A Note from the Director

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

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

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!

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. 

Read the Full Press Release

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.

More Information on Princh

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.

Learn More about Borrowing from Other Libraries

Good to the Last Word

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.

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!


Closures & Limited Hours


Holiday Closure: All KCPL Branches


Tuesday, December 31 - Wednesday, January 1

All KCPL Branches closed

Holiday Closure: All KCPL Branches



Monday, January 20

All KCPL Branches closed

Programs for All Ages

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.

Register for the Winter Reading Challenge

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.

Programs for Adults

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.  



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+

Register - Chestertown

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+



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

Register - Rock Hall - Origami


Featured Activity: Vision Boards

North County Branch

Friday, Jan. 17 | 2pm


Rock Hall Branch

Wednesday, Jan. 29 | 11am

Register - North County - Vision Boards
Register - Rock Hall - Vision Boards

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.

Register - North County
Register - Rock Hall

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.

Register - Chestertown

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.

 

Details about Donating Materials

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.

Programs for Teens

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.

Register - Chestertown

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

Register - North County
Register - Rock Hall

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.

Register - North County

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)


Programs for Kids

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)



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.


Register - Rock Hall

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.

Register - North County

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.

Register - Rock Hall Branch
Storytime

Join us to read stories, sing songs, dance, laugh, and have lots of fun!


The first 2025 Storytime session is Tuesday, January 7.

Preschool • Ages 3-5

10am Tuesdays | Chestertown

10am Thursdays | North County

Baby & Toddler • Ages 0-2 

11am Tuesdays | Chestertown

11am Thursdays | North County

Friends of the Library

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

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
Board of Trustees

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.

More Information about the Board of Trustees
Your Library Account
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.



Kent County Public Library | kentcountylibrary.org | 410.778.3636

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