April 2022

The annual Spring sale is on!

The Friends of the St. Mary's County Library's online bookstore has not even scratched the surface of their storeroom of books! They have over 50,000 books to sell so visit the first Spring Sale since 2019! Cash, checks, credit cards accepted.

April 1 is Members Only Day. Not a member? Join today! Or join at the door!

Stories, songs, and activities for children with their adult caregivers, outdoors at Greenwell State Park. Siblings welcome; please register once per family group.

This program takes place outdoors under the big trees on the Manor House Lawn. Since the barn will be open to guests on this day, be sure to visit out all the friendly horses and goats after the program, and explore the trails and other outdoor areas at the park. Please bring a blanket or chairs for storytime, & feel free to bring a picnic lunch for later! This outdoor program is weather-dependent; in case of bad weather it will be cancelled. Please register with an email address to get weather-related updates. Park admission will be waived for families registered for storytime.

Park address: 25420 Rosedale Manor Lane, Hollywood, MD 20636

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.

This book discussion series is tailored for veterans and their families. We are privileged that is led by Vietnam veteran, author, and College of Southern Maryland professor Wayne Karlin. Service members of all eras, their spouses, and adult children are welcome.

This year we will read and discuss four non-fiction books: a former infantryman exploring how to be a parent; a former Navy pilot struggling with the tug between pride and guilt about his service; a journalist discussing in detail the erosion of honor in an elite force; and a former nurse’s very personal memoir of loss and trauma from World War I. Each book is written in a very different style but connected by themes of war, courage, honor, and trauma.

Meetings will be held the first Saturday of the month 10 am - 12 pm via ZOOM. Participants should plan to attend all sessions. Materials provided. Book descriptions are from Amazon

The Veterans Book Group is coordinated statewide by Maryland Humanities and is presented locally in partnership with St. Mary’s County Library. It is supported in part by Lockheed Martin, David Bruce Smith, and the Wawa Foundation.

June 4th: Testament of Youth by Vera Brittain

Wayne’s note:  I think this is one of the most devastating accounts of World War One. It is told not by a soldier but by a woman from a sheltered background who volunteered as a nurse and suffered the severe losses that marked her generation.

In 1914, Vera Brittain was 20; when war was declared she was preparing to study at Oxford. Four years later, her life - and the life of her whole generation - had changed in a way that would have been unimaginable in the tranquil pre-war era.

Testament of Youth, one of the most famous autobiographies of the First World War, is Brittain's account of how she survived those agonizing years. Brittan recounts how she lost the man she loved; how she nursed the wounded and how she emerged into an altered world. A passionate record of a lost generation. It made Vera Brittain one of the best-loved writers of her time. This book has lost none of its power to shock, move, and enthrall readers since its first publication in 1933.

The annual Spring sale is on!

The Friends of the St. Mary's County Library's online bookstore has not even scratched the surface of their storeroom of books! They have over 50,000 books to sell so visit the first Spring Sale since 2019! Cash, checks, credit cards accepted.

For beginning readers or any student who needs a confidence boost. Join "Pets on Wheels" to practice reading out loud to a therapy pet for 15 minute sessions.

Readers should bring a book, or arrive at least 20 minutes early for help to choose a book.

The annual Spring sale is on!

The Friends of the St. Mary's County Library's online bookstore has not even scratched the surface of their storeroom of books! They have over 50,000 books to sell so visit the first Spring Sale since 2019! Cash, checks, credit cards accepted.

The Southern Maryland Community Network will visit the lobby of the Lexington Park branch to discuss their mental health resources and services with the community.

The Southern Maryland Community Network, Inc. provides a range of expertly and uniquely delivered behavioral health services that are predicated on the belief that each person's strengths hold the keys to their recovery. 

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!

It's storytime, online! Join your children's librarians virtually for fun & learning as we read stories, sing and dance together, and play games.

Zoom Storytime is designed with ages 2-6 in mind, but kids of all ages (and their grownup caregivers) are welcome! Register once with your email address to receive a Zoom link each Monday morning. Storytimes are 10am on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 2:30pm on Wednesdays.

Do you like anime or manga?

Join us for this month's anime film: The Princess and the Pilot by Jun Shishido! We will have time for a brief discussion after the movie.
Snacks will be provided.

Ages 16—99.

