Book Discussions and Author Visits
Join us for monthly book discussions and special author visits! See the schedule.
St. Mary’s County Library Anime Club
The St. Mary’s County Library Anime Club was created to give people a place to gather, watch, and talk about Japanese anime and manga.
If you need special accommodations for any Library event or program, please submit our Accommodations Request form as soon as possible. A low stimulation and sensory friendly experience, for neurodiverse youth and their caregivers. Neurodiverse elementary youth can explore open sensory activity stations in a low-stress, no judgement setting, while their caregivers enjoy a craft and conversation with other adults who experience similar challenges and achievements on their parenting journey. Do you have what it takes to cross the parapet and join the dragon riders? Come celebrate the release of Onyx Storm with fellow fans! Enjoy an afternoon of all things Empyrean--make a dragon craft, answer thematic trivia questions, and get excited about the newest installment of Rebecca Yarros's thrilling series! This event is for adults. A book discussion series for veterans led by Vietnam veteran Wayne Karlin. Registration required; space is limited. For more information contact Kimberlé Fields at 301-863-8188 or kfields@stmalib.org. Monthly Reading List Book descriptions from Amazon unless otherwise noted February 01 - Uncertain Ground by Phil Klay From the National Book Award-winning author of Redeployment and Missionaries, an astonishing fever graph of the effects of twenty years of war in a brutally divided America. When Phil Klay left the Marines a decade ago after serving as an officer in Iraq, he found himself a part of the community of veterans who have no choice but to grapple with the meaning of their wartime experiences—for themselves and for the country. American identity has always been bound up in war—from the revolutionary war of our founding, to the civil war that ended slavery, to the two world wars that launched America as a superpower. What did the current wars say about who we are as a country, and how should we respond as citizens? Unlike in previous eras of war, relatively few Americans have had to do any real grappling with the endless, invisible conflicts of the post-9/11 world; in fact, increasingly few people are even aware they are still going on. It is as if these wars are a dark star with a strong gravitational force that draws a relatively small number of soldiers and their families into its orbit while remaining inconspicuous to most other Americans. In the meantime, the consequences of American military action abroad may be out of sight and out of mind, but they are very real indeed. This chasm between the military and the civilian in American life, and the moral blind spot it has created, is one of the great themes of Uncertain Ground, Phil Klay’s powerful series of reckonings with some of our country’s thorniest concerns, written in essay form over the past ten years. In the name of what do we ask young Americans to kill, and to die? In the name of what does this country hang together? As we see at every turn in these pages, those two questions have a great deal to do with each another, and how we answer them will go a long way toward deciding where our troubled country goes from here. March 01 - The Women by Kristin Hannah From the celebrated author of The Nightingale and The Four Winds comes Kristin Hannah's The Women―at once an intimate portrait of coming of age in a dangerous time and an epic tale of a nation divided. Women can be heroes. When twenty-year-old nursing student Frances “Frankie” McGrath hears these words, it is a revelation. Raised in the sun-drenched, idyllic world of Southern California and sheltered by her conservative parents, she has always prided herself on doing the right thing. But in 1965, the world is changing, and she suddenly dares to imagine a different future for herself. When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows his path. As green and inexperienced as the men sent to Vietnam to fight, Frankie is over-whelmed by the chaos and destruction of war. Each day is a gamble of life and death, hope and betrayal; friendships run deep and can be shattered in an instant. In war, she meets―and becomes one of―the lucky, the brave, the broken, and the lost. But war is just the beginning for Frankie and her veteran friends. The real battle lies in coming home to a changed and divided America, to angry protesters, and to a country that wants to forget Vietnam. The Women is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm’s way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been forgotten. A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism, The Women is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era. April 05 - The Genizah by Wayne Karlin In the novel The Genizah, Wayne Karlin enters its pages as a character in his own novel, reimagining his family's lives―and fate―if they had not come to America but stayed in his mother's village in Poland where the rest of her extended family were murdered by the Nazis in 1941. Karlin commemorates and mourns that unutterable loss by making it present, in the spirit of the words from the Passover Seder, which asks those at the table to recount the story of oppression as if they had lived it. It is a phrase that calls upon the people at the table to feel, not just to know, what happened, as good fiction calls us to do. How can anyone who had not been through the Holocaust share even a little part of such experiences? How can anyone who has not felt some of that horror reverberate in their own bones try to understand the terrible massacres of our own days, sparked by hatred of the Other, in Syria, in Myanmar, in Israel, in Gaza, in Charleston, and in Pittsburgh―in so many other places, they overwhelm our ability to empathize. Karlin's answer to that question is to personalize the impersonal, to imagine what could have happened if his grandparents, and mother, and her brothers and sisters and his father and his family, had not torn themselves away from a place they and their ancestors had lived for hundreds of years, in a town and on