From the Desk of the Director
As we come to the end of 2024, this also marks the end of my third month as Executive Director of the Kent County Public Library – and what a first few months it’s been! Since I’ve been here, we’ve re-opened our Rock Hall branch at its new location, hosted an extremely successful Friends of the Library book sale, and held several very well-attended programs and events at each of our three branches. Although I’m still getting my sea legs as director – and learning my way around the area – I appreciate all the support I’ve received since moving to Maryland a few months ago and look forward to becoming better acquainted with Kent County and all that it has to offer in the new year.
What does KCPL have in store for 2025? Along with our slate of regular programming activities such as Storytimes, Tech Help Drop-Ins, the Page Turners book club, and Games & Gadgets, we are in the planning stages of our exciting new “Color Our World” Summer Reading Program for 2025. Also, to better serve the needs of our patrons, the Chestertown branch will be open longer hours (see below for full details) starting January 2. In addition, beginning in February, for the first time since the pandemic, KCPL will be restarting its volunteer program. We’re excited to welcome members of the public to help out at the library once more – keep an eye on our website for more details about how to apply!
As we enter a new year with new challenges, I wish everyone in Kent County and beyond a happy, healthy, and safe 2025, and thank all of you for your patronage and support. It is certainly an honor to be living here and working with an extremely knowledgeable and dedicated staff as we continue to provide a wide range of programs and services to all members of the community. If you have any ideas or suggestions for us, we would be happy to hear from you: Please send your suggestions to us for consideration. Contact us.
– Robert Bell, Executive Director
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Good News & Announcements | |
Chestertown Branch: Expanded Hours
New hours of operation for KCPL's Chestertown Branch start Thursday, January 2 to provide earlier weekday opening times and extended evening hours on Wednesdays.
The new hours will be:
Monday: 9:30am - 6pm
Tuesday: 9:30am - 6pm
Wednesday: 9:30am - 7pm
Thursday: 9:30am - 6pm
Friday: 9:30am - 5pm
Saturday: 10am - 4pm
Sunday: CLOSED
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A Reminder about Book Donations
Please remember that book donations need to be made in-person – not in the book drop!
The Friends of the Library have announced their upcoming dates for donation days, so scroll down for full details on days and times when they will happily accept your gently used books and other items.
Thank you for your enthusiasm and support of the Friends and their amazing book sales!
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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).
FKCPL's current fundraising goal is $17,700. This funding will support the replacement of aging technology by purchasing 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 the library 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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New Printing Process
Last month, KCPL rolled out Princh, a new, streamlined, and secure way for you to send items from your personal device to our printer. We're pleased to report it's working well!
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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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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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 | |
Holiday Closure: All KCPL Branches
Tuesday, December 31 - Wednesday, January 1
All KCPL Branches closed
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Holiday Closure: All KCPL Branches
Monday, January 20
All KCPL Branches closed
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Winter Reading Challenge 2025: Be a Reading Machine
All ages–kids, teens, and adults–are invited to participate in the Winter Reading Challenge 2025: Be a Reading Machine! Help us reach our goal of 100,000 minutes read by our community.
Register today and start logging your minutes on January 1.
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Games & Gadgets
North County Branch
Tuesday, January 7 | 4-5:30pm
Drop in and explore the library's fun technology!
Go rock climbing, explore in space, or play mini-golf – all in virtual reality. Use the green screen to create your next viral video. Or just chill out gaming with the Arcade Infinity Game Table or the PS4.
All ages welcome.
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Ask a Master Gardener Info Table
Chestertown Branch
Saturday, January 4 | 10am-12pm
Saturday, January 18 | 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!
Special topic for January 4: Supporting Wildlife in Winter
Special topic for January 18: Curl Up With A Good Garden Book
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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The Art of Memoir: 4-Week Writing Class
Chestertown Branch
Thursdays, January 9, January 16, January 23, & January 30 | 3-4:30pm
What is a memoir? What should (and shouldn't!) be included in creative nonfiction? What does it take to turn your story into a book?