The Grim Readers is a book club that meets on the first Tuesday of every month for an hour to discuss a horror book. This month's pick is The Luminous Dead by Caitlin Starling.

When Gyre Price lied her way into this expedition, she thought she’d be mapping mineral deposits, and that her biggest problems would be cave collapses and gear malfunctions. She also thought that the fat paycheck—enough to get her off-planet and on the trail of her mother—meant she’d get a skilled surface team, monitoring her suit and environment, keeping her safe. Keeping her sane.

Instead, she got Em.

Em sees nothing wrong with controlling Gyre’s body with drugs or withholding critical information to “ensure the smooth operation” of her expedition. Em knows all about Gyre’s falsified credentials, and has no qualms using them as a leash—and a lash. And Em has secrets, too...

As Gyre descends, little inconsistencies—missing supplies, unexpected changes in the route, and, worst of all, shifts in Em’s motivations—drive her out of her depths. Lost and disoriented, Gyre finds her sense of control giving way to paranoia and anger. On her own in this mysterious, deadly place, surrounded by darkness and the unknown, Gyre must overcome more than just the dangerous terrain and the Tunneler which calls underground its home if she wants to make it out alive—she must confront the ghosts in her own head.

Find The Luminous Dead by Caitlin Starling in the catalog!

Find The Luminous Dead by Caitlin Starling on Hoopla!

Join us for a discussion with author Jesse Q. Sutanto, to hear about her hilarious novel, "Dial A for Aunties" and the upcoming sequel, "Four Aunties and a Wedding."

What do you get when you combine the pacing of a fast-moving mystery caper, the drama and humor of a classic rom-com, and the compelling poignancy of the best women’s fiction? One-of-a-kind escapist reads from author Jesse Q. Sutanto.

In Dial A for Aunties, Crazy Rich Asians meets Weekend at Bernie’s as young wedding photographer Meddy Chan enlists her meddlesome mother and aunts to help hide the dead body of her blind date while trying to pull off an opulent wedding for a billionaire client on the same day.

In Four Aunties and a Wedding, Meddy Chan and the aunties return fiercer than ever and ready to do anything to give Meddy the perfect wedding day—including taking on the mafia, kidnapping, and other entirely unacceptable wedding behavior.

Register to receive the link to the Zoom meeting the day before the event.

If you require any accommodations for the event, please fill out the form here: https://www.stmalib.org/about-us/accessibility/request-an-accommodation/ 

Jesse Q. Sutanto is the author of Dial A for Aunties, The Obsession, and Theo Tan and the Fox Spirit. Jesse grew up shuttling between Indonesia, Singapore, and Oxford, and considers all three places her home. She has a Masters in Creative Writing from the University of Oxford. Jesse has forty-two first cousins and thirty aunties and uncles, many of whom live just down the road. She lives in Indonesia with her husband and two daughters. Learn more online at www.jesseqsutanto.com

LifeStyles’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free federal and state tax preparation services for households whose total household income is $57,000 or less.

Tax services are provided by IRS-certified tax preparers. Tax service is for Charles, Prince George’s, St Mary’s and Calvert County residents, and is only for Federal and Maryland State tax returns (No DC or other state returns). Prior tax returns from the last four years (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021) can be completed, but a separate appointment must be made for each tax year that’s needed.

Appointments are available on Wednesdays, February 2 - April 13 at the Lexington Park Library and are scheduled to be 45 minutes long. Registration is required and walk-ins will not be accepted. Registration for each Wednesday will become available three weeks in advance. Please read all the information on the registration page as it includes a list of required paperwork and important safety measures.

Seedco Navigators will be on site to educate and assist those who are uninsured as well as those currently insured through Maryland Health Connection.

Navigators will be providing information on new lower premiums, access to financial assistance for those who qualify, as well as scheduling appointments for application and enrollment in health coverage.
Seedco is a non-profit organization under a grant funded contract with the state of Maryland, through the Maryland Health Exchange. We work to educate and assist Maryland residents, free of charge, in understanding their health coverage options, potential for financial assistance, and how to select the best plan within the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange marketplace that suits their needs. Additionally, we work to provide resources and other options for those who do not qualify or are unable to get the coverage they need.

Social distancing and safe COVID protocols will be in place to ensure the safety of Seedco staff, Library staff, and the general public.

