The Friends of the Kent County Public Library describe themselves as a group of people who “donate hearts, hands, and more to the library we love.” This week, the Friends demonstrated the “and more” when they presented Kent County Public Library with a check for $15,000 in unrestricted funds to contribute to the library’s 2024 fiscal year budget.

Since 1973, the Friends have supported the Kent County Public Library with gifts of materials, technology, educational programs, and budgetary support. Their unwavering support and generosity have enabled the library to offer the community special events, to enhance and update book and audiovisual collections, to offer staff development opportunities, and more. Kent County Public Library is grateful beyond measure for the continued support of such amazing Friends!

If you would like to be a part of providing support to KCPL, please consider becoming a Friend. An annual Friends of the Library membership is $10 for individuals, $20 for families, $50 to receive a lovely tote bag, and $500 to become a lifetime member.

The Friends also welcome volunteers to assist with book sales, serve on the Board of the Friends of the Library, support membership drives, and plan social and special events.

Membership forms are available at all three KCPL locations. More information about the Friends of the Kent County Public Library can be found at friendsofthekcpl.org

Kent County Public Library invites the whole community to join the 2023 All Together Now summer reading experience!

A Reading Challenge for Every Age

With a reading challenge for all ages – babies, kids, teens, and adults – as well as weekly programs and plenty of opportunities to win prizes, create connections, and celebrate reading, you don’t want to miss this experience!

When you join a reading challenge, you choose what you read. Books, magazines, newspapers, audiobooks, graphic novels — as long as it has words, it counts! The more reading minutes you log, the more chances you have to win prizes, including the top reader prize for each age category.

Community Reading Goal

All of your reading minutes also count towards KCPL’s collaborative reading goal! In 2022, KCPL’s summer reading goal was 750,000 minutes and the response was fantastic – hundreds of readers of all ages participated and they logged 752,682 minutes!

This year we’re going bigger and have set the collective, collaborative goal that KPCL’s summer reading community will read and log 850,000 minutes. It’s a big, ambitious number and you can help us reach it by registering and logging your reading minutes this summer!

Early Registration

Starting June 1, register early at kentcountylibrary.beanstack.org and you will be entered into a raffle drawing for a Chromebook. Online early registration runs June 1-20. In-person general registration begins on June 21 at all KCPL locations.

All Together Now Summer Reading Kickoff: Animal Adventures

Kick off your summer reading adventure by visiting with friends from the animal kingdom! Wildlife Adventure’s rabbits, reptiles, and other creatures visit on June 21 & 24. Reptile Wonders’ snakes, lizards, tortoises, and turtles join us on June 23. Swag bags of summer goodies, including a free All Together Now t-shirt, will be available for all registered summer readers while supplies last.

Rock Hall Civic Center
Wednesday, June 21 • 11am • all ages

North County Branch
Friday, June 23 • 2pm • all ages

Chestertown Branch
Saturday, June 24 • 11am • all ages

More Information

For more details about KCPL’s 2023 All Together Now summer reading experience and to preview the entire summer calendar, visit kentcountylibrary.org Questions are welcome at 410.778.3636 or any KCPL location.

If you are getting ready to welcome a new baby into your family, join Kent County Public Library for Ready to Hatch!

All expectant parents are welcome at this interactive early literacy program where you’ll learn about your baby-to-be through songs and fun, brain-building activities.

KCPL will host two sessions of Ready to Hatch in May, one in-person and one virtual. The same information will be presented at both sessions, so you can choose which one works best for you and your schedule. All attendees can enter raffle drawings for great prizes, provided in partnership by the Judy Center and KCPL, including a prenatal massage gift certificate, gift cards from local businesses, and more. Everyone who registers will receive a workshop kit that includes free books, a calendar, and song sheet. If you register for the virtual session, the workshop kit will be available for pick up from the library May 8-16 so that you will have the materials you need to participate in the session on May 16.

The in-person session includes a catered lunch and free childcare.

Space is limited for both sessions. Please register!
In-Person Session | Chestertown Branch
Saturday, May 13th | 1pm

Virtual Session
Tuesday, May 16th | 6pm

Ready to Hatch is presented in partnership with the Judy Center Early Learning Hub, Mother Goose on the Loose, the Maryland State Library Agency, and the Maryland State Department of Education.

