 7th Street Laurel MD 20707
Book Sale
When you are at the Laurel Library don't miss the Friends of the Laurel Library Book Sale in the Cafe area. A marvelous collection of novels, non-fiction and children's books are available. And books on CD and DVDs are also for sale on the shelves. Everything is $1 or $.50
All proceeds go to support the programs and staff of the Laurel Library.
Laurel Library Book Discussions in 2025
All are Welcome
Meetings* at the Laurel Library
The Child Finder by Rene Denfeld July 22
The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman August 26
No One is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood September 23
Maryland One Book Kin: Rooted in Hope by Carole Boston Weatherford October 28
Playground by Richard Powers November 25
Intermezzo by Sally Rooney December 23
*Video meeting sessions are available - Email mike@mdcsr.com for the link
Books Discussed and Recommended by the Group
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
Lifelines by Leana Wen
Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocum
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
Of Women and Salt by Gabriela Garcia
Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers
Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
Phillip Wilder
We lost a hardworking volunteer and dear Friend of the Laurel Library in 2023. Phill is sorely missed for his many fine qualities and his years of dedicated, careful efforts on behalf of the Laurel Library. Everyone enjoyed Phill's company, marked by his quick, mischievous laugh, his thoughtful attention and his very caring demeanor. He and wife Maria were most generous with their time and support for the Laurel Library staff. Truly a kind fellow.
Friends of the Laurel Library Board
Theresa Held - President
Emily Moser - Vice President
David Whitman - Membership VP
John DiGiovanni - Treasurer
Maria Wilder - Member
Amra Bharati - Member
Ella Alonso - Member
Mike DiFilippo - Secretary & Webmaster mike@mdcsr.com
Karin Luoma - North Area Director | Beltsville, Bowie, Greenbelt, Laurel and South Bowie Branches
Meetings of the Friends of the Laurel Library are usually held the third Monday of each month. Email mike@mdcsr.com for details.