a continent where they had always been unwelcome guests. May 03 - For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway Ernest Hemingway's masterpiece on war, love, loyalty, and honor tells the story of Robert Jordan, an antifascist American fighting in the Spanish Civil War. In 1937 Ernest Hemingway traveled to Spain to cover the civil war there for the North American Newspaper Alliance. Three years later he completed the greatest novel to emerge from “the good fight” and one of the foremost classics of war literature. For Whom the Bell Tolls tells of loyalty and courage, love and defeat, and the tragic death of an ideal. Robert Jordan, a young American in the International Brigades, is attached to an antifascist guerilla unit in the mountains of Spain. In his portrayal of Jordan’s love for the beautiful Maria and his superb account of a guerilla leader’s last stand, Hemingway creates a work at once rare and beautiful, strong and brutal, compassionate, moving, and wise. Greater in power, broader in scope, and more intensely emotional than any of the author’s previous works, For Whom the Bell Tolls stands as one of the best war novels ever written. June 14 - The Heart That Fed by Carl Sciacchitano A brilliant graphic memoir debut, this is a loving son’s exploration of his tumultuous relationship with his father, told through the lens of the Vietnam War and its lasting effects long after returning home. As a college dropout amidst the tumult of the 1960s and the Vietnam War, David Sciacchitano enlisted in the Air Force and volunteered to be sent overseas. An aircraft mechanic away from the front lines, David nevertheless experienced the chaos of war during the Tet Offensive and the 1975 evacuation. But although David returned home from the war with no physical injuries, it would be as if a part of him was forever left behind. Set against one of the most tumultuous events of the 20th century, The Heart That Fed is a beautifully illustrated and moving story of trauma and love—told by a son seeking to understand a father forever changed by PTSD and the horrors of war. Come learn more about the library's Cricut Maker and practice cutting felt to create a festive garland of felt roses! This introductory, in-person class will cover how to use an electronic die-cutting machine called the Cricut Maker to create a felt floral garland! Participants will also learn the basics of Cricut Design Space, the software used to create endlessly customizable designs compatible with Cricut cutting machines. No experience necessary, all materials provided. NOTE: This program will be repeated later in the evening on the same day at 5:30pm. Please register for only the afternoon session or the evening session. Come learn more about the library's Cricut Maker and practice cutting felt to create a festive garland of felt roses! This introductory, in-person class will cover how to use an electronic die-cutting machine called the Cricut Maker to create a felt floral garland! Participants will also learn the basics of Cricut Design Space, the software used to create endlessly customizable designs compatible with Cricut cutting machines. No experience necessary, all materials provided. NOTE: This program is a repeat of the same event earlier in the afternoon the same day at 1:30pm. Please register for only the afternoon session or the evening session. Representatives from SMC Recreation & Parks will be in the lobby with information about their programs, facilities, services, and events, as well as to answer any questions you may have. St. Mary's County Recreation & Parks strives to provide an enriched quality of life for the community through preservation of natural, cultural and historical resources, enhancement of parks and outdoor spaces, and promotion of a variety of leisure experiences. Come talk to them about their current events, programs, parks, trails, and more! Do you like anime or manga? Join us for this month’s anime club meeting. We will watch a movie, then have a brief discussion after. Refreshments will be provided. Ages 16+; under 16 permitted with parent or guardian. Drop in during this open session to get all your tech and computer skill questions answered! Whether you have a phone, tablet, or computer, we're here to help you build more confidence using your device. Refreshments will be provided. No registration required. Topics include, but aren’t limited to: This event is provided with support from AT&T and the Public Library Association. Beacon of Hope Recovery Community Center team members will be on site to exchange positivity and engage on everyday wellness fun facts. Upon request, team members will happily offer recovery information and resources for those who might be recovery-curious or recovery-ready. Library services on the Mobile Library include Wi-Fi access, library card services, crafts to go, and materials for checkout! While the Mobile Library collection is unavailable for holds, staff are able to assist with requests for books and materials from other Library locations. The Mobile Library can accept returns from any location, and materials checked out from the vehicle may be returned to any location. 20331 Point Lookout Rd., Great Mills, MD 20634 Library services on the Mobile Library include Wi-Fi access, library card services, crafts to go, and materials for checkout! While the Mobile Library collection is unavailable for holds, staff are able to assist with requests for books and materials from other Library locations. The Mobile Library can accept returns from any location, and materials checked out from the vehicle may be returned to any location. 21895 Pegg Rd, Lexington Park, MD 20653 Library services on the Mobile Library include Wi-Fi access, library card services, crafts to go, and materials for checkout! While the Mobile Library collection is unavailable for holds, staff are able to assist with requests for books and materials from other Library locations. The Mobile Library can accept returns from any location, and materials checked out from the vehicle may be returned to any location. 46472 Admiral Lane, Lexington Park, MD 20653 Join us for a special event on Women's Health! This session will be bilingual.
