Good News & Announcements

 

We Love Our Friends!


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 $10,000 in unrestricted funds to contribute to the library's 2027 fiscal year budget. 

Pictured: 

Cynthia Saunders, FOL Secretary 

Nina Newlin, FOL Treasurer 

Deborah Collier, FOL President 

Natalie Hagan, KCPL Executive Director 

Madhu Sidhu, FOL Member 

Elise Walker, Nina's granddaughter and (hopefully) the next generation of FOL! 

Summer Reading – It's Not Just For Kids!


At our recent Dinosaur Charcuterie program for adults, participants created fantastic and delicious dino-themed charcuterie boards, including this amazing meat and cheese volcano-scape populated by pickle dinosaurs!


Seats are still available at our second Dinosaur Charcuterie program and we have a fantastic set of other adult-only events coming up. Don't let the kids have all the fun this summer – join us for free events and experiences!

Scroll down for info about upcoming summer events for all ages!

Reading Challenge Raffle Drawings


If you're logging reading minutes and activities in the Unearth a Story Summer Reading Challenge, you earn a raffle ticket every time you receive a badge.


The first raffle drawing is tomorrow, so don't forget to enter your tickets for the items you want to win! You can do this through Beanstack or by asking library staff for help.


Raffle drawing will be held on:

  • July 7th
  • August 4th
  • September 1st


To be eligible to win, you must enter your raffle tickets by 11:59pm the day before the drawing.

 

Good to the Last Word

Keep Scrolling


This email is full of 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.

Don't Miss Out


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If you reach the bottom 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!

 

New in the eLibrary

Blackstone Unlimited


Blackstone Unlimited Audio is a collection of 7,000+ audiobook titles available in an unlimited-use format, meaning no holds, no caps, and no waiting to borrow. All titles are available on-demand and new titles are added regularly.


To access this service, you will need to set up a free account and enter the barcode on the back of your library card.


Please note: Several people have reported difficulty finding "Kent County Public Library" as an available library system. This issue is being worked on by our regional library, which provides this service. When prompted to provide the name of your library, if "Kent County Public Library" does not return any results, enter "Eastern Shore Regional Library" instead.

Kanopy Plus Packs


Kanopy Plus Packs give you unlimited, all-you-can-watch access to stream a curated collection of movies and TV shows.


The 10 Plus Pack themes are:


  • British Cinema & TV
  • Diversity
  • Documentaries
  • Easy Watching
  • Episodic Titles
  • Family Friendly
  • Favorites
  • Kanopy Kids
  • Streaming in Spanish
  • World Cinema


To access this service, you will need to set up a free account and enter the barcode on the back of your library card. Visit Kanopy Help for details on how to set up your account.

Libby "Lucky Day" Collection


Libby, the popular service for eBooks, eAudiobooks, and digital magazines, now includes a "Lucky Day" collection, which makes specific titles available on a first-come, first-served basis to help decrease wait times for popular books.

The Lucky Day Collection is only visible when its items are available, so if you don't see it that just means that all Lucky Day items are currently checked out.

 

Summer Reading 2026

Summer Reading 2026: Unearth a Story

Readers of all ages are invited to register for KCPL’s Summer Reading challenge! After you register, complete activities and log reading minutes to earn summer reading challenge badges and win prizes.

Upcoming Summer Events

Our summer program line-up has something for everyone – adults, teens, and kids! Some events are drop-in, while others require registration. Program registration opens 3 weeks before the date of each program.

Summer Movie Matinees

Join us at Flagship Cinemas for morning movie matinees! Registration required.

Flagship Cinemas | 21 Washington Square, Chestertown

Jurassic Park

Thursday, July 16 | 10am

Independence Day

Wednesday, July 29 | 10am

The Good Dinosaur

Thursday, August 6 | 10am


Dinosaur Charcuterie 

Whether you're entertaining herbivores, omnivores, or carnivores, this is an opportunity to learn how to craft an amazing charcuterie spread for a variety of palates. Registration required. 

North County Branch 

Tuesday, July 7 | 4pm | adult 


Amber Candy Gems 

Learn how to make delicious sweets that look like fossilized amber! Add an edible insect to make it truly Jurassic! Registration Required. 

Chestertown Branch

Wednesday, July 8 | 3pm | ages 13-17 


Cave Art 

Use your imagination to travel back in time and become an artist who uses cave walls as a canvas! A variety of art supplies will be available based on the age group of the program. Registration required for teen program on 7/16. 

Chestertown Branch

Thursday, July 9 | 1:30pm | ages 1-5 

Thursday, July 9 | 3pm | ages 6-12 

Thursday, July 16 | 4pm | ages 13-17 

 

Motown After-Hours with Craig Alston 

Put on your dancing shoes and celebrate summer with a music-filled evening at this special after-hours library event! Enjoy instrumental renditions of all your favorite Motown classics. Free music, snacks, and fun! Registration required.

