Good News & Announcements | |
New Printing Process
KCPL has a new, streamlined, and secure way for you to send items from your personal device to our printer: Princh printing service.
Princh can be used to print at the KCPL location of your choice – Chestertown, North County, or Rock Hall.
Using the Princh portal for the library you choose, you can submit multiple documents, select your printing preferences, and preview your print job.
To pick up your print job, visit the library location you selected and provide the email address you entered when submitting your request. Library staff will then release and print your materials.
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Support the Library by
Supporting the Foundation
Since its establishment in 2010, the Foundation for the Kent County Public Library (FKCPL) has raised money, built a reserve fund, and regularly provided funding to support specific requests from the Executive Director and Board of Trustees of Kent County Public Library (KCPL).
This year, FKCPL aims to raise $17,700 to support replacement of aging technology. This funding will support the purchase of 10 desktop computers to provide computer and internet access for library patrons; 3 staff workstations; and 3 staff laptops.
If you would like to support FKCPL’s 2024 annual appeal, donations can be mailed to:
Foundation for the Kent County Public Library, Inc.
P.O. Box 24
Chestertown, MD 21620
The Foundation for the Kent County Public Library is a 501c3 nonprofit that supports the mission of KCPL by assisting in ensuring the long-term financial viability of the library and providing funds for special projects and needs that are not covered by KCPL's annual operating budget.
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Keep Scrolling
This email is jam-packed with info about many upcoming events, including links for registration.
To see all upcoming events at a glance, you can also visit KCPL's online calendar.
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Make Sure You See It All
Did you know that some email services are set to not load full emails when they're long or full of images?
If you reach the end of this email and see text that says "Message clipped" make sure you click the "View entire message" link so you don't miss out on library news!
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Closures & Limited Hours | |
Limited Hours
Thursday, December 12
Chestertown & North County Branches:
Open 10am-1pm
Closed 1pm-6pm
Rock Hall Branch:
Closed
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Holiday Closure: All KCPL Branches
Tuesday, December 24 - Wednesday, December 25
All KCPL Branches closed
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Holiday Closure: All KCPL Branches
Tuesday, December 31 - Wednesday, January 1
All KCPL Branches closed
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Tech Tuesday
North County Branch
Tuesday, Dec. 3 | 4-5:30pm
Drop in and explore the library's fun technology!
Use the green screen to create your next viral video. Go rock climbing, explore in space, or play mini-golf – all in virtual reality. Or just chill out gaming with the Arcade Infinity Game Table or the PS4.
All ages welcome.
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Gingerbread Houses
North County Branch
Tuesday, December 10 | 4pm
Chestertown Branch
Tuesday, December 10 | 5pm
Rock Hall Branch
Wednesday, December 11 | 3pm
Gumdrops, candycanes, and frosting await!
Using graham crackers (instead of actual gingerbread) and other treats, creative builders of all ages will design and take home their own unique "gingerbread" house.
All ages welcome.
Space is limited. Please register.
Please note: this event is being held at all three KCPL branches. Make sure you are registering for the program at your desired location!
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Looking Ahead: Send In Your Book Suggestions for One Maryland One Book 2025
Maryland Humanities has put out its annual call for suggestions for next year's One Maryland One Book selection.
The 2025 theme is WHAT WE COLLECT / WHAT WE TELL.
They are seeking suggestions for "books that show and make us think about how we collect and use materials in order to tell and preserve the stories they hold — especially those in danger of being lost."
Visit Maryland Humanities for more details, including the criteria that books must meet to be considered for One Maryland One Book.
If you have book suggestions, please submit them to Maryland Humanities by Friday, December 6.
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Happiness Hour: Chocolate Tasting with Bespoke Chocolate
Chestertown Branch
Wednesday, December 4 | 6pm
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!
Indulge your tastebuds in the creative art of chocolate tasting! Sample a variety of offerings from Bespoke Chocolate and be guided to a new understanding of how to analyze flavors.
Adults (ages 18+)
Due to enormous early interest, registration for this program is FULL.
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Ask a Master Gardener Info Table
Chestertown Branch
Saturday, December 7 | 10am-12pm
Now is the perfect time to plan your spring garden! Who can help you with your tricky garden questions? The fantastic Master Gardeners!
Stop by with all your questions about gardening, garden pests, plant problems, and insects. Local Master Gardeners will be on hand to give tips and tricks to make your home garden flourish, help troubleshoot tricky growing situations, and offer encouragement on creating the perfect garden for your space.
If you're interested in becoming a Master Gardener or having your garden BayWise certified, this is a perfect time to learn more about these programs!
December's Special Topic:
Evergreens Of The Season and Plants That Provide The Oils For Holiday Lights
Ages 18+
The University of Maryland Extension Master Gardener Program is designed to train volunteer horticultural educators to support the University of Maryland Extension mission by educating residents about safe, effective and sustainable horticultural practices that build healthy gardens, landscapes, and communities.
If you need reasonable accommodation to participate in any event or activity, please contact Paul Rickert at prickert@umd.edu or (410) 778-1661.
University programs, activities, and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, religion, protected veteran status, genetic information, personal appearance, or any other legally protected class.
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Landscape Engineering for Conservation
Chestertown Branch
Saturday, December 7 | 12pm
What does conservation and strong stewardship of the land look like on Maryland's Eastern Shore? Whether you have a farm or a home garden, landscape architect and conservation planner Robin Hanway has answers for you!
