New Book Drops!

Thanks to generous funding from the Foundation for the Kent County Public Library, new book drops have been purchased for the Chestertown and North County library locations.

The Chestertown book drop was installed this week and the North County book drop will be installed later this month.

Huge thanks to the Kent County Department of Public Works employees for taking care of the installation process!

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.

Date Correction:

North County Branch

Summer Reading Finale

The North County Summer Reading Finale was incorrectly advertised as Friday, August 16.

The correct date for the North County Summer Reading Finale is Thursday, August 15.

Please see our online calendar for full details about this event.

Keep Scrolling

This email is jam-packed with info, including:

• Week-by-week Summer Reading events
• Summer Reading Challenges
• Free Tech Help
• And more!

Keep reading for details about these and other events!

To see all the summer 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!

Apply to Represent KCPL!

In celebration of summer readers, the Maryland State Library Agency is hosting a Summer Reading Program Reading Ceremony at the Maryland State Fair!

We are seeking a reader who will represent all KCPL summer readers at this very special ceremony on Saturday, August 24.

The Summer Reading Ambassador must be:

• registered for the Adventure Begins at Your Library summer reading challenge

• between ages 6 and 17 

• able and willing to walk into the Cow Palace show ring alone (parents and siblings are NOT allowed to accompany the representative into the ring)

• able to understand the role of Reading Representative

• able to travel to the Maryland State Fairgrounds at 2200 York Road, Lutherville-Timonium, MD and to arrive by 1pm on Saturday, August 24.  

The Summer Reading Ambassador will receive a 4-pack family pass for the Maryland State Fair that includes a paid parking pass for use the day of the ceremony.

Transportation to the Fair is the responsibility of the family. This event will take place rain or shine.

If your child would like to apply for this special experience, please email KCPL's Youth Services Department by Friday, July 26, at 4pm. Use "MD Reading Ceremony" as the subject line and please include your child's name and age in the email.

All applicants will be included in a raffle drawing and the selected Reading Ambassador will be notified by Wednesday, July 31.

554 readers have logged 426,792 minutes!

As of Tuesday, July 9, KCPL's summer readers are more than 42% of the way to our community reading goal of 1,000,000 minutes read!

We are impressed and we are cheering you on!

If you haven't yet signed up for a summer reading challenge, don't worry – there's plenty of time to start reading and logging your minutes!

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. 

Register online, give us a call at 410.778.3636, or stop by any KCPL location to get started.

Summer Reading Eventsat KCPL

This year's summer reading theme is Adventure Begins at Your Library!

Programs for All Ages

This summer, we have weekly programs for all age groups — kids, teens, and adults — as well as storytime for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. 

Please check the age group when choosing programs to attend to ensure it is a good match!

Registration

Some programs are drop-in, but others require registration due to limited supplies or space. Register online, over the phone, or in-person at any KCPL location. Program registration opens 3 weeks before the date of each program.

Locations

Programs will take place at KCPL branches and at off-site locations. Some are being held more than once, so double-check the time and location!

Changes & Cancelations

We don’t anticipate canceling any programs, but sometimes the unexpected happens! Any changes or cancelations will be posted to our online calendar. You can also give us a call to confirm whether a program is happening.



Week 5: July 15 - July 20

Epic Quests

Mother Goose Preschool Storytime 

A special Mother Goose storytime!

Chestertown Branch

Tuesday, July 16 • 10am • ages 2-5

Fantasy Forge: Crafting Fantastical Gear

Young adventurers! Before your next quest begins, come to the Fantasy Forge and learn how to turn everyday materials into enchanting gear – shields, swords, and crowns – for your next adventure!

North County Branch

Tuesday, July 16 • 2pm • ages 5-12

Rock Hall Civic Center

Wednesday, July 17 • 11am • ages 5-12

Chestertown Branch

Thursday, July 18 • 4pm • ages 5-12

Adventures in Eating: Lembas Bread & Seed Cake

Inspired by Lord of the Rings, make treats fit for elves and hobbits! Enhance your creations with your favorite flavors on this adventure for your taste buds. Registration required.

Chestertown Branch

Tuesday, July 16 • 6pm • teens (ages 13-17)

Fantasy Mocktail Experience

Indulge your taste buds as you immerse yourself in a world of enchanting flavors and magical libations! Return from your quest with the knowledge of how to create fantastic mocktails inspired by popular fantasy worlds. Registration required.

Chestertown Branch

Thursday, July 18 • 6pm • adults (ages 18+)



Week 6: July 22 - July 27

Out of This World

Radical Rockets

What a blast – we're making rockets! Get hands-on with science as we create and test cardboard tube rockets and baking soda and vinegar rockets. Registration required.

North County Branch

Tuesday, July 23 • 2pm • all ages

Rock Hall Civic Center

Wednesday, July 24 • 11am • all ages

Black Light Galaxy Party

Create a brand new galaxy filled with UV nebulas and splatter stars! Our giant interstellar creation will be out of this world. Registration required.