¡Únase a nosotros en un evento especial sobre la salud de la mujer! Esta sesión será bilingüe. Topic: Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening & The Importance of Well-Women Exams Your health is your wealth! Join us to learn more about: This informative session is open to women of all ages who want to prioritize their well-being. Together, we can take steps to prevent and detect health issues early. Let’s work together to promote women’s health and empower our community! ___ Tema: Detección de cáncer de mama y de cuello uterino e la importancia de los exámenes de bienestar de la mujer ¡Su salud es su riqueza! Únase a nosotros para obtener más información sobre: ✅ Los beneficios de las pruebas periódicas de detección de cáncer de mama y de cuello uterino ✅ Cómo los exámenes de bienestar de la mujer tienen un rol crucial en la detección y prevención tempranas ✅ Recursos y consejos para mantenerse proactiva en que respecta a su salud Esta sesión informativa está abierta a mujeres de todas las edades que quieran priorizar su bienestar. Juntos, podemos tomar pasos para prevenir y detectar problemas de salud de manera temprana. ¡Trabajemos juntos para promover la salud de la mujer y empoderar a nuestra comunidad! Find your puzzle people! Join us for casual group jigsaw puzzles and fun puzzle activities. Try out this new club to grow our adult puzzle loving community! Ages 16+. Each month we'll have a 1000 piece on-going jigsaw puzzle, as well as a variety of smaller jigsaw puzzles, to work on plus a rotating puzzle activity. This month we'll try out 'speed puzzle partners' where we switch partners in rounds to complete small jigsaw puzzle competitions. Register to let us know you're coming and to get reminder emails before the event. Walk ins are also welcome. Are you new to the internet or want to build more confidence finding information online and navigating websites? Complete this workshop to get a $10 gift card! Attendees at this in-person workshop will learn about web browsers and search engines, build skills to navigate the internet, and discover tips and tricks for basic and advanced searching online. Gift cards are available on a first-come, first-served basis. This event is provided with support from AT&T and the Public Library Association. SMCDAHS will be providing community members information regarding programs and services available to the county's senior residents, as well as other segments of the population in need. They will provide information about home and community-based services such as: home delivered and congregate meals, in-home services, ombudsman services, caregiver support, Senior Information & Assistance (I&A), social and recreational programs, health promotion, community outreach, and volunteer opportunities. Do you love making art and trying out new projects? Come hang out and make crafts without the pressure to be perfect. Just in time for Valentine's Day, join us as we make the perfect card with just string and paper to give to a loved one or keep for yourself. Materials will be provided. This program is meant for adults, but no prior skills in crafting are needed. Library services on the Mobile Library include Wi-Fi access, library card services, crafts to go, and materials for checkout! While the Mobile Library collection is unavailable for holds, staff are able to assist with requests for books and materials from other Library locations. The Mobile Library can accept returns from any location, and materials checked out from the vehicle may be returned to any location. Intersection of Suburban Drive and Pleasant Drive, Lexington Park, MD 20653 Library services on the Mobile Library include Wi-Fi access, library card services, crafts to go, and materials for checkout! While the Mobile Library collection is unavailable for holds, staff are able to assist with requests for books and materials from other Library locations. The Mobile Library can accept returns from any location, and materials checked out from the vehicle may be returned to any location. 21691 Eric Road, Lexington Park, MD 20653 Library services on the Mobile Library include Wi-Fi access, library card services, crafts to go, and materials for checkout! While the Mobile Library collection is unavailable for holds, staff are able to assist with requests for books and materials from other Library locations. The Mobile Library can accept returns from any location, and materials checked out from the vehicle may be returned to any location. 46075 Westbury Blvd, Lexington Park, MD 20653 Community health advocates will be in the lobby to talk about health and wellness services through the hospital. Learn about ways that AccessHealth can help with overcoming barriers such as transportation, housing, food insecurity, insurance, benefit applications, and more! Do you enjoy arts and crafts? Do you enjoy games? Do you want to make new friends? Connect and Converse might just be the event for you! Join us at the Charlotte Hall Library for an opportunity to connect and converse with others. During this monthly program, we will gather in the meeting room to either create artwork or play a game. For the month of February, our art activity will be decorating Valentine's Day cards. Our game will be Connect Four. This event is intended for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities as well as their friends, family, and caregivers. Connect and Converse usually meets on the second Monday of the month. Please register with an email address to receive a reminder email about this event. Walk-ins are welcome. Register with an email address to receive the link to a trivia game and test your knowledge! The game is multiple choice questions and speed matters! Registration for each week ends at 5 p.m. on Mondays. After 5 p.m., registrants will be emailed a link to that week's trivia. You will have until Thursday at 5 p.m. to complete the game, then you'll receive an email with the full results. Trivia uses Kahoot, accessible through any internet browser, no account needed. Celebrate the friendships in your life by painting while you enjoy a mocktail and hangout! Join us to celebrate the Gals or Pals in your life! Use provided stencils or freehand to create your own personalized wine glass or tote for you or a friend! Listen to music, chat, and make your own mocktail while we paint. You might get messy, so please dress accordingly. All materials will be provided. Registration required. Therapy animals from Pets on Wheels are visiting the library! Friends of all ages are invited to practice reading with a furry friend, or just enjoy some pets and snuggles. Job seekers can stop by to get job counseling and resume help,search for jobs, and get registered with the Maryland Workforce Exchange. The Library will close at 12 noon due to