Chestertown Branch 

Friday, July 10 | 6:30-8pm | adult 

 

Dino Academy: Bright Star Theater 

The quirky Dr. Sarah Tops blends science, storytelling, and imagination in an action-packed adventure!

The Mainstay

Monday, July 13 | 10am | ages 5+ 

Chestertown Branch

Monday, July 13 | 1:30pm | ages 5+ 

North County Branch 

Monday, July 13 | 4pm | ages 5+ 


Milkshake Duo Storytime Concert 

A joyful, interactive musical storytime concert!

Chestertown Branch

Tuesday, July 14 | 10am | ages 0-5 

Rock Hall Branch 

Monday, July 20 | 10:30am | ages 0-5 

North County Branch 

Thursday, August 6 | 10:30am | ages 0-5 

 

Happiness Hour: Rock Candy 

Happiness Hour is a time for grown-ups to explore their powers of creativity. Featured Project: Rock Candy. Registration required. 

Chestertown Branch 

Wednesday, July 15 | 6pm | adult 

North County Branch

Tuesday, August 4 | 11am | adult 


T. Rex Tea Party 

Enjoy tea and snacks with a favorite stuffed animal at this cozy celebration. Registration required. 

Rock Hall Branch 

Wednesday, July 15 | 10:30am | ages 2-6 

North County Branch

Thursday, July 23 | 10:30am | ages 2-6


Bubblemania: Comedy for Adults 

High energy entertainment, artistic achievement, visual comedy, quick wit, and the untamed, often unbelievable qualities of beautiful spherical liquids – this show has it all.

Garfield Center for the Arts 

Friday, July 17 | 6:30pm | adults 

 

The History of Magic 

Antiquarian magic will be recreated and performed at this adults-only show performed by magician Mike Rose. Registration required. 

Chestertown Branch 

Tuesday, July 21 | 6pm | adult 


Mario Kart Tournament for Teens 

Eat pizza, hang out with friends, and compete against other teens in a Nintendo Switch Mario Kart Tournament! Registration required. 

Chestertown Branch 

Wednesday, July 22 | 5pm | ages 13-17 

 

National Aquarium: Sharks! 

The National Aquarium presents about the fascinating, unique, and intelligent animals that have been at the top of the ocean food chain since prehistoric times!

Chestertown Branch 

Thursday, July 23 | 11am | all ages 

North County Branch 

Thursday, July 23 | 3pm | all ages 


Build a Fantastical Creature 

Pick and choose from a wide variety of heads, bodies, tails, ears, and other animal parts to construct your own fantastical creature! 

Rock Hall Branch

Friday, July 24 | 11am | ages 6-12 


Happiness Hour: Prehistoric Jewelry 

Happiness Hour is a time for grown-ups to explore their powers of creativity. Featured Project: Prehistoric Jewelry. Registration required. 

Rock Hall Branch

Friday, July 24 | 3pm | adult


Unearth: What’s in the Soil? 

Take a look at living soil creatures that hide below the earth with Beth Hill from Kent County 4H. 

Chestertown Branch 

Monday, July 27 | 12pm | ages 7+ 

Rock Hall Branch 

Monday, July 27 | 3pm | ages 7+ 

 

Piece It Together: Collaborative Paper Quilt 

Use mixed media to design and decorate a paper quilt block to add to our collaborative summer quilt mural. 

Chestertown Branch 

Tuesday, July 28 | 4:30pm | all ages 

 

Roots & Memories: Preserving Personal & Family History 

Podcast producer and documentary film-maker Christina Kotlar shares how to preserve personal and family history through oral recordings of first person accounts. Registration required. 

Rock Hall Branch 

Wednesday, July 29 | 3pm | adult 

 

Historical Fiction & Original Sources: What Happens Next? 

Author Nancy Taylor Robson explores the big questions facing any modern author whose writing draws from history. Questions welcome at this interactive event.

Chestertown Branch 

Wednesday, July 29 | 5:30pm | adult 


Firework Art 

Get ready to get messy as we create explosive paintings! 

Chestertown Branch

Thursday, July 30 | 11am | ages 0-5 


Dinosaur Eggs 

Craft and crack open dinosaur eggs at this hands-on art and exploration program! Registration required.

North County Branch

Thursday, July 30 | 4pm | Ages 6-12 



Ropenastics: Rope Jumping in a New Dimension 

A razzle-dazzle combination of rope jumping, rhythmic gymnastics, dance, and martial arts by Guinness World Record holder David Fisher.

