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Library News

Shelf Life: History Edition

The phrase "when pigs fly" never fails to bring a smile to the face. While the famous pig we'll be talking about today decidedly doesn't fly - she is quite the fashion icon. No, we're not talking about the Muppet's fabulous Miss Piggy (though today's subject has a wardrobe to rival hers), but rather a St. Michaels Branch celebrity - Petunia the Pig!

Petunia in one of her classic outfits, hard at work as a prolific fundraiser for the St. Michaels branch.

Petunia came to the St. Michaels Branch in 1988 through the generosity of Mary Munro, former Director of TCFL. A gift celebrating the move from Talbot Street to Fremont Street, Petunia was a welcome addition to the team — and this large piggy bank doesn’t travel light! From Halloween costumes to a graduation cap and gown, Petunia and her ever-changing closet have been staples of the branch for almost 40 years.

That’s not to say there haven’t been some close calls for this pig. In 2003, when Hurricane Isabel hit St. Michaels as a tropical storm, staff took extra care to ensure Petunia’s safety, managing to keep the fragile bank intact (all while losing only one book to the flooding tide). While she survived the storm with gusto, another danger was just around the corner. During her tenure at the branch, Petunia took a tumble which unfortunately took off her head. But thanks to the hard work and dedication of a local craftsperson who volunteered their time, Petunia was soon back home — with friends this time!

As she could no longer function as a bank, Petunia introduced St. Michaels patrons to her two little piglets: Patrick and Pansy. Pansy became the new piggy bank under the watchful eye of her “mother,” carrying on the legacy to this day.

In her heyday, Petunia would bring in as much as $100 to $150 per month, according to a 1990s record. And while she and her piglets may be taking a break during the ongoing renovation and expansion of the branch, we hope they’ll be back — better than ever!

Have a story or memory you'd like to share? Send us an email at librarymemories@tcfl.org - anonymous submissions accepted also!

Bayside Quilters Installation

The Talbot County Free Library and Bayside Quilters of the Eastern Shore are proud to present a special installation of quilts to celebrate TCFL’s 100th Anniversary. The installation will be displayed at the Easton Branch of the Talbot County Free Library from May 29 to October 3, 2025.

The installation features 64 beautifully designed and constructed quilts created by Bayside Quilters guild members and hung throughout the library. The quilts display a range of styles – including traditional, contemporary, modern, appliqué, hand and machine quilting and art.

From the exuberant swirls of a modern appliqué quilt to traditional quilts honoring the Eastern Shore and the natural world – visitors are sure to be dazzled by the array of colors, patterns and themes on display.

The collaboration is a part of the library’s year-long Centennial Celebrations - a brochure with information on the Bayside Quilters and the quilts displayed will be available at the Circulation Desk for the duration of the installation.

Featured Adult Programming

Talbot Green Hands

Tuesday, June 10th

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Easton Branch Lobby

Talbot Green Hands will have an information table set up in the lobby.

Talbot Green Hands are an organization that take direct actions that provide environmental benefits in the Talbot County community, such as clean-ups, plantings, community gardens, composting programs and more.

Stop by to learn more about their mission and to get involved!

Click here for more information

Talbot County's United States Colored Troops: A History of Valor and Honor

Tuesday, June 17th

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Easton Branch

A Date with History Speaker Series welcomes Clara L. Small, Ph.D. She will present, "Talbot County's United States Colored Troops: A Story of Valor and Honor."

This event is presented by the Talbot Historical Society in partnership with the Talbot County Free Library. This lecture is free and open to the public.

Click here for more information

Monthly Film Screening - Wicked

Saturday, June 21st

2:00 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

Easton Branch

Join us for a free film screening at the Library! We will show Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz; starring Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and Jeff Goldblum. All screenings are free and open to the public. Runtime: 160 minutes.

Rating: PG

All screenings are free and open to the public.

Click here for more information

Say it With Your Hands: A Beginner Series in American Sign Language

Select dates in June and July

6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Easton Branch

The Talbot County Free Library is pleased to present a free, four-week series in beginner American Sign Language: June 23, June 30, July 7, and July 14. This class will be available for teenage and adult learners.

As this is a four-week series, please ensure that you will be available for all four of the class sessions prior to registering.

Topics that will be covered in the class include the five parameters of ASL, the alphabet, colors, numbers, questions, basic descriptions, and storytelling.

Registration required.

Click here for more information

For more events, visit our online events calendar!

Events Calendar

Resources at the Library

MY Tech Clinic

Saturday, June 28th

1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Easton Branch

Drop-in for free help with technology ranging from, but not limited to, laptops, cell phones, setting up accounts, and Microsoft Office.

Walk-ins welcome!

More Information

Digital Literacy Classes

Monday, June 9th

6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Easton Branch

Do you want to learn more about computers and tablets? Do you want to hone your computer skills? Learn the basics of using a computer and mouse, creating an email, and other programs through hands-on activities each week. Walk-ins now welcome!

Brainfuse

School is out, but don't let that keep you from sharpening your skills!

Creativity. Curiosity. Confidence. It all starts here. HelpNow supports learners all summer long with real tutors and personalized help in reading, writing, math, and more. Explore what’s possible.

More E-Resources

Case Managers at the Library

Every Monday from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. Easton Branch

A local Social Services case manager will be available to help with referrals for the following:

Housing & Food Assistance
Medical Benefits
Home Energy & Water Assistance
Child Support
Protective Services
Other Partner Organizations and more!

No appointment necessary

Family Law Assistance

Thursday Walk-in Clinics

July 3 | August 7 | September 4

4:30 - 6:30 p.m. | Easton Branch

A lawyer will be available for clients to provide free consultation on how to represent yourself and complete forms for:

Divorce
Custody
Visitation
Child Support
Name Change
Guardianship & Adoption
Juvenile Expungement

No appointment necessary

For more information, please call Alisha Dicus, Family Services Coordinator - (410) 770-6806

Featured Youth Programming

Summer Reading is Here!

It's that time of year - Summer Reading has begun! Stop by either branch of TCFL to pick up a gameboard and learn how to play.

Turn in gameboards for a chance to win fun prizes, from tickets to local and state attractions, to giant stuffed animals and gift cards! All game boards must be turned in by August 15th to be entered in a drawing.

While you're here, check out our Summer Reading T-Shirts, featuring artwork matching this year's theme "Color Our World" - T-shirts are $5.00 each and can be purchased at either branch. Get yours today!

10th Annual Chesapeake Children's Book Festival

Saturday, June 7th

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Easton Branch

Fun for all ages! Kick off summer reading at the Chesapeake Children’s Book Festival! Children who sign up and attend will receive one free book (while supplies last) from the attending author of their choice. Some authors will give readings of their books, there will be crafts, displays and giveaways.

Click here for more information