From drainage and water storage to reasons why you should let your garden be messy, this program will give you a quick overview of the principles of soil health, planting practices that support conservation, and the benefits of incorporating native plants into your outside space.
Primary audience: ages 18+
Also welcome: teens ages 13-17
KCPL's Cultivating Community program series is made possible in part by LSTA funding provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Maryland State Library Agency.
For more information, please see MSLA's press release about this funding award.
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The Page Turners
Rock Hall Branch
Friday, December 13 | 2pm
This book discussion group reads a mixture of fiction and nonfiction and discussions are led by participant volunteers.
This month's book: Skipping Christmas by John Grisham
New attendees are always welcome.
Ages 18+
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Relaxing Hour
Rock Hall Branch
Monday, December 16 | 2:30pm
North County Branch
Tuesday, December 17 | 11am
Re-focus and de-stress with a relaxing craft, camaraderie, and light refreshments!
Rock Hall's featured activity: festive gnomes
North County's featured activity: paper wreaths
Ages 18+
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Tech Help: Learn the Basics | |
Free Tech Help
Need some help learning the basics of technology? Got a new device and you're not sure where to start? Free help is available at the library!
Let us help you learn how to:
- feel confident using your phone, tablet, or laptop
- navigate the internet, email, or social media
- use KCPL's computers, mobile hotspots, and Digital Library
Tech Help Drop-Ins
Drop-in sessions are available on a first come first served basis.
Chestertown Branch
Monday, December 2, December 9, & December 16 | 11am-1pm
Tech Help Appointments
Tech Help appointments are also available at all KCPL locations. Please use the appointment scheduler or call 410.778.3636 for more information.
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Pizza and Make a Thing: Perler Bead Creations
Chestertown Branch
Saturday, December 14 | 1pm
It's time to get crafty! Bring your creativity and create a unique perler bead design.
Space is limited. Please register!
Ages 13-17
Pizza and Make a Thing is a program series for teens where we eat pizza and make a thing.
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Holiday Teddy Bear Tea Party
Rock Hall Branch
Friday, December 6 | 10:30am
You're invited to bring your favorite teddy bear or stuffed animal to the library for a special holiday tea party! We will celebrate with snacks and reading.
Please note: Due to the nature of this program, certain foods may contain allergens. All package labels will be available during the program and you are encouraged to review them in order to be sure the snacks are safe for the children you bring to the event.
Ages 2-8
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Join us to read stories, sing songs, dance, laugh, and have lots of fun! | |
Preschool • Ages 3-5
10am Tuesdays | Chestertown
10am Thursdays | North County
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Baby & Toddler • Ages 0-2
11am Tuesdays | Chestertown
11am Thursdays | North County
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It's Time for a Break!
Last Storytimes of 2024
Chestertown – Tuesday, Dec. 10
North County – Thursday, Dec. 12
We will return with stories, songs, and more the week of January 5th.
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Borrowing from Other Libraries | |
Changes to Borrowing from Out-of-State and Academic Libraries
Due to increases in postage costs, KCPL is no longer able to provide an unlimited number of borrows from out-of-state and academic libraries.
After the budget line for this type of borrowing is expended, a $5 fee to cover postage may be applied to each item that is borrowed from outside of the Maryland public library system.
This fee only applies to this specific type of borrowing.
It will only apply if you choose to place a request for materials that are not available through Maryland public libraries and must be sent via USPS.
KCPL will not place this type of request without your consent.
You will be notified before this type of request is placed on your behalf and you will need to agree to move forward with the request.
This type of loan request cannot be canceled once it is placed.
Your account will be charged $5 when the item is successfully received. This fee will be assessed even if you do not pick up your hold.
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Please Hold Your Book Donations!
After a wonderfully success fall book sale, the Friends are taking a well deserved break and are not currently accepting donations of books or other materials.
Donation Days will resume in January 2025.
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Show Your Support
Since 1973, the Friends have helped make it possible for KCPL to meet the needs of the community.
We are grateful for their continued support and want to invite you to support the Friends!
Become a Friend
For as little as $10 a year, you can become a member of this group of library supporters.
Volunteer opportunities, including serving on the Friends' Board, are also available.
The Friends of the Kent County Public Library is a nonprofit organization that serves and promotes Kent County Public Library. Friends:
- donate hearts, hands, and more to the library they love
- help the community by encouraging literacy
- raise money for library needs not covered by the library budget
- provide enriching cultural programs
- raise awareness about the wonderful resources available at the library
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Join a Meeting
To learn more about how decisions that shape the library's future are made, join the Board of Trustees for a meeting!
There will be no Board of Trustees meetings in December.
For more details about upcoming meetings, including the meeting agenda and virtual meeting link, please visit our online calendar.
The agenda for each meeting is posted at least 24 hours before the meeting.
Meetings of the Board of Trustees are open to the public and all are welcome to attend.
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Access Online from Anywhere |
Use your online account to check due dates, renew or request items, and set your account preferences.
If it's your first time logging in, you'll need the number on the back of your library card and your password, which is the last four digits of your phone number. Once you log in, you can add a username and change your password.
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Kent County Public Library | kentcountylibrary.org | 410.778.3636 | | | | |