Chestertown Branch 

Friday, July 31 | 2:30pm | all ages 

 

Escape Room 

Work together with your team to solve fun-filled challenges and puzzles. Win prizes if you escape! Registration required.

Chestertown Branch

Friday, July 31 | 4pm | ages 13-17 


Mindfulness Tasting Menu 

Dr. Michele Clapp leads an interactive journey where you’ll sample tools and techniques for mindfulness and creating a sense of calm in a busy world. Registration required.

Chestertown Branch 

Saturday, August 1 | 10:30am | adult 


Dinosaur Masks 

Create an amazing mask and use the power of your imagination to be transformed into a dinosaur when you wear it! Registration required. 

Rock Hall Branch

Monday, August 3 | 11am | ages 1-5 


Prehistoric Jewelry 

Create a one-of-a-kind necklace or bracelet using fossils, shells, and gems. Registration required.

Chestertown Branch 

Monday, August 3 | 5pm | ages 13-17 

 

Gem Discovery 

Crack open a geode, dig for gems, and learn about different types of precious stones. Registration required. 

Rock Hall Branch 

Wednesday, August 5 | 11am | ages 6-12 

Chestertown Branch 

Wednesday, August 5 | 4pm | ages 6-12 

North County Branch 

Friday, August 7 | 3pm | ages 6-12 


Dinosaurs at the Dinner Party Book Discussion 

Join us for a light dinner and lively discussion of Dinosaurs at the Dinner Party: How An Eccentric Group of Victorians Discovered Prehistoric Creatures and Accidentally Upended the World by Edward Dolnick. 

Chestertown Branch

Wednesday, August 5 | 5pm | adult 


Finale Events

National Aquarium: Sharks! 

The National Aquarium presents about the fascinating, unique, and intelligent animals that have been at the top of the ocean food chain since prehistoric times!

The Mainstay 

Monday, August 10 | 3pm | all ages 

 

DINO-Magic with Magician Mike Rose 

Magician Mike Rose returns to KCPL with impossible magic tricks and off the wall comedy. 

North County Branch 

Thursday, August 13 | 3pm | all ages 


Book Out Cook Out 

Celebrate the end of summer reading at an all-ages family-friendly cook out featuring free food, face painting, inflatables, music, summer reading prizes, and more! Music provided by Snowday, a high-energy quintet that combines well-known pop-rock with music education. 

Wilmer Park 

Saturday, August 15 | 4-6pm | all ages 

Rain Date: Saturday, August 22 

 

Come On Down! 

Come on down for an unforgettable game‑show–inspired event that brings the excitement of The Price Is Right® to life. Whether you’re competing or cheering from the crowd, this celebration is the perfect, prize‑packed way to complete your summer reading journey. Visit our online calendar or talk with staff for full details about eligibility to be a contestant. Registration required.

Chestertown Branch 

Friday, August 21 | 6pm | adult 


 

Upcoming Closures

 

Holiday Closure: All KCPL Branches

Friday, July 3 & Saturday, July 4

All KCPL branches closed

 

Programs for Adults

 

The Page Turners

Rock Hall Branch

Friday, July 10 | 2:30pm

 
Storytime
 

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

Preschool Storytime

Ages 3-5



Chestertown Branch

10am Tuesdays


North County Branch

10:30am Thursdays

Baby & Toddler Storytime 

Ages 0-2


Chestertown Branch

11am Tuesdays


North County Branch

11:30am Thursdays

Summer Storytime

The Summer Storytime session ends on August 13.

Beyond Summer

Storytime will be on break for the month of September while staff plan and prep for fall programming.


In October, the Fall Storytime session will launch with a new schedule of programs!

 

Friends of the Library

Book Donation Days


The Friends are currently taking donations of books and other materials in good to excellent condition that are sellable and meet the criteria below.


Upcoming Donation Days

Tuesdays, 12pm-4pm

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
 
 

Apply to Join the Friends' Board!


Eligibility

You must be a member of the Friends of the Kent County Public Library. If you are not currently a member of the Friends, you can join today! Membership information is available at all KCPL locations.


Applications are especially encouraged from people who are interested in:  Fundraising  |  Event Planning  |  Advocacy  | Literacy


Opportunities

  • Guide the future of the Friends
  • Assist with coordinating book sales
  • Support the annual membership drive
  • Play a part in launching and sustaining new initiatives


Expectations

  • Attend monthly Board meetings, held at KCPL’s Chestertown Branch
  • Be an enthusiastic advocate for Kent County Public Library


How to Apply

  • Download an application at kentcountylibrary.org or pick one up at any KCPL branch
  • Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled
 
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!


Finance Committee

Tuesday, July 14 | 4pm

Virtual


Board of Trustees

Monday, July 27 | 4:30pm

Rock Hall Branch


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.

 
Your Library Account
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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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