For more information or to register, visit kentcountylibrary.org or call 410.778.3636.

Kent County Public Library is preparing to mark a momentous transition. After 45 years of dedicated service to KCPL, Jeanne Geibel, Director of Branch Services, will be retiring in April 2023.

Jeanne started her career at Kent County Public Library on October 16, 1977. At that time, she went to work at 335 High Street, Chestertown, the small storefront that housed the library while the new building was being constructed. Six months later, she played a part in the community Book Walk that took place to move the library up the street and into its current Chestertown location.

At the start of her career, in 1977 Jeanne’s main jobs were focused on cataloging and inter-library loan services, although, given the very small staff size at the time, everyone filled multiple roles. Jeanne’s regular roles included checking and repairing audio visual materials, supervised the volunteers who ran the Rock Hall Branch, and answered reference questions. When needed, she also enthusiastically assisted with children’s programming, dressing up as an elf, a witch, the Easter bunny, the Cat in the Hat, and Mrs. Claus! When the North County Branch opened in 2006, Jeanne became the Branch Manager for both the Rock Hall and North County Branches, splitting her days between the two locations. As part of this transition, she also became a regular presenter of story time at both locations, creating strong connections with the youngest library users, along with their families and caregivers.

Throughout the decades, Jeanne worked for 7 different library directors and alongside dozens of coworkers. Her good humor, willingness to do what needs to be done, and kindness toward others will remain an enduring part of her KCPL legacy. In all her roles over the years, the library patrons have always been the heart of library work for Jeanne. In reflecting on her coming retirement, she says, “I’ve developed close relationships with many of my patrons and I’m going to miss them a lot.” She hastens to add, “I’ll still be visible in the library as a patron checking out my favorite author or enjoying a program.”

During the week leading up to Jeanne’s retirement, KCPL is pulling out all the stops and celebrating with three events (one at each KCPL location) to give the community opportunities to gather and celebrate her 45 years of service! Reminiscences, appreciations, and well wishes are welcome.

Monday, April 10  |  4-6pm  |  Chestertown

Drop in for snacks, sign the community card, and wish Jeanne well in her retirement.

Wednesday, April 12  |  4-6pm  |  Rock Hall

Drop in for snacks, sign the community card, and wish Jeanne well in her retirement.

Thursday, April 13  |  4-6pm  |  North County

Join us for a ceremony of celebration and recognition on Jeanne’s last day at KCPL!

Order of Events on April 13:

4-4:30 greetings & signing community card

4:30-5 ceremony of celebration & recognition

5-6pm reception & light hors d’oeuvres

For more information, visit kentcountylibrary.org or call 410-778-3636.

April delivers a bouquet of programs at Kent County Public Library! All events are free and open to the public.

MOVIE MATINEES

Join us for a free afternoon at the movies! In April, KCPL’s Chestertown Branch is hosting four movie matinees – two for adults, one for teens, and one for families. Our public performance license limits how and where we can publicize which movies are being shown, but you can find out more details by visiting kentcountylibrary.org or calling 410.778.3636.

Monday, April 3  |  2pm  |  Adults

Thursday, April 6  |  12pm  |  Families

Thursday, April 6  |  3pm  |  Teens

Monday, April 17  |  2pm  |  Adults

EVENTS FOR ADULTS

Happiness Hour: Creative Time for Grown-Ups

Happiness Hour is a time for grown-ups to explore their powers of creativity.  Join us to try your hand at something new and leave a little happier than you arrived! All supplies are provided. Space is limited. Please register.

Origami Flowers

Saturday, April 1  |  1pm  |  Chestertown

Learn how to fold several different styles of origami flowers and create a gorgeous bouquet to take home.

Let’s Get Spicy!

Wednesday, April 19  |  6pm  |  Chestertown

Craft your own garam masala blend, as well as a surprise bonus blend, under the guidance of Mariam Satchell, owner of The Spicerie, at this evening full of delicious aromas inspired by the spice blends of the Indo-Pak subcontinent and the Middle East. In addition to the spice blends you create, take home a sweet treat as a souvenir from our culinary travels. Questions welcome and encouraged. Let’s get spicy!