inclement weather. Have you ever wanted something 3D printed at the library, but weren't sure how? Now is your chance to learn! This introductory course will cover the basics of how a 3D printer works and how to use PrusaSlicer software. Learn how to find ready-to-print files online and submit them to the Library for printing. No prior experience is needed. This is an in-person class held in the Computer Lab Makerspace. Library services on the Mobile Library include Wi-Fi access, library card services, crafts to go, and materials for checkout! While the Mobile Library collection is unavailable for holds, staff are able to assist with requests for books and materials from other Library locations. The Mobile Library can accept returns from any location, and materials checked out from the vehicle may be returned to any location. Maritime Building Whether you have been creating for years or just started on your journey, join fellow crafters who love all things fabric and fiber. Open to knitters, crocheters, quilters, embroiderers, cross-stitchers, and any other kind of needleworkers. Bring your current project, mingle with like-minded makers, and swap patterns, ideas, and tips. Have you ever heard of Book of the Month or Stitch Fix? This is a personalized package like those, but for the library! Similar to our teen Lit Kit program, the Adult Lit Kit is a customized, packaged surprise for any adult (18+) who loves to read that comes with two Adult Library books that we will choose specifically for you. When you are finished with the books, just return them to the nearest library! Fill out the registration and interest form between the 1st and 8th of the month (or until all registration spots are full). Please answer honestly in order to help our staff select a book that suits your literary tastes. You will then be notified on the 12th or 13th of the month that your Adult Lit Kit package is ready for pickup at the Leonardtown Library. Please note that the Adult Lit Kit has now moved to every-other-month to match our Teen Lit Kits. There will be no Adult Lit Kits for the month of January or March. Looking for the Teen Lit Kit? Please click here. The Library is closed due to inclement weather. Library services on the Mobile Library include Wi-Fi access, library card services, crafts to go, and materials for checkout! While the Mobile Library collection is unavailable for holds, staff are able to assist with requests for books and materials from other Library locations. The Mobile Library can accept returns from any location, and materials checked out from the vehicle may be returned to any location. 24400 Mervell Dean Rd, Hollywood, MD 20636 Beacon of Hope Recovery Community Center team members will be on site to exchange positivity and engage on everyday wellness fun facts. Upon request, team members will happily offer recovery information and resources for those who might be recovery-curious or recovery-ready. Library services on the Mobile Library include Wi-Fi access, library card services, crafts to go, and materials for checkout! While the Mobile Library collection is unavailable for holds, staff are able to assist with requests for books and materials from other Library locations. The Mobile Library can accept returns from any location, and materials checked out from the vehicle may be returned to any location. 23154 Wetstone Ln., California, MD 20619 Have you heard of Zoom? Want to learn more? Complete this workshop to get a $10 gift card! This in-person workshop is for those who have some experience setting up personal accounts online and are interested in video conferencing. It will support attendees to create an account on the popular video conferencing platform (Zoom) and build confidence when using features of the platform in an online meeting. Gift cards are available on a first-come, first-served basis. This event is provided with support from AT&T, Public Library Association, and Maria Barga, Tech Educator with the University of Maryland Extension. Library services on the Mobile Library include Wi-Fi access, library card services, crafts to go, and materials for checkout! While the Mobile Library collection is unavailable for holds, staff are able to assist with requests for books and materials from other Library locations. The Mobile Library can accept returns from any location, and materials checked out from the vehicle may be returned to any location. 21905 Chancellors Run Rd., Great Mills, MD 20634 The Maryland Food Bank’s Mobile Market is coming to visit! Stop by to shop from our “grocery store on wheels” and receive free nonperishable food items, fresh produce, and other non-food necessities while supplies last. The Three Oaks Center will connect those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to resources in the tri county that can help them with benefits, mental health, substance abuse, housing, and more. They will also be completing referrals for service on site and collecting paperwork to enroll in our programs and/or offer shelter if available. Library services on the Mobile Library include Wi-Fi access, library card services, crafts to go, and materials for checkout! While the Mobile Library collection is unavailable for holds, staff are able to assist with requests for books and materials from other Library locations. The Mobile Library can accept returns from any location, and materials checked out from the vehicle may be returned to any location. 22611 Franklin Delano Roosevelt Blvd., Lexington Park, MD 20653 Interested in starting your genealogical research but do not know how to start? Join us as we provide an overview of Ancestry Library Edition, a free service available at St. Mary's County Library. Genealogy is a massive interest among many people, both near and far, and Ancestry is one of, if not the most, well known and most utilized genealogical database. The St. Mary’s County Library offers this service free to anyone in the Library – a wonderful amenity that allows individuals to perform their research. We will offer answers and clarification, along with a tutorial, of how to use Ancestry to research one’s own genealogy, in addition to how to start researching one's family history. From understanding the sources provided, to identifying where to acquire more information, to simply learning how to get started using Ancestry, we will be showcasing this database to those who are interested in better understanding Ancestry. This session is open to anyone, regardless of experience. We look forward to seeing you! Each month we will discuss a different fantasy or science fiction novel. February's book is Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
Find the title in our catalog. Learn the basics of Microsoft Office’s computer spreadsheet application in this introductory class.
