The Foundation for the Kent County Public Library, a 501c3 charity in support of the library’s mission to provide access to information through responsive service and technology, announced their support to help fund the overhaul of the KCPL website. The target for the Foundation’s annual fundraising appeal, the new website will emphasize accessiblity, an updated and appealing design, and mobile-friendly layout and navigation—an especially significant improvement as over one third of the County’s library patrons use a cell phone to access the website. After review by KCPL staff, the Board of Trustees selected Byte Studios as the best match in handling this $25,800 project. The company’s familiarity with common library website integration needs plus their demonstrated portfolio of public library clients were important factors in this decision. The current website, last designed in 2014, employs outdated technology that casts immediate doubt on the library’s ability to offer up-to-date information and technology services now commonplace in modern libraries around the nation.

The following officers were elected in the Annual Meeting held on Friday, October 28: Chair Barb Macbeth, Vice Chair Jean Austin, Treasurer Dawson Hunter, Recording Secretary Alice Ritchie, and Corresponding Secretary Sandy Durfee. The members of the Board of Directors also include: John Murphy, Wendy Costa, Mackey Dutton, Ivette Furneisen, Amanda Madar, April Marshall, Marjo Rasin, DeLia Shoge, and Jillian Starkey. Special guest, Madhu Sidhu represented the Friends for the Kent County Public Library in this important discussion.

The Foundation recognizes the public library as a known source of innovation in an age of reinvention—a time when the economical, technological, and sociological demands in today’s world drive the necessity for safety in free, user-friendly, and equitable access. In this next normal, the Foundation supports strategic innovation with the funding of special projects not contained in the library’s annual operating budget.

Added information may be obtained from KCPL Executive Director Arnessa Dowell (adowell@kent.lib.md.us) and Board of Trustees President Valerie Overton (voverton@mitre.org)

Are you enthusiastic about Kent County Public Library’s continued ability to create and sustain innovative and responsive services for the community? Are you able to commit to volunteering your time and energy to support the future of the library? If so, please consider becoming a Trustee!

The Board of Trustees of the Kent County Public Library is currently seeking applications to fill one seat for a 5-years term, which begins January 1, 2023. The appointed Trustee will also be eligible for a second 5-year term.

Applicants must be Kent County residents and should be passionate about supporting the creation and sustainability of library services that meet the needs of the entire community. Members of the Board should represent the diversity of Kent County, demographically and geographically.

The Board holds monthly meetings, as well as occasional special meetings, throughout the year. At the direction of the president of the Board, members may also be asked to serve on committees and participate in special events throughout the year.

The Trustee application can be picked up at any Kent County Public Library location or can be found online at kentcountylibrary.org/a/trustees.php

Completed forms can be emailed to bot@kentlib.orgor mailed to:

Kent County Public Library
Attention: Board of Trustees Search Committee
408 High St.
Chestertown, MD 21620

Applications must be submitted by Tuesday, November 1, 2022.

Applications will be reviewed by the Trustees, interviews with applicants will be scheduled promptly, and recommendations for nominations will be sent to the Kent County Commissioners who will appoint the new members.

Kent County Public Library has events for all ages from babies to adults!

Please visit kentcountylibrary.org or call 410-778-3636 for more details or to register for upcoming events.

KCPL Cares Giveaway – A Free Book for Everyone
Friday, April 1 | North County Branch
Saturday, April 2 | Chestertown Branch
Monday, April 4 | Rock Hall Branch

KCPL Cares is a monthly free giveaway initiative that lets us connect with and support the community in a variety of ways. This month, celebrate National Library Week with a free book from the Friends of the Kent County Public Library.

Pick up during normal hours of operation. No registration, first-come, first-served, while supplies last!

Seed Swap
Saturday, April 2 | 10am-12pm | Chestertown Branch

Do you need seeds for your garden? Do you have seeds you could share? Join us for a Seed Swap in celebration of gardening and growing things.