Join us for a 4-week writing class led by award-winning author Wendy Sand Eckel for the answer to these questions and an opportunity to be mentored through the process of outlining, drafting, and editing your memoir.
Whether your goal is publication or writing your story down to share it with loved ones and friends, this interactive class will support you in improving writing skills, incorporating constructive feedback, and producing a work of creative nonfiction.
This is 4-week class and each session will build on the previous session. Please be sure you can attend all four sessions before you register.
Registration required.
Adults ages 18+
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The Page Turners
Rock Hall Branch
Friday, Jan. 10 | 2pm
This book discussion group reads a mixture of fiction and nonfiction and discussions are led by participant volunteers.
This month's book: Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
New attendees are always welcome.
Ages 18+
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Relaxing Hour
Re-focus and de-stress with a relaxing craft, camaraderie, and light refreshments!
Registration required.
Ages 18+
Featured Activity: Origami
Rock Hall Branch
Monday, Jan. 13 | 2pm
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Featured Activity: Vision Boards
North County Branch
Friday, Jan. 17 | 2pm
Rock Hall Branch
Wednesday, Jan. 29 | 11am
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Scrabble Time
North County Branch
Tuesday, January 21 | 3pm
Rock Hall Branch
Wednesday, January 22 | 3pm
Words, strategy, and friendly competition are what you can expect at Scrabble Time!
Whether you're a seasoned Scrabble player or a beginner looking to sharpen your skills, you are welcome to enjoy the fun, challenge yourself, meet new people, and have a great time.
Space is limited. Please register.
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Organizing Your Health
Chestertown Branch
Wednesday, January 22 | 1pm
Join us to learn tips and tricks for staying organized when you're managing your own health or the health of a loved one. Questions are welcome and we'll cover topics that include:
- communicating with your health providers
- what preventative care and screenings should be done and when
- health journaling
- advance directives
- medication management
- use of healthcare technology
Questions welcome and encouraged!
Space is limited. Please register.
Organizing your Health is brought to you by the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Chestertown’s Shore Regional Health Shore Community Outreach Team.
The mission of the Shore Community Outreach Team (SCOT) is to improve the health of Kent and northern Queen Anne’s residents by collaborating with partner organizations to bring health care access and support services to in their home settings and at convenient community sites.
SCOT provides home safety inspections, assistance with preparing advance directives, blood pressure checks, health screenings, case management for those with chronic illnesses (including diabetes, heart failure, COPD, etc.), wellness activities and arranging telehealth consults with health care providers.
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Art Supply Swap
Chestertown Branch
Saturday, January 25 | 11am-1pm
Looking to get rid of leftover supplies cluttering up your creative space? Ready to try your hand at a new project? This is your opportunity to share the creative wealth with the community and pick up something new-to-you. We're going through our craft closets to find items that are ready for a new home and invite you to do the same.
Even if you don't have items to give, you are welcome to stop by, browse the tables, and pick up supplies to refresh your creative stash!
Co-hosted by Kent County Public Library and RiverArts.
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Tech Help: Learn the Basics | |
Tech Help Basics
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 help is available on a first come first served basis.
Chestertown Branch
Monday, January 6 | 11am-1pm
Monday, January 13 | 11am-1pm
Monday, January 27 | 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: Winter Terrariums
Chestertown Branch
Saturday, January 11 | 1pm
Eat pizza, hang out with friends, and design a fantastic winter terrarium using sand, soil, and succulents.
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.
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Scrabble Time
North County Branch
Tuesday, January 21 | 3pm
Rock Hall Branch
Wednesday, January 22 | 3pm
Words, strategy, and friendly competition are what you can expect at Scrabble Time!
Whether you're a seasoned Scrabble player or a beginner looking to sharpen your skills, you are welcome to enjoy the fun, challenge yourself, meet new people, and have a great time.
Registration required.
Teens (ages 13-17) and Adults
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Go, Grow, Greenhouse!
North County Branch
Friday, January 24 | 3pm
Get hands-on with seeds and soil as we fill the North County Branch's new mini-greenhouse with flowers and herbs!