Excel is most often used to make lists or calculate columns of numbers. We will get you started with the basics like creating, saving, and formatting the spreadsheets. Register to reserve your spot and receive a reminder email. Walk-ins welcome as space allows. Join us as we discuss the often unrecognized and undervalued efforts of Black women in the civil rights movements in St. Mary's County. Lifelong countians Everlyn Holland, Alonzo Gaskin, and Janice Walthour will share their perspectives on the past and present with moderator Merideth Taylor. People in a county long known as “a rural backwater” have continued over centuries to strive for civil and human rights. Learn about key moments and actions, from freedom lawsuits and emancipation, to citizen political action groups and desegregation in health care and education. Spring is in sight! Sharpen your pruning skills with this workshop. Join us as Chris Pax, designer of Leonardtown Library’s Front Yard, shares techniques for why, when, and how to prune woody plants for healthy growth and natural beauty. Chris will focus on pruning strategies for the Maryland native trees and shrubs that provide essential habitat for our birds, bees and butterflies. Good pruning practices benefit non-native trees and shrubs as well, so join us to make a pruning plan for your yard! Chris is the owner of Annapolis Native Landscape Design in Annapolis MD. Since the very beginning of her design career, she’s been passionate about gardening with native plants, and is in demand as a speaker for Master Gardener and Garden Club groups throughout Maryland. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about keeping your garden in good health and looking great! Come learn more about the library's Cricut Maker and Mug Press to embellish a mug to take home! Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm inspired mugs to be made! This introductory, in-person class will cover how to use an electronic die-cutting machine called the Cricut Maker to decorate a ceramic mug by cutting an infusible ink design and using the Cricut Mug Press to transfer the design through a process called sublimation. Participants will also learn the basics of Cricut Design Space, the software used to create endlessly customizable designs compatible with Cricut cutting machines. No experience necessary, all materials provided. There will be a table reserved for those who have finished reading Onyx Storm and would like to discuss the book. Be prepared for spoilers. Please check in at the INFO desk when you arrive. An all-ages chess social hang-out! Drop in and out to play as needed, no experience required. Staff will be available to assist those who haven't played before. Small chess guides will be available for each player for reference. Chess boards will be provided by the library, but feel free to bring your favorite set. The Library is closed in observance of Presidents Day. SMCHD will be providing community members with a variety of health department resources for programs. They will provide information about tobacco cessation programs, free colon cancer screenings, colonoscopies, and mammograms programs, health insurance/Medicaid information, information about asthma programs, and so much more. Stop by and say hello - you'll get a chance to spin their trivia question wheel to learn more about how to stay healthy, and will be able to enter a raffle to win a free item! Enjoy learning more about how to take charge of you and your loved ones' health and wellness! Drop in during this open session to get all your tech and computer skill questions answered! Whether you have a phone, tablet, or computer, we're here to help you build more confidence using your device. Refreshments will be provided. No registration required. Topics include, but aren’t limited to: This event is provided with support from AT&T and the Public Library Association. Ask the simple and difficult questions about buying a home.
Register for email/text reminders. Walk-ins welcome! Join Amy Scott, Broker/Owner with OE Realty, to learn more about the buying process and how best to be prepared to purchase a home. Scott and her team will discuss what to expect, how to prepare, define all the real estate terminology, and show different first-time buyer loan options that can stretch your dollar. Beacon of Hope Recovery Community Center team members will be on site to exchange positivity and engage on everyday wellness fun facts. Upon request, team members will happily offer recovery information and resources for those who might be recovery-curious or recovery-ready. Have you ever wanted something 3D printed at the library, but weren't sure how? Now is your chance to learn! This introductory course will cover the basics of how a 3D printer works and how to use PrusaSlicer software. Learn how to find ready-to-print files online and submit them to the Library for printing. No prior experience is needed. This is an in-person class held in the Computer Lab Makerspace. The Library will close at 5 p.m. due to inclement weather. The St. Mary’s County Circuit Court offers a free Family Law Self Help Legal Clinic to provide legal assistance/advice regarding family law.
Come for a one-on-one session with an attorney to discuss matters such as custody, visitation, divorce, child support, name change, guardianship, and domestic violence. First Come First Serve. No appointments - walk-ins only. Contact Person: Claire Langeluttig, Family Services Coordinator Email: claire.langeluttig@mdcourts.gov NOTE: Dates are subject to change without prior notice. Please contact Claire Langeluttig to confirm dates. We recommend getting to the library by 5:30pm to sign in. Please note that the attorney must leave by 7:30pm The Library will open at 10 a.m. due to inclement weather. The Social Security Administration provides protection for workers and their families. Programs provide monthly income to seniors, workers with a disability, children with disabilities, and families in which a spouse or parent has died. In this open forum, community residents will have the opportunity to ask questions about Social Security benefits. Presentation by Diana Varela, Public Affairs Specialist for the Social Security Administration followed by Q&A. This event will not be recorded. You will be directed to the Charles County Public library website when registering. Join us to discuss a different cozy mystery on the 3rd Thursday of each month at the Leonardtown Library. Be ready to talk about a genre that puts us all at ease while keeping us on our toes. This month we'll dive into the world of Jane Austen with The Murder of Mr. Wickham (2022) by Claudia Gray. This first installment in the Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney series brings back some classic characters, while introducing us to some interesting new ones. The happily married Mr. Knightley and Emma are throwing a house party, bringing together distant relatives and new acquaintances. Not invited is Mr. Wickham, whose latest financial scheme has netted him an array of enemies. Tempers flare, secrets are revealed, and it's clear that everyone would be happier if Mr. Wickham got his comeuppance. Yet they're all shocked when he turns up murdered. With everyone in the house a suspect, it falls to Juliet Tilney, the resourceful daughter of Catherine and Henry of Northanger Abbey, and Jonathan Darcy, eldest son of Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam. The pair must put aside their own poor first impressions and uncover the guilty party before someone innocent is hanged. Fine a physical copy today in our Library catalog or download a digital copy on Libby or the Palace Project app. Administración del Seguro Social provee protección para los trabajadores y sus familias. El programa provee ingreso mensual a las personas mayores de edad, los trabajadores que sufren de una incapacidad, niños con incapacidades y las familias en las que fallece un cónyuge o padre. En este foro abierto, los residentes de la comunidad tendrán la oportunidad de hacer preguntas sobre los beneficios del Seguro Social. Presentado por Diana Varela, Especialista en Relaciones Publicas, Administración del Seguro Social. Preguntas y respuestas después de la presentación. Este evento no será grabado. Williams, McClernan & Stack LLC will offer free legal help to those seeking Maryland expungements of criminal records.