Celebrating 45 Years of Service: Happy Retirement, Jeanne Geibel!

After 45 years of dedicated service to KCPL, Jeanne Geibel, Director of Branch Services, is retiring in April 2023. KCPL is pulling out all the stops with three events (one at each KCPL location) where the community can gather, reminisce, and offer retirement well wishes.

Monday, April 10  |  4-6pm  |  Chestertown

Wednesday, April 12  |  4-6pm  |  Rock Hall

Drop in for snacks, sign the community card, and wish Jeanne well in her retirement.

Thursday, April 13  |  4-6pm  |  North County

Join us for a ceremony of celebration and recognition on Jeanne’s last day at KCPL!

Organizing Your Health

Join the Mobile Wellness Team from University of Maryland Shore Regional Health for tips and tricks for staying organized when you’re managing your own health or the health of a loved one.

Thursday, April 20  |  1pm  |  Chestertown
Learn about health journaling, communicating with health providers, medication management, using healthcare technology, and more to make the process as easy as possible. Questions are welcome! Space is limited. Please register.

EVENTS FOR FAMILIES, KIDS, AND TEENS

Spend Spring Break at the Library

If you’re enjoying a staycation while Kent County Public Schools are on spring break, visit KCPL for a bunch of fun-filled family, kid, and teen events.

Craft Time: Perler Bead Creations

Wednesday, April 5  |  2:30pm  |  Rock Hall  |  Ages 5+

Space is limited. Please Register.

Make & Take Collage Picture Frames
Wednesday, April 5  |  3:30pm  |  Chestertown  |  Ages 5+

Space is limited. Please Register.

Movie Matinees

Thursday, April 6  |  12pm  |  Chestertown  |  Families

Thursday, April 6  |  3pm  |  Chestertown  |  Teens

Snack Around the World Club

Friday, April 7  |  3:30pm  |  Chestertown  |  Ages 5+

Space is limited. Please Register.

Pizza & Make a Thing: Floral Watercolor

Friday, April 7  |  4pm  |  North County  |  Teens

Saturday, April 8  |  1pm  |  Chestertown  |  Teens

Space is limited. Please Register.

Musical Fruits

Tuesday, April 11  |  10:30am  |  Musical Fruits  |  Ages 5+

Space is limited. Please Register.

LEGO Time

Wednesday, April 12  |  2pm  |  Chestertown  |  Ages 5+

For full details about these and other upcoming programs or to register, visit kentcountylibrary.org or call 410-778-3636.

Kent County Public Library is wrapping up 2022 with a series of truly delicious events!

Snack Around the World Club

Wed 12/7  |  3pm  |   Chestertown

Join us to try a variety of snacks from around the world! At this global snacking showdown we’ll explore treats, share fun facts, and bring the rest of the world closer to home one tasty bite at a time. Space is limited. Please register. Kids ages 5+

Pizza and Make a Thing: Holiday Cookies

Sat 12/10  |  1pm  |  Chestertown

Make and decorate different kinds of holiday cookies to enjoy or give away as gifts. All supplies provided. Space is limited. Please register. Teens ages 13-17. Pizza and Make a Thing is a program series for teens where we eat pizza and make a thing.

Create It: Gifts in a Jar!

Tuesday, December 13  |  all day  |  North County Branch

Create a soup jar filled with hearty ingredients or a sweet-filled jar of tasty treats! Drop in activity, available while supplies last. Adults.

Gingerbread Houses

Wed 12/14  |  4pm  |  Rock Hall

Wed 12/14  |  5pm  |  Chestertown

Thurs 12/15  |  4pm  |  North County

Gumdrops, candycanes, and frosting await as we build “gingerbread” houses at the library. This event is designed for creative builders of all ages and we will be using graham crackers rather than real gingerbread. Space is limited. Please register. All ages welcome.

For more information or to register for any upcoming programs, visit kentcountylibrary.org or call 410-778-3636.

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 ([email protected]) and Board of Trustees President Valerie Overton ([email protected])

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 [email protected] 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.