Letter to Editor: I Didn’t Know I Could Do That At The Library

While books remain vital to the library mission, they are only part of constellation of materials, services, and resources that Kent County Public Library makes available to the community.

Do you know what else Kent County Public Library has to offer?

• Three library locations: Chestertown, Galena, and Rock Hall, plus a computer lab at the Kent County Community Center in Worton
• 28 public computers and 5 Early Literacy Stations to facilitate access to technology and technology literacy for all ages
• Wi-Fi connection at all three library locations
• Multiple copies of the books on Kent County Public School’s K-12 summer reading lists
• 24/7 access to the catalog and premium online resources
• Downloadable audio books, eBooks, and electronic editions of 180+ magazines for computer, tablets, and smart phones
• Regularly scheduled Baby & Toddler Story Time and Preschool Story Time programs, as well as off-site programs in partnership with the Judy Center, Hebbe’s Garden at the Chestertown Farmers Market, and other local organizations
• One-on-one appointments for basic technology training and small group Introduction to Computer classes
• Rich selection of “Maryland Collection” books, including local history and genealogy resources, as well as rare titles related to Kent County, the Eastern Shore and the state of Maryland
• Online access to Transparent Language, an award-winning language learning program with over 90 languages to choose from
• Online access to premium electronic resources ranging from auto repair to genealogy to homework help, as well as many general research resources
• Sponsors 4 monthly book groups, provides assistance to over 10 community book groups, and is always interested in helping new book groups get started
• Inter-library loan allows for materials not available in KCPL’s collection to be borrowed from other libraries in Maryland and around the country
• “Mailbox Library” allows patrons who are homebound, disabled, ill, or find it difficult to get to the library during regular hours to borrow library materials
• Online access to study materials and practice tests for GED, SAT, ASVAB, civil service, and professional exams via the Testing & Education Reference Center
• Year-round programming for all ages, including author visits, movie matinees, concerts, art receptions, lectures, and educational programs with a special focus on life-long learning for adults and developmentally-appropriate learning and recreational programs for children and teens
• Meeting spaces for community use
• Features regular exhibits of local artwork with artist-hosted receptions as part of Chestertown’s monthly First Friday events
• The Richard Kent Kindle Lending Program gives patrons an opportunity to check out one of 6 preloaded Kindle eReaders–Classics, Mystery, Suspense, Romance, Inspiration, or Nonfiction–and borrow it for three weeks to try out the eReader experience
• Online access to one-on-one live “homework help” tutors via Brainfuse
• Partnerships with nonprofits, civic and governmental organizations, schools, and other organizations help support goals of community connection, education, life-long learning, and 21^st century literacies.

M Richard Kalter
Kent County Public Library Board
President