For more information please contact :
Christie Taylor
Seedco Navigator
chtaylor@seedco.org

Job seekers can stop by to get job counseling and resume help,search for jobs, and get registered with the Maryland Workforce Exchange.

Writing can be a lonely hobby, why not attend the writing club to connect with other writers your age? Join us for our bi-monthly writing club, intended for teens!

During the club meetings, you'll be able to share your writing, meet new writers, learn about new genres, and have your writing critiqued by your peers! The club will be held virtually every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month.

Join us each month as we discuss a different mystery novel. The book for April The Widows of Malabar Hill (Perveen Mistry #1) by Sujata Massey.

For beginning readers or any student who needs a confidence boost. Join "Pets on Wheels" to practice reading out loud to a therapy pet for 15 minute sessions.

Readers should bring a book, or arrive at least 20 minutes early for help to choose a book.

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.

Job seekers can stop by to get job counseling and resume help,search for jobs, and get registered with the Maryland Workforce Exchange.

All COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted.

Seedco Navigators will be on site to educate and assist those who are uninsured as well as those currently insured through Maryland Health Connection.

Navigators will be providing information on new lower premiums, access to financial assistance for those who qualify, as well as scheduling appointments for application and enrollment in health coverage.
Seedco is a non-profit organization under a grant funded contract with the state of Maryland, through the Maryland Health Exchange. We work to educate and assist Maryland residents, free of charge, in understanding their health coverage options, potential for financial assistance, and how to select the best plan within the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange marketplace that suits their needs. Additionally, we work to provide resources and other options for those who do not qualify or are unable to get the coverage they need.

Social distancing and safe COVID protocols will be in place to ensure the safety of Seedco staff, Library staff, and the general public.

For more information please contact :
Christie Taylor
Seedco Navigator
chtaylor@seedco.org

It's storytime, online! Join your children's librarians virtually for fun & learning as we read stories, sing and dance together, and play games.

Zoom Storytime is designed with ages 2-6 in mind, but kids of all ages (and their grownup caregivers) are welcome! Register once with your email address to receive a Zoom link each Monday morning. Storytimes are 10am on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 2:30pm on Wednesdays.

Have questions about growing vegetables, soil conditions, mystery insects, invasive weeds, or heirloom plants? Ask a Master Gardener! Stop by with your plant samples and questions.

Take an Earth Day Pledge and learn about recycle/reduce/reuse. Participate in an oil spill clean-up experiment and trek with us around the library campus to clean up litter.

Participants will discuss Earth Day and conservation ideas and perform an STEM experiment. After, we will trek the library campus and pick up litter while collecting a surprise (so please dress prepared for the day's weather)! Each member of the trek will keep the surprise, Earth Day Pledge and BINGO card containing suggestions on how each of us can take care of our earth.

Trained voter registration volunteers will be in the lobby to assist with registering to vote.

A STEM-based program for preschool-aged children all about hot, gooey, cheesy pizza! (Note: no actual pizza will be served)

Come learn through play at this library program where participants will read, experiment, and create with hands-on science activities inspired by pizza! Activities will include a short pizza themed storytime, stamping with vegetable shapes, and mixing up some homemade playdough (contains gluten). This event will be outdoors under the pavilion at 5th District Park, and will continue rain-or-shine, so dress for the weather (and for making playdough!). Siblings welcome; please register each child attending.

On the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, join us for some virtual gaming. We'll play games like Among Us, Quiplash, Drawful, and Murder Trivia Party. Wit, weirdness, and hijinks are encouraged.

Make sure to register with an email to receive the Zoom link. Two devices are recommended: one for Zoom and one to use as a game controller.  Intended for ages 10 to 18. 

Join fellow crafters who love all things 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. 

All skill levels welcome. No registration required.

St. Mary’s County Library makes every effort to make events and programs accessible and inclusive. More information about how we do this is provided on our website’s Event Accessibility page.

Join fellow crafters who love all things fiber - virtually! Registration is required (with an email address). You'll receive an email with a link to join the Zoom meeting before the program.

Open to knitters, crocheters, quilters, embroiderers, cross-stitchers, and any other kind of needleworkers. Work on your current project and chat with like-minded makers. All skill levels welcome.

LifeStyles’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free federal and state tax preparation services for households whose total household income is $57,000 or less.