If you didn’t save seeds last year, you are still welcome to attend. You do not have to bring seeds in order to receive seeds. If you do bring seeds, please be sure that they are labeled with the plant’s name and any other helpful information so that other swappers know what they are getting.

Presented in partnership with University of Maryland Master Gardeners.

Global Art Peace Project Talk
Saturday, April 2 | 11am | Chestertown Branch

Join Chestertown RiverArts volunteer Marianne Sade to learn about the Global Art Peace Project.

Marianne will speak about the project’s history and answer questions against the backdrop of our community’s 2022 contribution to this UNESCO Prize-nominated international art exchange for peace.

This free community program is open to everyone.

Ribbon Cutting – Celebrating the North County Branch’s New Location
Tuesday, April 5 | 10am | North County Branch

We’re celebrating National Library Week by officially cutting the ribbon at the North County Branch’s new location!

Join us for the ceremony, including a special presentation by the mayor of Galena, and take a tour of the new space. Light refreshments. All are welcome.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Launch Party
Wednesday, April 6 | 5:30pm | Ages 0-5 | Chestertown
Thursday, April 7 | 10am | Ages 3-5 | North County
Thursday, April 7 | 11am | Ages 0-2 | North County

KCPL is launching 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, a brand new initiative designed to help kids become strong readers! Join us for a special storytime launch party of featuring books, songs, toys, creativity, snacks and more as we embark on this new adventure in reading for ages 0-5. Space is limited. Please register!

Mini-Book Key Chains: A Pizza & Make a Thing Event
Saturday, April 9 | 1pm | Teens | Chestertown

Make a teeny-tiny model of your favorite book and create your own unique book-themed key chain while enjoying a lunch of pizza. Teens (ages 13-17). Space is limited. Please register!

Soap Making – Triple Aloe Bars: A Pizza & Make a Thing Event
Thursday, April 14 | 3:30pm | Teens | North County

Join us for an afternoon of learning the art of melt-and-pour soap making! We’ll work collaboratively to create a batch of soap and each person will take home a fresh custom made bar. Pizza will be provided. Teens (ages 13-17).Space is limited. Please register!

Magical Movie Matinee – Family Sing-a-Long!
Friday, April 15 | 2pm | All Ages | Chestertown

Join us for a magical, musical movie matinee full of adventure! Our public performance license won’t let us tell you the name of the movie here, but you can give us a call or visit our website for more details. Free popcorn! Space is limited. Please register!

Bookmark Making Extravaganza
Friday, April 15 | 2:30pm | Rock Hall Branch
Monday, April 18 | 3:30pm | Chestertown Branch

Drop by and create your very own unique bookmark in celebration of libraries and reading! Space is limited. Please register!

Dirt Cup Dessert Take & Make Kit
Wednesday, April 20 | kit pickup all day | Rock Hall Branch

Request a dirt cup dessert kit and take home a tasty bite of spring! This take & make kit contains instructions, non-perishable ingredients, and yummy toppings – all you have to supply is the milk. One kit will make 4 cups of delicious springtime-inspired dessert. All ages are welcome. Supplies are limited, please register!

Palaces for the People: How Social Infrastructure Can Help Fight Inequality, Polarization, and the Decline of Civic Life
Wednesday, April 27 | 7pm | Virtual Event

Sociologist and author Eric Klinenberg discusses how public institutions and shared educational spaces are designed to reflect what we value as a society; and enhancing the ways we engage with these spaces will lead to a more successful, happier population overall. This is a Maryland Libraries Together virtual event. Please register to receive the event link.

Dirt Cup Dessert Workshop
Thursday, April 28 | 4:30pm | North County Branch

Celebrate spring by making a tasty dirt cup dessert at this hands-on workshop! We’ll provide everything you need to make, decorate, and enjoy your dirt cup creation! All you have to bring is yourself and a love of the sweetness of spring.

All ages are welcome! Space is limited, please register.

Kent County Public Library is pleased to announce that starting on Friday, March 11, the Rock Hall Branch will be open on Fridays!