Chestertown Branch

Tuesday, July 23 • 6pm • teens (ages 13-17)

Travel Through Space

Take a space adventure through the solar system at Kent County High School’s planetarium! Registration required.

Kent County High School Planetarium

Thursday, July 25 • 4pm • all ages

Tin Punch Constellations

Turn an empty can into a constellation candle holder! Using a mallet and an awl, learn how to punch a celestial design into a can to allow the light from a small candle to illuminate your tiny galaxy. Registration required.

Chestertown Branch

Thursday, July 25 • 6pm • adults (ages 18+)



Week 7: July 29 - August 3

Up, Up, and Away

Feed the Birds

Help your local seed-eating feathered friends fill up, by creating a one-of-a-kind eco-friendly bird feeder. Registration required.

North County Branch

Tuesday, July 30 • 2pm • all ages

Rock Hall Civic Center

Wednesday, July 31 • 11am • all ages

Chestertown Branch

Thursday, August 1 • 4pm • all ages

World’s Best Paper Airplane Competition

Can you engineer the world's best paper airplane? The sky is the limit in this competition! Get ready for high-flying fun and join us to compete in challenges of distance, time aloft, speed, and acrobatics! Registration required.

Chestertown Branch

Tuesday, July 30 • 6pm • teens (ages 13-17)

Mother Goose Preschool Storytime 

A special Mother Goose storytime!

North County Branch

Thursday, August 1 • 10am • ages 2-5

Exquisite Corpse Paints the Town

There will be music and laughter at this fast-paced collaborative painting program! In this artistic twist on the game Exquisite Corpse, you’ll end up with a modern masterpiece to take home. Registration required.

Chestertown Branch

Thursday, August 1 • 6pm • adults (ages 18+)



Week 8: August 5 - August 10

Wonders Beneath the Earth

Rock Your World: Gems, Geodes, and Geology

Pan for gems, crack open a geode, explore the world of gemstones and minerals, and discover the secrets of cave systems near and far.

North County Branch

Tuesday, August 6 • 2pm • ages 5-12

Rock Hall Civic Center

Wednesday, August 7 • 11am • ages 5-12

Chestertown Branch

Thursday, August 8 • 4pm • ages 5-12

GeoGenius Showdown 

Join us for the ultimate geology game show! Dive into Earth's mysteries, conquer challenges, and become a rockstar to win the elusive mystery prize – something truly out of this world! Registration required. 

Chestertown Branch

Tuesday, August 6 • 6pm • teens (ages 13-17)

Craft Your Story: Birthday Bash

Discover the art of gemology, learn the history of birthstones, and create a keepsake treasure reflecting your unique story. Registration required. 

Chestertown Branch

Thursday, August 8 • 6pm • adults (ages 18+)



Week 9: August 12 - August 17

One Last Adventure

All Ages Summer Reading Finale:

Featuring Magician Mike Rose

Magician Mike Rose returns to KCPL for a magical wrap-up of the 2024 summer reading adventure! Join us to celebrate with magic, free giveaways, and more at this all ages summer reading finale.

Hang out with friends, enjoy snacks, tell us what you loved about summer reading, and let magician Mike Rose take you on an amazing magical adventure.



All ages from babies to adults are welcome!

Rock Hall Civic Center

Wednesday, August 14 • 11am • all ages

Galena Town Park

Thursday, August 15 • 2pm • all ages

Chestertown Branch

Saturday, August 17 • 11am • all ages

Summer Reading raffle prize winners will be announced at the Chestertown Branch Finale on Saturday, August 17. You do not need to be present to win.



Technology 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 sessions are available on a first come first served basis.

Chestertown Branch

Most Mondays | 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.

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

Preschool • Ages 3-5

11am Mondays | Rock Hall

10am Tuesdays | Chestertown

10am Thursdays | North County

Baby & Toddler • Ages 0-2 

11am Tuesdays | Chestertown

11am Thursdays | North County

Special Storytime Events

Mother Goose Preschool Storytime

Chestertown Branch

Tuesday, July 16 • 10am • ages 2-5

North County Branch

Thursday, August 1 • 10am • ages 2-5

Storytime in the Park

Rock Hall Civic Center

Monday, August 5 • 11am • ages 2-5

Wilmer Park

Tuesday, August 6 • 10am • ages 2-5

Galena Town Park

Thursday, August 8 • 10am • ages 2-5

Book Donation Days

More donation dates for the spring and summer have been added! Beginning mid-May, the Friends will once again welcome donations of books and other materials for their next used book sale.

Donation Days

Tuesdays, 12pm-4pm

July – August (or until storage space is full)

Chestertown Branch

Select Saturdays

• July 27 | 10am-4pm
• August 24 | 10am-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

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 Meeting

Tuesday, July 16 | 2pm

Virtual

Board of Trustees Meetings

Monday, July 29 | 4:30pm

Chestertown

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.

STAY CONNECTED