Tax services are provided by IRS-certified tax preparers. Tax service is for Charles, Prince George’s, St Mary’s and Calvert County residents, and is only for Federal and Maryland State tax returns (No DC or other state returns). Prior tax returns from the last four years (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021) can be completed, but a separate appointment must be made for each tax year that’s needed.

Appointments are available on Wednesdays, February 2 - April 13 at the Lexington Park Library and are scheduled to be 45 minutes long. Registration is required and walk-ins will not be accepted. Registration for each Wednesday will become available three weeks in advance. Please read all the information on the registration page as it includes a list of required paperwork and important safety measures.

Outdoor stories, rhymes, songs, and activities planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

This storytime is outdoors and will be cancelled in case of bad weather. Please register once per family group with an email address to get weather-related updates, and call the library if you're not sure whether storytime is on. Bring chairs or a blanket to sit on, and dress for the weather!

Outdoor stories, rhymes, songs, and activities planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

This storytime is outdoors and will be cancelled in case of bad weather. Please register once per family group with an email address to get weather-related updates, and call the library if you're not sure whether storytime is on. Bring chairs or a blanket to sit on, and dress for the weather!

The Southern Maryland Community Network will visit the lobby of the Leonardtown branch to discuss their mental health resources and services with the community.

The Southern Maryland Community Network, Inc. provides a range of expertly and uniquely delivered behavioral health services that are predicated on the belief that each person's strengths hold the keys to their recovery. 

Outdoor stories, rhymes, songs, and activities planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

This storytime is outdoors and will be cancelled in case of bad weather. Please register once per family group with an email address to get weather-related updates, and call the library if you're not sure whether storytime is on. Bring chairs or a blanket to sit on, and dress for the weather!

Come share a poem and have fun being in the spotlight!

Poetry Palooza is for elementary-aged kids to share either their original poems or personal favorites in front of others and have fun appreciating poetry! The poem being read should be no more than 3 minutes long so that everyone will have a chance to shine. 

Join us each month to discuss Martha Wells's Murderbot Diaries series. This month, we will be discussing book two - Artificial Condition

Listen to the audiobook on Hoopla

Checkout the ebook or print book in our catalog

Join us for an exciting outdoor art adventure! Prepare to make a “mess-terpiece” through engaging and messy art play for babies and toddlers!

Throw on some clothes you don't mind getting messy in and get ready for fun! Register with your email address to secure your spot in an active, artful hour of play with your baby or toddler on Lexington Park Library's front lawn!

Note: In accordance with Covid Safety Guidelines, registrants will be asked to socially distance in their family units.

Rain Date: Friday, April 22nd, 9:30am-10:30am.

Stories, songs, and activities for children with their adult caregivers, outdoors at Historic Sotterley. Please register once per family group. Rain or shine!

This activity will take place outdoors on the grass lawn beside the gardens. Participants should bring blankets or chairs for comfort, and follow social distancing practices during the event. In case of rain, storytime will move to a covered pavilion. Families attending storytime will receive free admission stickers to Sotterley, so be sure to stay and explore the lovely grounds after storytime. Address: 44300 Sotterley Ln, Hollywood, MD 20636

Learn the most critical components of boating safety for new boaters.

The seminar includes the importance of life jackets, how to get a free boat safety check, navigating on the water, navigation rules, safe fueling, anchoring, and knots.

This is a classroom course, not an on-the-water course, and does not provide actual underway experience. 

Presented by The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Solomons Flotilla. USCGA website

Stories, songs, and activities for children with their adult caregivers, outdoors at Piney Point Lighthouse. Siblings welcome; please register once per family group.

This activity will take place outdoors by the pavilion. Participants should bring blankets or chairs for comfort. After storytime, explore the lighthouse and park- admission fees will be waived for families attending storytime! No rain date; we'll shelter under the pavilion in case of rain.

Address: 44720 Lighthouse Road, Piney Point, MD 20674

Join us for a fun day of painting—in miniature!

Each registrant will receive a miniature canvas (3" x 3") and easel to paint on. Acrylic paints and brushes will also be provided, but participants are welcome to bring any of their own materials.

These works will then be displayed with the artist's name for a brief time in our library, upon approval of management.

Both teens and adults are welcome!

Lexington Park Library is closed in observance of Easter Sunday.

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.

Outdoor stories, rhymes, songs, and activities planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

This storytime is outdoors and will be cancelled in case of bad weather. Please register once per family group with an email address to get weather-related updates, and call the library if you're not sure whether storytime is on. Bring chairs or a blanket to sit on, and dress for the weather!