After transitioning the Rock Hall branch to its new space at 5746 N. Main Street in December, Executive Director Arnessa Dowell welcomed feedback from Rock Hall library users during one of her regular “7 Questions with KCPL’s Executive Director” event held at the new location in January. Overwhelming support was expressed for re-opening the Rock Hall branch on Fridays, which had been a regular service day for the branch prior to the shutdown caused by Covid-19. In response, Mrs. Dowell worked with her team to create a plan to make this happen!

Whether you’re a regular library user or haven’t visited in years, KCPL welcomes you to stop by and experience the many reasons the library remains a vital part of our community.

Rock Hall Branch

5746 N. Main Street

Rock Hall, MD 21661

410-639-7162

Hours of operation: 

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

10am-1pm and 2pm-4pm

Visit kentcountylibrary.org for additional information about KCPL, including its services, resources, and other locations.

Kent County Public Library has events for all ages from babies to adults!

To support the health and safety of our community and to help limit the spread of Covid-19, space is limited and registration is required for all upcoming programs, including storytime, and masks are currently required in the library for everyone ages 5 and up.

Read Across America Day

Wednesday, March 2   |   5:30pm   |   Chestertown Branch

Join us for a special evening storytime dedicated to Read Across America Day! Storytime will be followed by a delightful craft. Ages 3 to 8.

KCPL Cares Giveaway
Personal Safety Emergency Pack
Saturday, March 5   |   Chestertown
Monday, March 7   |   Rock Hall
Tuesday, March 8   |   North County

The library is not a standalone organization, it’s a vital part of the community! KCPL Cares is a monthly free giveaway initiative that lets us connect with and support the community in a variety of ways. March giveaway: Personal Safety Emergency Pack.

No registration, first-come, first-served, while supplies last!

LEGO Time

Wednesday, March 9   |   3:30pm   |   Chestertown

Thursday, March 31   |   4:30pm   |   North County

It’s time for LEGO fun! Bring your big ideas and join us for an afternoon of building. Ages 5+

Making Soda Bread: A Pizza & Make a Thing Event
Saturday, March 12   |   1pm   |   Chestertown

Pizza and Make a Thing is a program series for teens where we eat pizza and make a thing.

In March, we’ll be mixing, baking, and enjoying mini soda breads in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day! Teens only. Ages 13-17

Mug Cake Madness

Thursday, March 17   |   4:30pm   |   North County

Join us for Mug Cake Madness to learn how to create a fast and easy festive treat in a mug!

After a live cooking demo, you’ll take home a kit of the dry ingredients you’ll need to get started making your own mug cake right at home. Teens and adults. Ages 13+

Seed Swap

Thursday, March 24   |   3pm   |   North County

Do you need seeds for your garden? Do you have seeds you could share? Join us for a Seed Swap in celebration of gardening and growing things.

You do not have to bring seeds in order to receive seeds. If you do bring seeds, please be sure that they are labeled with the plant’s name and any other helpful information so that other swappers know what they are getting.

For more information or to register for any of these events, visit kentcountylibrary.org or call 410-778-3636.

African American literature is a year-round cause for celebration and Kent County Public Library is excited to showcase both history and literature celebrating African Americans throughout the month of February.

28 Days of Amazing African Americans

Do you know the names of the man who created the traffic light, the only female playwright to win two Pulitzer Prizes for drama, or the 10-year-old inventor who made a life-saving device to protect babies left unattended in a vehicle for too long?

To find out the names of these and so many other Amazing African Americans, visit any KCPL branch during the month of February!

KCPL staff have put together a display highlighting African Americans who have made amazing contributions to society and our collective lives.

African American Read In

Tuesday, February 22   |   5pm   |   Virtual Event

Kent County Public Library is proud to partner with Sumner Hall; Washington College Department of Education; Washington College Black Studies Program; the Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience at Washington College; and Chesapeake Heartland: An African American Humanities Project to participate in the National African American Read In.

