Good News & Announcements

Rock Hall Branch

Transition Updates


The Rock Hall Branch has relocated to 21258 Rock Hall Avenue.


We are currently working on setting up the space and we can't wait for you to visit us there!


Rock Hall Branch Closed

Monday, September 16 - Friday, October 4


Limited Service: Returning Materials

During the closure, you can return items via the outside bookdrop.

Location through Sunday, September 29: 5746 N. Main Street

Location starting Monday, September 30: 21258 Rock Hall Avenue. 


Limited Service: Hold Pick Up Only

Wednesday, October 2 | 10am-12pm

Location: 21258 Rock Hall Avenue


Opening Day: Full Library Services Resume

Monday, October 7


Grand Reopening Party

Wednesday, October 23 | 5-7pm

New Website Coming Soon


On Monday, September 30, KCPL's redesigned website will launch!

We know that change can be discombobulating, so we wanted to give you a heads up that the website is going to look quite different.


We've been hard at work to create a fantastic virtual experience for you and we're so excited for you to be able to explore the new site.


As always, if you have questions after it launches or would like help getting started with any of its features, we are here to help.

Apply to Be a Library Trustee


The Board of Trustees of the Kent County Public Library is now accepting applications! 


If you are a Kent County resident who is enthusiastic about the library and interested in helping plan for its future, please consider applying. More details can be found in the Trustee section of this newsletter and on our website.


How To Apply

  • Download an application or pick up in person at any KCPL location
  • Submit your application by October 17, 2024

Good to the Last Word

Keep Scrolling


This email is jam-packed with info, including:

  • Apple Fest
  • Preserving Family Papers
  • Punkin Chunkin Launchers
  • Teddy Bear Tea Party
  • Teen Movie Matinee
  • Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale
  • And more!

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!

October Closures

Temporary Branch Closure

Monday, September 16 – Friday, October 4

Rock Hall Branch


New location opens Monday, October 7


Holiday Closure: Rock Hall Branch



Monday, October 14

Rock Hall Branch closed

One Maryland One Book

One Maryland One Book, a project of Maryland Humanities, aims to bring communities together through the shared experience of reading, discussing, and exploring the themes in a single book.


This year's book selection is What Storm, What Thunder by Myriam J.A. Chancy.


From the synopsis:


"Brilliantly crafted, fiercely imagined, and deeply haunting, What Storm, What Thunder is a singular, stunning record, a reckoning of the heartbreaking trauma of disaster, and—at the same time—an unforgettable testimony to the tenacity of the human spirit."


Free paperback copies of What Storm, What Thunder are available at all KCPL locations, while supplies last. Giveaway books are provided by Maryland Humanities.


To place a hold on a copy of What Storm, What Thunder (available in multiple formats), visit our catalog.


One Maryland One Book is a program of Maryland Humanities.

Beyond the Book


Prepare Yourself for the Next Disaster


This interactive conversation with Brian Pearsall, Emergency Planner at Kent County Office of Emergency Services, will help you feel more secure and better prepared for when –not if!– disaster strikes.


Bring your questions and we will help you find answers!


All attendees will receive FREE FEMA-recommended items to start an emergency preparedness kit.


Chestertown Branch

Saturday, September 28 | 11am

Register - Chestertown

Join the Discussion


Join us for a book discussion about What Storm, What Thunder. These discussions will be led by KCPL staff and are open to all.


Rock Hall Branch

Friday, October 11 | 2pm


North County Branch

Thursday, October 24 | 4pm

Programs for All Ages

Tech Tuesday

North County Branch

Tuesday, Oct. 1 | 4pm


Drop in and explore the library's fun technology!


Use the green screen to create your next viral video. Go rock climbing, explore in space, or play mini-golf – all in virtual reality. Or just chill out gaming with the Arcade Infinity Game Table or the PS4.

Apple Fest

Chestertown Branch

Friday, Oct. 11 | 4-6pm


If you love apples, Apple Fest is for you!


This all-ages apple extravaganza will include caramel apples, scarecrow making, fall-themed crafts for all ages, lawn bowling, cider making, and so much more.

Programs for Adults

A photo of author Nnedi Okorafor, winner of the Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy Awards, and a TEDGlobal speaker.

Virtual Author Visit with Nnedi Okorafor

Virtual

Friday, Oct. 11 | 6:30pm

Live stream hosted by St. Mary's County Library


Hear from Afrofuturist author Nnedi Okorafor, winner of the Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy Awards, and a TEDGlobal speaker! 



This program is possible through a partnership with Maryland Libraries Together, St. Mary's County LibraryCalvert Library, and Howard County Library System

 

Connect to Live Stream – St. Mary's County Library YouTube Channel

Preserving Family Papers

Chestertown Branch

Tuesday, Oct. 15 | 6pm


Do you have old family papers in your basement or attic? Wondering how to care for them?


In this workshop, archivist Lana Farber will teach you how to use everyday items to care for your family treasures. You'll leave this hands-on session knowing how to safely flatten and store documents that have been rolled, folded, or crumpled.