It's storytime, online! Join your children's librarians virtually for fun & learning as we read stories, sing and dance together, and play games.

Zoom Storytime is designed with ages 2-6 in mind, but kids of all ages (and their grownup caregivers) are welcome! Register once with your email address to receive a Zoom link each Monday morning. Storytimes are 10am on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 2:30pm on Wednesdays.

Outdoor stories, rhymes, songs, and activities planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

This storytime is outdoors and will be cancelled in case of bad weather. Please register once per family group with an email address to get weather-related updates, and call the library if you're not sure whether storytime is on. Bring chairs or a blanket to sit on, and dress for the weather!

Outdoor stories, rhymes, songs, and activities planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

This storytime is outdoors and will be cancelled in case of bad weather. Please register once per family group with an email address to get weather-related updates, and call the library if you're not sure whether storytime is on. Bring chairs or a blanket to sit on, and dress for the weather!

The Southern Maryland Community Network will visit the lobby of the Charlotte Hall branch to discuss their mental health resources and services with the community.

The Southern Maryland Community Network, Inc. provides a range of expertly and uniquely delivered behavioral health services that are predicated on the belief that each person's strengths hold the keys to their recovery. 

Outdoor stories, rhymes, songs, and activities planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

This storytime is outdoors and will be cancelled in case of bad weather. Please register once per family group with an email address to get weather-related updates, and call the library if you're not sure whether storytime is on. Bring chairs or a blanket to sit on, and dress for the weather!

St. Mary's, Calvert, and Charles Counties are collaborating on a joint partnership with the Maryland Department of Labor. Join us for monthly virtual classes relating to employment and training.

Offered by the Maryland Department of Labor, American Job Center, this is an interactive workshop for resume and cover letter writing help.  Looking for a job, or a better job?  Don't miss this free class.  Registration closes the Monday before the event.

Job search help is available at https://mwejobs.maryland.gov/

By registering for this class, you are agreeing that your contact information will be shared with the Maryland Department of Labor, American Job Center (AJC).  AJC staffer, Jasmine McCain, will contact you with initial materials and explain the MWE registration process.  If you have questions or do not wish to register on MWE, you can contact Ms. McCain directly at jasminet.mccain@maryland.gov to get help on this topic.

Job seekers can stop by to get job counseling and resume help, search for jobs, and get registered with the Maryland Workforce Exchange.

Employees from the St. Mary's County Health Department will be available in the lobby to answer your questions about Narcan and Opioid overdose. No appointment necessary.

Join us for an exciting outdoor art adventure! Prepare to make a “mess-terpiece” through engaging and messy art play for babies and toddlers!

Throw on some clothes you don't mind getting messy in and get ready for fun! Register with your email address to secure your spot in an active, artful hour of play with your baby or toddler! Please register each child.

Outdoor stories, rhymes, songs, and activities planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

This storytime is outdoors and will be cancelled in case of bad weather. Please register once per family group with an email address to get weather-related updates, and call the library if you're not sure whether storytime is on. Bring chairs or a blanket to sit on, and dress for the weather!

Outdoor stories, rhymes, songs, and activities planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

This storytime is outdoors and will be cancelled in case of bad weather. Please register once per family group with an email address to get weather-related updates, and call the library if you're not sure whether storytime is on. Bring chairs or a blanket to sit on, and dress for the weather!

St. Mary's, Calvert, and Charles Counties are collaborating on a joint partnership with the Maryland Department of Labor. Join us for monthly virtual classes relating to employment and training.

This workshop, offered by Maryland Department of Labor, American Job Center, is for the experienced, seasoned jobseeker who wants to step into a new role!  We will cover going after the dream, making your skillset fit into a new career path, and most importantly, working around those subtle and not-so-subtle age and over-experience barriers.  Registration closes one day prior to the event.

Job search help is available on https://mwejobs.maryland.gov/

By registering for this class, you are agreeing that your contact information will be shared with Maryland Department of Labor, American Job Center (AJC). AJC staffer, Jasmine McCain, will contact you with initial materials and explain the MWE registration process.  If you have questions or do not wish to register on MWE, you can contact Ms. McCain directly at jasminet.mccain@maryland.gov to get help on this topic.

Learn all about Puerto Rico from a Puerto Rican!