This annual celebration is the nation’s oldest event dedicated to diversity in literature and was established in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English in order to make literacy a significant part of Black History Month.

This year, Kent County’s African American Read In will be a virtual event for all ages celebrating African American authors, literacy, reading, and diversity in literature.  Join us to listen or let us know you’re interested in being a reader when you register.

Readings may include short essays, passages from novels, poetry, children’s books, or other types of writing. If you’re interested in reading, please choose a family-friendly selection that resonates on a personal level and practice reading your piece out loud ahead of time.  To accommodate as many readers as possible, selections should be no more than 2-4 minutes when read aloud.

African American Literature Treat & Read Kit

Register by February 14th to reserve a kit!

Celebrate African American literature for kids and get ready for the Kent County African American Read In event with a Treat & Read Kit containing a book, snack, and other goodies!

Kits are family-friendly. During the registration process, you can select a kit with either a picture book for young readers or a chapter book for ages 8-12.

Registration closes on Monday, February 14 and kits will be available for pickup at the KCPL location of your choice February 18-22.

For more information, to register for the African American Read In, to reserve a Treat & Read kit, or to find out about other events happening at KCPL, visit kentcountylibrary.org or call 410-778-3636.

Kent County Public Library’s Chestertown Branch has February events for all ages from babies to adults!

To support the health and safety of our community and to help limit the spread of Covid-19, space is limited and registration is required for all upcoming programs, including storytime, and masks are required in the library for everyone ages 5 and up.

ALL AGES

KCPL Cares: Secret Valentine Surprise Pack

Saturday, February 5   |   Chestertown Branch

KCPL Cares is a monthly free giveaway initiative to connect with and support the community.

Care packs are available during normal hours of operation. No registration. First-come, first-served, while supplies last! KCPL Cares is also available on Friday, February 4 at the North County Branch and Monday, February 7 at the Rock Hall Branch.

Valentine Crafts

Wednesday, February 9   |   3:30pm   |   Chestertown

Celebrate Love Your Library month with Valentine’s Day themed crafts! All ages welcome. Space is limited, please register!

African American Read In

Tuesday, February 22   |   5pm   |   Virtual Event

This interactive, all ages program celebrates American American authors, literacy, reading, and diversity in literature.  Join us to listen or let us know you’re interested in being a reader when you register.

ADULTS

Let’s Get Cookbooking! How to Create Your Own Digital Cookbook

Saturday, February 5   |   1pm   |   Chestertown

This interactive program will teach you how to find and collect excellent recipes from the internet and organize them into a digital cookbook! Bring your own device, borrow a library laptop, or just come to listen, take notes, and ask questions. Space is limited, please register!

TEENS

Chocolate Making: A Pizza & Make a Thing Event

Saturday, February 12   |   1pm   |   Chestertown

If you’re a fan of chocolate, this event is not to be missed! Get hands on with melting, shaping, painting, decorating, and boxing up sweet treats made from your favorite kind of chocolate. Ages 13-17. Space is limited, please register!

Pizza and Make a Thing is a program series for teens where we eat pizza and make a thing.

KIDS

African-American Literature Treat & Read Kit

Register by February 14   |   pick up at the branch of your choice February 18-22

Celebrate African American literature for kids and get ready for the Kent County African American Read In event with a Treat & Read Kit containing a book, snack, and other goodies!

STORYTIME

Preschool Storytime

Tuesdays   |   10am   |   Chestertown Branch

Join us for books, songs, creativity, and more! This program is designed to foster a love of books and create a foundation of early literacy skills. Ages 2 to 5. Space is limited, please register!

Baby & Toddler Storytime

Tuesdays   |   11am   |   Chestertown Branch

Join us for books, rhymes, music, and movement! This interactive program helps adults and little ones connect while introducing early literacy skills. Ages 0 to 2. Space is limited, please register!

Space is limited at all events, so please register! For more information, to register for these events, or to find out about other events happening at our branch libraries in Rock Hall and Galena, visit kentcountylibrary.org or call 410-778-3636.