Presenter Bio

Alana "Lana" Faber has an MA in museum studies and has been working in collections and exhibitions for over 20 years. She especially loves working with smaller collections that are in need of TLC.

Register - Chestertown

Happiness Hour: Creative Time for Grown-Ups

North County Branch

Tuesday, Oct. 29 | 4pm


Happiness Hour is a time for grown-ups to explore their powers of creativity. Join us to try your hand at something new and leave a little happier than you arrived!


Featured Project: Spooky Origami Postage Stamp Book



All supplies will be provided and you are also welcome to bring unique materials to customize your creations.


Space is limited, so please register.

Register - North County

Explore Creative Bug


If you aren't able to join us for Happiness Hour or you want to get creative right now, take a look at the Creative Bug class that inspired this month's program!



Use KCPL's Creative Bug link to sign in using your library card number. After you sign in, search for "Make an Origami Postage Stamp Book" to find the 32 minute video.

Explore Creative Bug

Programs for Teens

Interactive Movie Matinee:

The Goonies

Chestertown Branch

Thursday, Oct. 17 | 3:30pm


Experience the 1980s movie classic The Goonies as you never have before at this amazing, interactive movie event! You won’t just be watching, you’ll be part of the action.


When you arrive, you’ll get a pirate booty bag filled with props and a script of prompts. Throughout the movie, you’ll shout along with the characters, consult your treasure map, provide sound effects, eat snacks, and more! Why do you need bubble wrap and a gold doubloon to watch this movie? Join us to find out!


Space is limited. Please register.

Register - Chestertown

Programs for Kids

Half Day Library Fun

Rock Hall Branch

Wednesday, Oct. 9 | 2pm


Early dismissal at school? Drop by and spend the afternoon at the cozy Rock Hall library with board games, puzzles, and a craft activity!


Featured craft: Tin punch constellation jars


Join us and make a tin punch constellation jar in celebration of the Draconids meteor shower, which occurs October 6 through 10 and the Orionid meteor shower, which is predicted to peak on October 20. It'll be out of this world!


Please note: This program will be noisy! It can be made sensory-safe with the use of ear defenders (not provided by the library).

Teddy Bear Tea Party

Rock Hall Branch

Friday, Oct. 18 | 10:30am


Bring your favorite teddy bear or stuffed animal to the library for a tea party!


We will celebrate with snacks and reading.


Punkin Chunkin Launchers:

A Maryland STEM Festival Event

Chestertown Branch

Friday, Oct. 18 | 2pm


Get ready to launch some pumpkins!



Using popsicle sticks, rubber bands, and mini candy pumpkins, design and test a punkin chunkin launching machine at this hands-on event for young engineers.


Space is limited. Please register. Please note: registration closes 24 hours before the event to allow for program prep.

Register - Chestertown

Early Voting at KCPL

Early Voting

Presidential Election 2024


Kent County Public Library's Chestertown Branch is a polling location during Early Voting - Presidential Election 2024, which takes place 7am-8pm Thursday, October 24, 2024 through Thursday, October 31, 2024.


For more information, please contact the Kent County Board of Elections at 410-778-0038 or visit their website.

Tech Help: Learn the Basics

Free Tech Help


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.

Storytime

Storytime Returns!

Starting October 1, Storytime resumes at the Chestertown and North County locations.


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

Preschool • Ages 3-5

10am Tuesdays | Chestertown

10am Thursdays | North County

Baby & Toddler • Ages 0-2 

11am Tuesdays | Chestertown

11am Thursdays | North County

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

Friends of the Library

Fall Book Sale


Chestertown Branch

Friday, Oct. 11th | 10am - 8pm

Saturday, Oct. 12th | 10am - 3pm

Sunday, Oct. 13th | 10am - 3pm


Excellent deals on books, movies, music, puzzles and more!


Cash and check only. Proceeds from the sale benefit Kent County Public Library.

Please Hold Your Book Donations!


Thanks to your generous donations, the Friends' book storage space is full!


The Friends are not taking donations of books or other materials at this time.

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!

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

Help Guide the Library's Future!


The Board of Trustees of the Kent County Public Library is now accepting applications! If you are a Kent County resident who is enthusiastic about the library

and interested in helping plan for its future, please consider applying.


Eligibility Requirements

  • Resident of Kent County
  • Demonstrated interest in library advocacy and support
  • Ability to commit to serving an initial term of 5 years

Opportunities

  • Promote and advocate for the library's mission within the community
  • Utilize your skills to support the Board's duties related to general administration, policy, planning, fiscal responsibility, and advocacy
  • Celebrate and provide recognition for library accomplishments

Expectations

  • Attend regular monthly meetings and special meetings
  • Serve on Board committees, as needed
  • Be an active, informed, and responsible Trustee
  • Be an enthusiastic advocate for Kent County Public Library

How To Apply

  • Download an application or pick up in person at any KCPL location
  • Submit your application by October 17, 2024
More Information

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, October 8 | 2pm

Virtual


Board of Trustees Meetings

Monday, October 21 | 4:30pm

Chestertown Branch


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.

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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