Our Puerto Rican presenter will take you on a trip to Puerto Rico, discussing tourist attractions, language, customs, cuisine, and clothing. And you'll even learn some common expressions in Spanish used there! Experience the world from the comfort of your own home in our ongoing series!

This presentation is sure to delight, entertain, educate and inspire! 

This program includes a Q & A session!

Register to receive the link to the Zoom meeting.

Each month we will discuss a different romance novel. All books will be available in both eBook and audiobook format on Hoopla. April's title is "The Earl Takes All" by Lorraine Heath

One summer night, Edward Alcott gives in to temptation and kisses Lady Julia Kenney in a dark garden. However, the passion she stirs within him is best left in the shadows as she weds his twin, the Earl of Greyling. But when tragedy strikes, to honor the vow he makes to his dying brother, Edward must pretend to be Greyling until the countess delivers her babe.

Listen to the audiobook on Hoopla

Read the eBook on Hoopla

This valuable 2 part class will assist you in starting or continuing your genealogy journey.

Our friends Karen, Frankie, and April from the St. Mary's County Genealogical Society and the St. Mary's County Historical Society will be here to teach you how to find your ancestors using free resources, where to find records to verify your lineage, and how to record your findings. Please bring any names, dates, and locations you are interested in researching. All skill levels are welcome.

This is part 1 of a 2 part class. Part 2 is scheduled for April 28, 2022. 

This is an in-person class held in the computer lab.

It's storytime, online! Join your children's librarians virtually for fun & learning as we read stories, sing and dance together, and play games.

Zoom Storytime is designed with ages 2-6 in mind, but kids of all ages (and their grownup caregivers) are welcome! Register once with your email address to receive a Zoom link each Monday morning. Storytimes are 10am on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 2:30pm on Wednesdays.

Outdoor stories, rhymes, songs, and activities planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

This storytime is outdoors and will be cancelled in case of bad weather. Please register once per family group with an email address to get weather-related updates, and call the library if you're not sure whether storytime is on. Bring chairs or a blanket to sit on, and dress for the weather!

Writing can be a lonely hobby, why not attend the writing club to connect with other writers your age? Join us for our bi-monthly writing club, intended for teens!

During the club meetings, you'll be able to share your writing, meet new writers, learn about new genres, and have your writing critiqued by your peers! The club will be held virtually every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month.

Join Barb Whipkey, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Lexington Park and LaPlata, for this talk all about hummingbirds.

Barb will discuss nesting behaviors, attracting hummingbirds to your feeders, and more.  Barb will even give some of her tips for hand feeding the hummingbirds.  Make this your best hummingbird season ever!

Register with an email address to receive a link to join the online event.

If you require an ASL interpreter or other accommodation for this event, please contact us at virtualservices@stmalib.org with as much notice as possible, but no later than five business days before the event date.

Join us for an exciting outdoor art adventure! Prepare to make a “mess-terpiece” through engaging and messy art play for babies and toddlers!

Throw on some clothes you don't mind getting messy in and get ready for fun! Register with your email address to secure your spot in an active, artful hour of play with your baby or toddler on Charlotte Hall Library's front lawn! Please register each child attending.

Join staff from Evolve Yoga + Wellness for Yoga Basics, which offers an introduction for students new to yoga.

The class focuses on gentle stretches, breathing, and simple range of motion of the major joints. Attention to technique for efficient alignment in basic postures will be addressed. Use of props is encouraged to find optimal alignment in a gentle way. This class includes relaxation.

In signing up, I agree to and understand the following:

Classes at Evolve Yoga + Wellness may be physically strenuous and I voluntarily participate in them with full knowledge that there is risk of personal injury.
I will inform the instructor/practitioner of any physical limitations or recent injuries I may have or acquire.

I, on behalf of myself, my personal representatives and my heirs, hereby voluntarily agree to release, waive, discharge, hold harmless, defend, and indemnify Evolving Yoga, LLC, Evolve Yoga + Wellness and its representatives, employees, and volunteers from any and all claims, actions or losses for bodily injury, property damage, wrongful death, loss of services or otherwise which may arise out of my use of any equipment or participation in these activities.

I have read the above waiver and release, and by signing up for this event, I agree not to hold Evolving Yoga, LLC, Evolve Yoga + Wellness liable for any personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death, caused by negligence or any other cause.

