Design-A-Bookmark Contest

Would you like to see your artwork in books all over Prince William County? Prince William Public Library System announces a Design-A-Bookmark contest!

March 1-31

Entrants must be age 18 or over.

Click here for more information and rules.

Hablamos Spanish Chat

Potomac Community Library hosts a Spanish Chat group for those individuals interested in having informal chat sessions to broaden their abilities speaking Spanish.

This is not a class but an opportunity to practice speaking Spanish while having fun with other new and native Spanish speakers. Fluent Spanish speakers are welcome.

Tuesdays, March 30 and
April 6 & 20
7:00 p.m.

Drop in; no registration required.

English Discussion Group

Potomac Community Library has an English Discussion Group which meets in our Community Room. This is not a class but an opportunity to practice English in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Join others from all over the world as you sharpen your English skills.

Thursdays March 25 and
April 8, 15, 22 & 29
12:30 p.m.

Drop in; no registration required.

African-American Book Discussion Group

The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama by Gwen Ifill

In this book, Ifill, who is a commentator on the nightly PBS Newshour, analyzes black politics and what the future might hold since President Obama's election. Ifill discusses several current office-holders, such as Deval Patrick and Cory Booker, and examines identity politics in regard to their constituencies. The discussion should be lively, and new members to the group are always welcome.

Thursday, April 8, 7:00 p.m.

Drop in, no registration required.

Third Thursday Thrillers

Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen

Agatha-winner Rhys Bowen, author of several other series, introduces us to a new heroine in Her Royal Spyness. This thriller features Lady Victoria Georgina Charlotte Eugenie, who is the great-granddaughter of Queen Victoria and 34th in line for the throne. Despite her prestigious background, the family has no money, so Georgie tries several occupations before turning her hand to solving a murder. When the odious Frenchman who bought Georgie's ancestral home is discovered murdered in the bathtub and when Georgie's brother is arrested, she knows that she must try to solve the murder and clear the family name. Set in 1930s London this is a merry first in a series. Please join us for a discussion of this book. Refreshments will be provided.

Thursday, April 15, 7:00 p.m.

Drop in, no registration required.

Author Visit: Douglas S. Anderson, author of Her Name is Happiness

Potomac Community Library is pleased to have local resident, Douglas Anderson, author of Her Name is Happiness: the Inspirational Account of the Life of Happiness Emejuru appearing to discuss his book on March 27, at 2:00 p.m. Her Name is Happiness is about a young Nigerian girl named Happiness and her life experiences. Ms. Emejuru will appear with the author. The book depicts the difficult challenges Ms. Emejunu faced and how she survived. She endured refugee status in the Biafra War, an arranged marriage to a man she never met, the strain of being smuggled across the U.S.-Mexico border, and the toll of a physically and mentally abusive husband. Happiness today owns her own business and understands her life's purpose, thanks to her religious committment. Douglas Anderson's book tells her remarkable and inspiring story. Douglas S. Anderson is a local resident, attorney and minister.

Saturday, March 27
2:00–4:00 p.m.

Registration is recommended but not required and begins March 13.

*Crafts for Adults: Create a Cigar Box Purse

Join us for an afternoon of fun and creativity, and make a cigar box purse. Participants will use ribbon, paper, and their imagination to create a purse.

Sunday, March 28, 2:00–4:00 p.m.

Registration begins March 14. Limited to 15 adults.

Bedtime Storytime

Get ready for bed, and then join us for a before-bed treat of stories, songs and fingerplays. Wear your pajamas, if you like; pillows, blankets and stuffed animals are also optional.

Wednesdays, March 31 and
April 14 & 28
7:30 p.m.

Please pick up a pass beginning at 7:00 p.m. A pass will be required for each child attending the program. Limit 30 children.

*Schools' Out Special:
April Fool’s Flick:
Wallace & Gromit and the Curse of the WereRabbit

The clumsy but creative Wallace invents a humane pest-control outfit called "Anti-Pesto" to protect the gardens in the neighborhood. With the annual Giant Vegetable Competition coming up, panic erupts when a “beast” begins feasting on the town’s vegetable plots. It is up to Wallace and his trusty dog, Gromit, to hunt down a mysterious invader of epic and fluffy proportions. You are welcome to bring your lunch or a snack to enjoy during the film.

Thursday, April 1, 11:00 a.m.

For all ages.

Drop in; no registration required. Limit 100.

*“Holy National Library Week, Batman!”

National Library Week is an annual celebration of the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians. We think librarians are superheroes, and the caped crusader himself will be stopping by to celebrate our library! Join us for comic book themed games and activities, and bring your camera.

Saturday, April 10, 2:00 p.m.

For all ages.

Please pick up a free ticket for this program beginning March 27. A ticket will be required for each child participating; a person may pick up no more than 5 tickets. Limit 50 children.

Monday Matinee:
Monsters vs Aliens

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 monster. She is 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. You are welcome to bring your lunch or a snack to enjoy during the film.

Monday, April 19, 10:30 a.m.

For all ages.

Drop in; no registration required. Limit 100.

Space is limited and registration is required. A $10 refundable deposit is required to secure a place in these free computer classes. The $10 deposit will be returned to participants who attend all sessions of the classes for which they register.

Expanded Computer Basics Class

Have you taken the library's Computer Basics class, but still feel you need to know more? We will practice some of the skills learned in Computer Basics and build on that knowledge with more information about the computer and the Internet. In this course you will learn about opening and saving files, key board functions, printing from documents or the Internet and more. This Expanded Computer Basics class will help prepare students for moving on to more advanced computer classes. Prerequisite: All students must have taken the library's Computer Basics class.

Thursday, March 25
7:00–9:00 p.m.

Registration, in person or by phone, begins March 11.

Word Processing: the Basics: Parts I & II

Instruction for beginners in using Microsoft Word. These free classes are designed for those who want to learn how to create, open, close, and save documents as well as add, delete, move text and more. Prerequisite: Must be able to type and use a mouse. Those registered must also be able to attend both sessions of the class.

Thursday, April 1, Part I and
Thursday, April 8, Part II
6:30–8:30 p.m.

Registration, in person or by phone, begins March 18.

Introducing Excel: an Introductory Class

You’ve heard about Excel. Now you can learn about it. In this introductory class, we will talk about what Excel is, what it is used for, how it might help you on the job or at home. Plus you will see some examples of Excel in action. How much math do you need to know to use Excel? The instructor will cover the “math angle,” the vocabulary, and some of the basic concepts so that you can make an informed decision as to whether or not learning Excel is right for you. Prerequisites: Knowledge of Microsoft Word, able to type, and use a mouse.

Monday, April 5
9:00–11:00 a.m.

Registration, in person or by phone, begins March 22.

Computer Basics

Would you like to learn about computers? Have you been confused or timid about trying computers and the Internet? Do you know the difference between a keyboard and a keystroke? Please join us for this free class as a staff member demystifies the whole computer experience.

Wednesday, April 21
7:00–9:00 p.m.

Registration, in person or by phone, begins April 7.