Appointments will be at Lexington Park Library and will last approximately 20 minutes. Please bring any paperwork relating to the case if the case was dismissed because the lawyers will be unable to see it on CaseSearch. Please note: registration information will be shared with Williams, McClernan, & Stack so that the attorney can assist you during your appointment. Maryland Expungements Only FREE Core of Knowledge training for childcare providers. The Growing Brain is an innovative course from Zero to Three that provides a toolkit of how the brain develops step-by-step, neuron-by-neuron. Units 1 & 7 are in-person at Leonardtown Library on Saturdays from 9:15am-12:30pm; doors open at 9am. Licensed childcare providers will receive 3 Core of Knowledge Hours for each unit completed. Units 1-6 provide 3 hours in Child Development; Unit 7 provides 2 hours in Child Development & 1 hour in Curriculum. Register for any or all of these units: *If unable to attend Units 1 or 7 in person, contact jhutchison@stmalib.org to make arrangements for virtual participation. Come learn more about the library's Cricut Maker by using it to create your own cards and envelopes! This introductory, in-person class will cover how to use the Cricut Maker 3, an electronic die-cutting machine, to make clean and precise cuts on paper to create your own cards and envelopes for you to take home. Participants will also learn the basics of Cricut Design Space, the software used to create endlessly customizable designs. No experience necessary, all materials provided. Everyone is welcome to visit the Leonardtown Library Makerspace during open hours to use the Cricut to create whatever you can imagine! Customers need to have their own Cricut Design Space online account and bring their own material, but we have all the equipment and tools you'll need! Visit the Makerspace webpage to see open hours and learn about all the Makerspace has to offer. Note for minors: Teenagers are welcome in our Makerspace classes! Customers aged 14+ can use the Makerspace without an adult accompanying them but must have a waiver on file signed by their legal guardian. Customers under 14 must be accompanied by an adult while in the Makerspace and have a waiver on file signed by their legal guardian. Waivers are available in the Makerspace and are needed for minors to participation in this class. Drop in during this open session to get all your tech and computer skill questions answered! Whether you have a phone, tablet, or computer, we're here to help you build more confidence using your device. Refreshments will be provided. No registration required. Topics include, but aren’t limited to: This event is provided with support from AT&T and the Public Library Association. Learn from a Master Gardener how to get a head start on your garden this year with winter seed starting! Master Gardeners Marlene Smith and Molly Moore will introduce the 10 simple steps to winter sowing and walk participants through creating and seeding their own mini greenhouse to take home! Participants are invited to donate plastic gallon jugs (milk jugs) to refresh our supply of mini greenhouses. Participating Partners: University of Maryland Extension Master Gardeners, St. Mary's County Community Development Corporation, St. Mary's Garden Club, Southern Maryland Audubon Society, and Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay. Registration Full Register with an email address to receive the link to a trivia game and test your knowledge! The game is multiple choice questions and speed matters! Registration for each week ends at 5 p.m. on Mondays. After 5 p.m., registrants will be emailed a link to that week's trivia. You will have until Thursday at 5 p.m. to complete the game, then you'll receive an email with the full results. Trivia uses Kahoot, accessible through any internet browser, no account needed. Looking to learn more about the American Revolution? Join us for a virtual presentation! Dr. Jim Gibb will discuss specific events that contributed to the French & Indian War. In this series of presentations, we'll uncover the stories of the American Revolution! From January through May, we will explore the individual actions and events leading to the Continental Congress declaring independence from Great Britain. Living conditions in Colonial Maryland on the eve of the Seven Years War (French & Indian War) provides our starting point. Presentations will include some archaeological findings in Maryland and elsewhere, but most of our discussions will examine specific events and documents, including shots fired at Lexington and Concord, removal of French Canadians from Acadia, paintings of the Anglo-American assault on French Canada, and the Declaration. The Seven Years War culminated a series of conflicts among the British, French, Dutch, and Spanish empires as each vied for control over New World colonies, the settlers and the raw materials they produced for European manufacturers. This presentation follows the progression of the war from its beginning with General Braddock’s failed assault on Fort Duquesne to the forced removal of French Acadians to Maryland and points south to the fall of Montreal. And it examines Benjamin Franklin’s Albany Plan of Union, foreshadowing the Continental Congresses. This presentation will be held live over Zoom. It will also be recorded and uploaded to the St. Mary's County Library YouTube channel. If you would like to attend this event live and/or watch the recording, please register with an email address to receive the Zoom link the day before the event. The YouTube link to the recording will be emailed to everyone who registers for this program. FREE Core of Knowledge training for childcare providers. The Growing Brain is an innovative course from Zero to Three that provides a toolkit of how the brain develops step-by-step, neuron-by-neuron. Units 1 & 7 are in-person at Leonardtown Library on Saturdays from 9:15am-12:30pm; doors open at 9am. Licensed childcare providers will receive 3 Core of Knowledge Hours for each unit completed. Units 1-6 provide 3 hours in Child Development; Unit 7 provides 2 hours in Child Development & 1 hour in Curriculum. Register for any or all of these units: *If unable to attend Units 1 or 7 in person, contact jhutchison@stmalib.org to make arrangements for virtual participation. Job seekers can stop by to get job counseling and resume help,search for jobs, and get registered with the Maryland Workforce Exchange. A representative of the Maryland Dept. of Labor will be in the lobby to connect veterans and the general public to employment services. Learn about connections to employers, connections to the DVA, health services, veterans resources, assistance for homeless veterans, and more! Library services on the Mobile Library include Wi-Fi access, library card services, crafts to go, and materials for checkout! While the Mobile Library collection is unavailable for holds, staff are able to assist with requests for books and materials from other Library locations. The Mobile Library can accept returns from any location, and materials checked out from the vehicle may be returned to any location. 13723 Point Lookout Rd., Lexington Park, MD 20653 Library services on the Mobile Library include Wi-Fi access, library card services, crafts to go, and materials for checkout! While the Mobile Library collection is unavailable for holds, staff are able to assist with requests for books and materials from other Library locations. The Mobile Library can accept returns from any location, and materials checked out from the vehicle may be returned to any location. 47720 College Dr., St Marys City, MD 20686 Library services on the Mobile Library include Wi-Fi access, library card services, crafts to go, and materials for checkout! While the Mobile Library collection is unavailable for holds, staff are able to assist with requests for books and materials from other Library locations. The Mobile Library can accept returns from any location, and materials checked out from the vehicle may be returned to any location. 13270 Point Lookout Rd., Ridge, MD 20680 The St. Mary’s County Circuit Court offers a free Family Law Self Help Legal Clinic to provide legal assistance/advice regarding family law.