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.

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!

Join Catherine, an adult services librarian at Lexington Park, as we discuss Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto for the Staff Picks Book Club!

When Meddelin Chan ends up accidentally killing her blind date, her meddlesome mother calls for her even more meddlesome aunties to help get rid of the body. Unfortunately, a dead body proves to be a lot more challenging to dispose of than one might anticipate, especially when it is inadvertently shipped in a cake cooler to the over-the-top billionaire wedding Meddy, her Ma, and aunties are working at an island resort on the California coastline. 

This is a madcap bonkers mystery with a cute romance tied in. Sign up and receive the zoom link the day before the event. 

Check out the book in our catalog!

Dr. James Gibb will discuss the archaeological excavation of the Antietam National Battlefield Site.

There are excellent books on the subject of the Battle of Antietam (Sharpsburg, from the Confederate perspective), including hour-by-hour action in one of the fiercest battles of the American Civil War. Archaeology provides some details not otherwise seen by combatants through the dense smoke and noise of the bloodiest day in American history. This illustrated presentation focuses on the archaeological investigation of the parking lot in front of the Antietam National Battlefield Site, providing hitherto undocumented details of one small sector of the battlefield.

Outdoor stories, rhymes, songs, and activities planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

This storytime is outdoors and will be cancelled in case of bad weather. Please register once per family group with an email address to get weather-related updates, and call the library if you're not sure whether storytime is on. Bring chairs or a blanket to sit on, and dress for the weather!

It's storytime, online! Join your children's librarians virtually for fun & learning as we read stories, sing and dance together, and play games.

Zoom Storytime is designed with ages 2-6 in mind, but kids of all ages (and their grownup caregivers) are welcome! Register once with your email address to receive a Zoom link each Monday morning. Storytimes are 10am on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 2:30pm on Wednesdays.

Outdoor stories, rhymes, songs, and activities planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

This storytime is outdoors and will be cancelled in case of bad weather. Please register once per family group with an email address to get weather-related updates, and call the library if you're not sure whether storytime is on. Bring chairs or a blanket to sit on, and dress for the weather!

Outdoor stories, rhymes, songs, and activities planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

This storytime is outdoors and will be cancelled in case of bad weather. Please register once per family group with an email address to get weather-related updates, and call the library if you're not sure whether storytime is on. Bring chairs or a blanket to sit on, and dress for the weather!

Outdoor stories, rhymes, songs, and activities planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

This storytime is outdoors and will be cancelled in case of bad weather. Please register once per family group with an email address to get weather-related updates, and call the library if you're not sure whether storytime is on. Bring chairs or a blanket to sit on, and dress for the weather!

Have questions about growing vegetables, soil conditions, mystery insects, invasive weeds, or heirloom plants? Ask a Master Gardener! Stop by with your plant samples and questions.

On the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month, join us for some virtual gaming. We'll play games like Among Us, Quiplash, Drawful, and Murder Trivia Party. Wit, weirdness, and hijinks are encouraged.

Make sure to register with an email to receive the Zoom link. Two devices are recommended: one for Zoom and one to use as a game controller.  Intended for ages 10 to 18. 

Need help with job-related skills but not sure where to start?

Join staff from the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland for a virtual workshop on resume writing and interview skills.

Join fellow crafters who love all things 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. 

All skill levels welcome. No registration required.

St. Mary’s County Library makes every effort to make events and programs accessible and inclusive. More information about how we do this is provided on our website’s Event Accessibility page.

Join fellow crafters who love all things fiber - virtually! Registration is required (with an email address). You'll receive an email with a link to join the Zoom meeting before the program.

Open to knitters, crocheters, quilters, embroiderers, cross-stitchers, and any other kind of needleworkers. Work on your current project and chat with like-minded makers. All skill levels welcome.

Seedco Navigators will be on site to educate and assist those who are uninsured as well as those currently insured through Maryland Health Connection.

Navigators will be providing information on new lower premiums, access to financial assistance for those who qualify, as well as scheduling appointments for application and enrollment in health coverage.
Seedco is a non-profit organization under a grant funded contract with the state of Maryland, through the Maryland Health Exchange. We work to educate and assist Maryland residents, free of charge, in understanding their health coverage options, potential for financial assistance, and how to select the best plan within the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange marketplace that suits their needs. Additionally, we work to provide resources and other options for those who do not qualify or are unable to get the coverage they need.