Plant seeds to stay at the library and seeds to take home. Check on your seeds' progress every time you visit the library and compare it to what you're growing at home.
Space is limited. Registration required.
Kids (6-12) and Teens (13-17)
This program is part of KCPL's Cultivating Community programming series. This series is made possible in part by Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding provided by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Maryland State Library Agency (MSLA). For more information, please see MSLA's press release about this funding award.
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Fiber Arts for Teens
Chestertown Branch
Monday, January 27 | 1pm
Slip stitch, magic ring, cast on, and purl. It sounds like the start of a magic spell, but we're just practicing our vocab for getting crafty with yarn!
Join us for a relaxing hour of crafting with yarn – knitting, crocheting, and more. All levels of skill and experience are welcome.
If you're brand new to fiber arts, we'll provide everything you need to get started, help you choose your first project, and provide instructions for learning the basics.
If you're already working on a project, you're welcome to bring it along. We love crafty show-and-tell!
Yarn and all other materials will be provided for those who need them.
Teens (ages 13-17)
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Year of the Snake: Lunar New Year Celebration
Chestertown Branch
Friday, January 24 | 2:30pm
The Lunar New Year, sometimes called the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, is the most important holiday in China and Chinese communities around the world. A different animal represents each new year.
2025 is the Year of the Snake and we're celebrating its start by creating crafts inspired by the Lunar New Year, including red lanterns, year of the animal kites, and pipe cleaner snakes.
Kids (ages 6-12)
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Candy Sushi
Rock Hall Branch
Friday, January 24 | 3pm
Does your candy cuisine reign supreme?
Find out as you create sweet takes on classic sushi using a variety of tasty candies at this delicious event!
Bring your sweet tooth and your creativity. All other supplies provided.
Kids (ages 5-12)
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.
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Go, Grow, Greenhouse!
North County Branch
Friday, January 24 | 3pm
Get hands-on with seeds and soil as we fill the North County Branch's new mini-greenhouse with flowers and herbs!
Plant seeds to stay at the library and seeds to take home. Check on your seeds' progress every time you visit the library and compare it to what you're growing at home.
Space is limited. Registration required.
Kids (6-12) and Teens (13-17)
This program is part of KCPL's Cultivating Community programming series. This series is made possible in part by Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding provided by the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Maryland State Library Agency (MSLA). For more information, please see MSLA's press release about this funding award.
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STEAM Lab: Winter Household Chemistry
Rock Hall Branch
Monday, January 27 | 11am
Full STEAM ahead with Winter Household Chemistry!
If you're facinated by chemistry, join us to learn how to safely conduct chemistry experiments and experience science fun using everyday household items.
This program might get messy, so please wear clothes that can get dirty or bring a smock or other cover-up.
Best suited for ages 6-12.
Space is limited. Please register.
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Join us to read stories, sing songs, dance, laugh, and have lots of fun!
The first 2025 Storytime session is Tuesday, January 7.
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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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Book Donation Days Return!
Beginning in January, the Friends will be taking donations of books and other materials.
Upcoming Donation Days
Tuesdays, 12pm-4pm
January 7 through May 6
Chestertown Branch
3rd Saturdays, 10am-4pm
January 18
February 15
March 15
April 19
Chestertown Branch
What can you donate?
Items in good to excellent condition that are sellable and meet the Friends' criteria.
The Friends are happy to accept the following items:
Yes, Please!
- Books
- Audiobooks on CD
- Music CDs
- DVDs
- Complete jigsaw puzzles
- Potentially valuable & rare books
The Friends cannot accept the following items:
No, Thank You!
- Textbooks
- Encyclopedias
- Magazines
- VHS tapes
- Books with water damage
- Books smelling of smoke
- Books smelling of mildew
- Books with insect damage
- Books with pet damage
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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!
Board of Trustees
Organization Meeting
Monday, January 6 | 4:30pm
Chestertown
On Monday, January 6, the Trustees will hold a special meeting to elect officers and set the 2025 Board Meeting calendar.
After the meeting schedule is approved, the regular January meeting date will be announced. Details will be posted to KCPL's 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 | | | | |