Come for a one-on-one session with an attorney to discuss matters such as custody, visitation, divorce, child support, name change, guardianship, and domestic violence. First Come First Serve. No appointments - walk-ins only. Contact Person: Claire Langeluttig, Family Services Coordinator Email: claire.langeluttig@mdcourts.gov NOTE: Dates are subject to change without prior notice. Please contact Claire Langeluttig to confirm dates. We recommend getting to the library by 5:30pm to sign in. Please note that the attorney must leave by 7:30pm Are you new to using a PC or want to build more confidence using the Windows 10 operating system? Complete this workshop to get a $10 gift card! During this in-person workshop, attendees will learn how to navigate the Windows 10 operating system, manage applications using the task manager, find and manage files and folders, save and delete files, and more. Gift cards are available on a first-come, first-served basis. This event is provided with support from AT&T, Public Library Association, and Maria Barga, Tech Educator with the University of Maryland Extension. The Three Oaks Center will connect those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to resources in the tri county that can help them with benefits, mental health, substance abuse, housing, and more. They will also be completing referrals for service on site and collecting paperwork to enroll in our programs and/or offer shelter if available. Learn about the history of the oyster industry in the Chesapeake Bay, the decline of the oyster, and community led efforts to revive the local oyster population in the St. Mary’s River and Breton Bay. Oysters filter water, provide habitat, and are a vital part of our local economy and culture. Restoration work is staffed by community volunteers and led by local non-profits St Mary's River Watershed Association (SMRWA) and Friends of St Clements Bay (FSCB). Emma has been restoring oysters with the St. Mary’s River Watershed Association since 2017 and now serves as its Executive Director. She holds a master’s degree in marine science and is passionate about restoring our local waterways for future generations. Fred has been working to restore oysters at his dock in St Patrick's Creek for over 20 years. A founding Board Member of FSCB, his workboat has ferried many thousands of baby oysters to the restoration reef in Breton Bay. Join them to find out what's happening with oyster restoration, why it matters, and how you can help! MD Libraries Together and Calvert Library are excited to present Michelle Coles to help celebrate Black History Month 2025. Ms. Coles, a civil rights attorney, wrote the award-winning young adult book Black Was the Ink, a very readable story that brings history and contemporary issues to life in a very discussable way. In person at Calvert Library - Prince Frederick, books will be available for sale and signing. The event will also be streamed online on Calvert Library's YouTube channel. Due to limited space, please register if you will be attending in person at Calvert Library - Prince Frederick to meet Ms. Coles. The story features Malcolm, a Black teen from DC, whose mom is worried about his safety over the summer and sends him to stay with his father’s family on their farm in Mississippi. Part of the farm had been taken through eminent domain for a highway some years prior and now the state is threatening to take the rest of it even though there is an option to take some of the farm across the road. Malcolm isn’t all that worried about it until he is transported back in time to the Reconstruction Era as his ancestor Cedric, an aide to Senator Hiram Revels, one of the first Black members of Congress. Malcolm and readers learn about the Black heroes of the period and learn how to advocate in the present. This is an entertaining and inspiring read for both teens and adults and you’ll undoubtedly learn something new, too! Place Black Was the Ink on hold. Borrow the ebook with no wait from Libby today! For accessibility accommodations, please contact us at least 2 weeks before the event. 410-535-0291. Spring is coming! Learn how to entice the beautiful bluebirds into your yard and become a successful bluebird landlord. We'll be joined by Barb Whipkey, who is the St. Mary's County Coordinator for the Maryland Bluebird Society as well as the owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Lexington Park and LaPlata, MD. Barb will share her wealth of knowledge and love of bluebirds while giving us tips about hosting bluebird families in our backyards. You will receive a Zoom invitation link via email the day before the event. Each month we will discuss a different romance novel. February's title is Dating Dr. Dil by Nisha Sharma Find Dating Dr. Dil in our catalog. Learn about Pointillism, an Impressionist art style using dots of color to show a new perspective. We'll have an example art piece to talk about and then we'll each paint our own version of the piece! No experience needed and all materials will be provided. This program is intended for adults with cognitive disabilities and their caregivers. You will only need to register the adult participant not the accompanying caregiver.
