TOWSON, MD—With spring break just around the corner, Baltimore County Public Library encourages families to Be All In, visiting one of the 18 open branches between March 23 and April 1. Along with BCPL’s large collection of books, CDs, DVDs, video games and Library of Things items, branches are also offering a range of free programs and hands-on activities. Plus, the library is helping families get ready for the upcoming solar eclipse with a glasses giveaway and providing sweet treats in several branches by simply showing a library card. View the full list of programs on bcpl.info, including a few special programs highlighted below:

Culture Queen Presents: Supersheroes of Maryland

• Thursday, March 21, 11 a.m. (Pikesville Branch)
• Saturday, March 23, 10:30 a.m. (Randallstown Branch)
• Saturday, March 23, 2 p.m. (White Marsh Branch)
• Thursday, March 28, 10 a.m. (Essex Branch)
• Saturday, March 30, 10:30 a.m. (Owings Mills Branch)
• Saturday, March 30, 2 p.m. (Towson Branch)

These uplifting performances feature music, movement, and poetry honoring some of Baltimore’s trailblazing queens. Geared toward children and families, this fun and interactive performance celebrates the accomplishments of women who unleashed their royal powers (unique abilities) to impact their peers, families and communities positively.

Celebrate Women’s History Month With Raeann Soto: Reveries Like Ringgold

• Wednesday, March 27, 2 p.m. (Perry Hall Branch)
• Thursday, March 28, 2 p.m. (Perry Hall Branch)

Learn about artist Faith Ringgold and her story quilts. Create two Ringgold-inspired story quilts. First come, first served with limited space. Tickets available 30 minutes before program.

Improv Workshop for Tweens and Teens

• Tuesday, March 26, 3 p.m. (Cockeysville Branch)

Baltimore Improv Group teaches the basics of improv through exercises and games for better listening, agreement and response. Participants see their self-confidence increase while exploring their own creativity and learning how group trust and teamwork make for amazing and hilarious improv theater.

Jump With The Double Dutch Lady

• Saturday, March 30, 2 p.m. (Woodlawn Branch)

Turn, observe or jump rope with The Double Dutch Lady. Learn a new skill or experience nostalgia in this fun family-friendly, laid-back atmosphere.

For families with younger learners, the library encourages them to check out Storyville, the child-sized play-and-learn villages in the Rosedale and Woodlawn branches that feature developmentally appropriate books, toys and activities designed to promote early literacy and school readiness skills for children ages birth to 5. Storyville operates on a slightly different schedule, closing one hour earlier than the branches.

Treats on BCPL

As part of BCPL’s spring break celebration, the library is offering free kid-sized Kona Ice at five branches (see the schedule below) from 1 to 2 p.m. Customers just need to show their Baltimore County Public Library card or a checkout receipt at the Kona Ice truck in the branch parking lot to receive the treat. Limit one kid-sized treat per customer present but additional purchases may be made.

• Hereford Branch, Monday, March 25
• Loch Raven Branch, Tuesday, March 26
• Owings Mills Branch, Wednesday, March 27
• Woodlawn Branch, Thursday, March 28
• Essex Branch, Friday, March 29

Solar Eclipse Glasses

The library is also helping families prepare for the solar eclipse on April 8. Starting Friday, March 29, at 9 a.m., each person physically present at the branch of their choice can receive one pair of glasses, while supplies last. Solar eclipse glasses cannot be reserved over the phone or email. Participants can learn more about the eclipse through several programs happening over spring break. All participating in these programs will receive a pair of glasses to take home as part of the program.