The Rock Hall and North County branches of Kent County Public Library have moved to new locations!

Library staff have been hard at work setting up the new spaces, curating collections, and creating exciting programming. Whether you’re a regular library user or haven’t visited in years, we invite you to come experience the many reasons the library remains a vital part of our community.

Rock Hall Branch

5746 N. Main Street

Rock Hall, MD 21661

410-639-7162

Hours of operation: 

Monday & Wednesday 10am-1pm and 2pm-4pm

North County Branch

119 N. Main Street

Galena, MD 21635

410-648-5380

Hours of operation: 

Tuesday & Thursday 10am-1pm and 2pm-6pm

Friday 10am-1pm and 2pm-4pm

February Programs and Experiences at the Branches

To support the health and safety of our community and to help limit the spread of Covid-19, space is limited and registration is required for all upcoming programs, including storytime, and masks are required in the library for everyone ages 5 and up. Curbside services are available for picking up items on hold and library staff are available by phone to help with requests for materials, basic research, and other questions.

28 Days of Amazing African Americans

KCPL staff have put together a display highlighting African Americans who have made amazing contributions to society and our collective lives. Stop by all month to learn more about an incredible, diverse group of people whose names you might not yet know even though their inventions, influences, and experiences impact your life every day.

Storytime: New Day! More Programs!

In February, Preschool Storytime at the North County branch is moving to Thursdays and a new Babies & Toddlers program is being added for your littlest readers!

Preschool Storytime 

Thursdays   |   10am   |   North County Branch

Join us for books, songs, creativity, and more! This program is designed to foster a love of books and create a foundation of early literacy skills. Ages 2 to 5. Space is limited, please register!

Baby & Toddler Storytime

Thursdays   |   11am   |   North County Branch

Join us for books, rhymes, music, and movement! This interactive program helps adults and little ones connect while introducing early literacy skills. Ages 0 to 2. Space is limited, please register!

KCPL Cares: Secret Valentine Surprise Pack

Friday, February 4   |   North County Branch

Monday, February 7   |   Rock Hall Branch

The library is not a standalone organization; it’s a vital part of the community! KCPL Cares is a monthly free giveaway initiative that lets us connect with and support the community in a variety of ways. This month, our giveaway is a Secret Valentine Surprise Pack! No registration. First-come, first-served, while supplies last!

Chocolate Valentines

Thursday, February 10  |  4:30pm  |  North County Branch

If you’re a fan of chocolate, don’t miss this event!

Bring your family and get hands on making sweet treats from your favorite kind of chocolate. You’ll have a chance to do it all from melting, shaping, and decorating, to boxing up your own unique chocolate valentine. All ages welcome. Space is limited, please register!

African American Literature Treat & Read Kit

Register by February 14   |   pick up at the branch of your choice

Celebrate African American literature for kids and get ready for the Kent County African American Read In event with a Treat & Read Kit containing a book, snack, and other goodies! Supplies are limited, so be sure to register!

African American Read In

Tuesday, February 22   |   5pm   |   Virtual Event

This interactive, all ages program celebrates African American authors, literacy, reading, and diversity in literature.  Join us to listen or let us know you’re interested in being a reader when you register.

Bird Seed Ornament – Make & Take Kit

Kit pickup: Wednesday, February 23   |  Rock Hall Branch

Grab a make & take kit and learn how to make a simple bird seed ornament! All ages welcome. Supplies are limited, please register!

Bird Seed Ornaments

Thursday, February 24   |   4:30pm   |   North County Branch

Join us to make bird seed ornaments for your friendly neighborhood birds! Hang them on a tree outside and watch the birds enjoy your treat. All ages welcome. Space is limited, please register.

Space is limited at all events, so please register! For more information, to register for these events, or to find out about other events happening at our main library in Chestertown, visit kentcountylibrary.org or call 410-648-5380 (North County) or 410-639-7162 (Rock Hall).