Inclusive Sensory Play and Caregiver Cafe
Onyx Storm Release Party
Veterans Book Group
Cricut Crafts: Love Garland - AFTERNOON SESSION
Cricut Crafts: Love Garland - EVENING SESSION
St. Mary's County Recreation & Parks
Anime Club
This month's shows:Get Tech Smart: Drop-In
Beacon of Hope Pop Up: Lobby Visit
Mobile Library Stop at St. Mary's Caring Soup Kitchen
Mobile Library Stop at Lexington Park Senior Apartments
Mobile Library Stop at Patuxent Cove Apartments
Be a Well Woman! ¡Sea una Mujer de Bienestar!: Take Charge of Your Health
✅ The benefits of regular breast and cervical cancer screenings
✅ How well-women exams play a crucial role in early detection and prevention
✅ Resources and tips to stay proactive about your healthPuzzle Club
Introduction to Internet Basics
St. Mary's County Dept of Aging & Human Services: Lobby Visit
String Art Valentines: An Adult Crafternoon
cancelled-Mobile Library Stop at Suburban Estates
cancelled-Mobile Library Stop at Patuxent Crossing Apts
cancelled-Mobile Library Stop at Westbury HOA Clubhouse
AccessHealth at St. Mary's County Hospital: Lobby Visit
Connect and Converse
Trivia Mondays
Galentine's/Palentine's Day: Paint and Chat
Paws to Read
Southern Maryland JobSource Mobile Career Center
Library Closing at 12 Noon
RESCHEDULED: Introduction to 3D Printing
Cancelled - Mobile Library at Piney Point Lighthouse Museum
44720 Lighthouse Rd., Piney Point, MD 20674Common Thread
If needed, basic supplies available.
All skill levels welcome.
Walk-in’s welcome!
Registration recommended for news and updates.Adult Lit Kit
Library Closed
Mobile Library Stop at St. Mary's Adult Medical Daycare
Beacon of Hope Pop Up: Lobby Visit
Mobile Library Stop at Wildewood Village Event Center
Introduction to Videoconferencing Basics on Zoom
Mobile Library Stop at Loffler Senior Center
Maryland Food Bank Mobile Market
Three Oaks Center Outreach: Lobby Visit
Mobile Library Stop at Victory Woods
Introduction to Ancestry.com Library Edition
Virtual Sci-Fi & Fantasy Book Club - Iron Flame
Introduction to Microsoft Excel
This class does not result in Microsoft certification.
Computer Skills needed for this class: Mouse and keyboardA St. Mary’s Civil Rights Story
This is a walk-in program. Registration not necessary unless you would like a follow up email.Get Ready for Gardening!
Cricut Crafts: Custom Mugs: Let's make custom Empyrean-inspired Dragon mugs
Lexington Park Chess Day
Library Closed
St. Mary's County Health Department: Lobby Visit
Get Tech Smart: Drop-In
Smartphone Basics
Computer Basics
Internet Basics
Email Basics
Cybersecurity Basics
Videoconferencing BasicsFirst Time Home Buyer Q&A
Homebuyer Education for First Time Homebuyers in MarylandBeacon of Hope Pop Up: Lobby Visit
Introduction to 3D Printing
Library Closing at 5 p.m.
St. Mary's County Court Help Clinic
Phone: 301-475-4200 ext 4110Library Opening at 10 a.m.
Social Security Administration: Ask an Expert
Cozy Mystery Book Club
Administración del Seguro Social: Pregúntele a un experto
Expungement Day
The Growing Brain: Childcare Provider Workshop Series
Units 2-6 are online via Zoom on Tuesday nights from 6-9pm. The Zoom Room will open at 5:50pm.
See https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yscQM_QbAU6u9Yz9YSCOZwJy4SCaabP2/view?usp=sharing for details of each unit.
Cricut Crafts: Paper Cards & Envelopes
Get Tech Smart: Drop-In
Smartphone Basics
Computer Basics
Internet Basics
Email Basics
Cybersecurity Basics
Videoconferencing Basics All the Dirt on Winter Sowing: Make & Take: Veggies, Herbs, Annuals & Native Plants
Trivia Mondays
The French & Indian War: On the Eve of the American Revolution - A Series
The Growing Brain: Childcare Provider Workshop Series
Units 2-6 are online via Zoom on Tuesday nights from 6-9pm. The Zoom Room will open at 5:50pm.
See https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yscQM_QbAU6u9Yz9YSCOZwJy4SCaabP2/view?usp=sharing for details of each unit.
Southern Maryland JobSource Mobile Career Center
Veterans' Services: Lobby Visit
Mobile Library Stop at First Saints Community Food Pantry
Mobile Library Stop at St. Mary's College of Maryland
Mobile Library Stop at Dollar General (Ridge, MD)
St. Mary's County Court Help Clinic
Phone: 301-475-4200 ext 4110Introduction to Computer Basics (Windows)
Three Oaks Center Outreach: Lobby Visit
Oyster Restoration in Southern Maryland: How Community Led Efforts are Restoring Local Water Ways
Meet Michelle Coles, Author of "Black Was the Ink"
Become a Bluebird Landlord
Virtual Romance Book Club - Dating Dr. Dil
Adaptive Art Studio for Adults with Cognitive Disabilities
Please note that library staff may be taking photos of any or all events to use for future library publications. Event participants’ photos may be used without notification or compensation. If you do not feel comfortable having your photo taken, please inform library staff when you arrive to an event.