Social distancing and safe COVID protocols will be in place to ensure the safety of Seedco staff, Library staff, and the general public.

For more information please contact :
Christie Taylor
Seedco Navigator
chtaylor@seedco.org

Outdoor stories, rhymes, songs, and activities planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

This storytime is outdoors and will be cancelled in case of bad weather. Please register once per family group with an email address to get weather-related updates, and call the library if you're not sure whether storytime is on. Bring chairs or a blanket to sit on, and dress for the weather!

Outdoor stories, rhymes, songs, and activities planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

This storytime is outdoors and will be cancelled in case of bad weather. Please register once per family group with an email address to get weather-related updates, and call the library if you're not sure whether storytime is on. Bring chairs or a blanket to sit on, and dress for the weather!

In part 2 of this class, you will continue on your genealogy journey. You will have an opportunity to continue your work from part 1, ask follow up questions, and receive guidance on your research.

Our friends Karen, Frankie, and April from the St. Mary's County Genealogical Society and the St. Mary's County Historical Society will be here to teach you how to find your ancestors using free resources, where to find records to verify your lineage, and how to record your findings. Please bring any names, dates, and locations you are interested in researching. All skill levels are welcome.

This is part 2 of a 2 part class. Part 1 is scheduled for April 21, 2022. 

This is an in-person class held in the computer lab.

Outdoor stories, rhymes, songs, and activities planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

This storytime is outdoors and will be cancelled in case of bad weather. Please register once per family group with an email address to get weather-related updates, and call the library if you're not sure whether storytime is on. Bring chairs or a blanket to sit on, and dress for the weather!

Join the Academy of Finance to learn all about personal finance!

Students from the Academy of Finance will lead educational games about spending and saving, investing and the stock market, balancing a budget, and identifying wants versus needs.  It's a great opportunity for families to bring finance into your curriculum.  Bring your elementary and middle school students!

Trained voter registration volunteers will be in the lobby to assist with registering to vote.

Jumpstart your child’s participation in 500 by Five Reading Program with St. Mary’s County Library! This is an outdoor event at the library. Feel free to bring a chair or blanket to sit on.

Help your child read 500 books by age five! Reading with your child helps build stronger relationships, gets them ready for school, increases vocabulary and encourages a love of learning. 500 books is just one book per day for two years, weekly library storytime from birth to age five or two books before bed for one year. Join us for an explanation of how the program works and a jumpstart of five books that day. Three read by a librarian and two shared between you and your child! Leave with everything you need for your child to participate in this fun program! Children must be accompanied by a caregiver over 18 at all times. We will have our storytime outdoors so please dress appropriately. A rain date will be available if needed.

It's been a couple of hard years for teens.

Join St. Mary's County Library, St. Mary's NAACP #7025, and Community Mediation of St. Mary's in this forum for teens to talk about the problems and issues you see in our community.  Here's your chance to make your viewpoint heard and acknowledged by your peers. 

It's been a couple of hard years for teens.

Join St. Mary's County Library, St. Mary's NAACP #7025, and Community Mediation of St. Mary's in this forum for teens to talk about the problems and issues you see in our community.  Here's your chance to make your viewpoint heard and acknowledged by your peers. 

Interested in learning the basics of car maintenance? Join the Lexington Park Library, along with Angela Puryear, a seasoned automotive instructor, in a hands on learning experience.

Angela Puryear has over 19 years of automotive course instruction experience. In this program, individuals will learn the basics of car maintenance, from engine to exhaust to battery. The session will be split into two parts: (1) a presentation by Angela, and (2) a detailed and interactive overview of an actual vehicle. If you have ever wondered what a certain symbol meant, or why your car is making a specific sound, or how to change your oil, please join us in learning the foundations of keeping your vehicle running smooth. 

In celebration of National Poetry Month in April, join us for our poetry open mic afternoon! Share your poetry pieces with other participants.

This will be a library-hosted event for teens to showcase their original poems and have a chance to get their words off the page and into the ears of others. There will be tables that offer writing programs and scholarship information, different verse activities to complete, and snacks to eat while you brainstorm awesome poems! Come hang out at the library and see what the Poetry Open Mic Afternoon event is all about!

Poetry kits are available for registered participants, while supplies last.

Pick up at a St. Mary's County Library branch of your choice.