A photo from a St. Michaels Branch photo album (found in the Maryland Room), showing the Fremont Street location.



The St. Michaels branch first opened in 1981 on Talbot Street. Staffed entirely by volunteers, this first branch was a testament to the residents' desire for a library closer than Easton. The branch was opened largely in part by Elizabeth Carroll, who had just retired as the Director of TCFL. Originally just a bookmobile stop, Ms. Carroll immediately went (back) to work, obtaining funding and volunteers before securing a long, narrow storefront on Talbot Street.

Fast forward to 1986, when the library welcomed Shauna Beulah - the first part-time staff member, and branch manager. Shauna originally started her journey volunteering at the Easton branch; finding the camaraderie and friendships among the volunteers and staff welcoming and inspiring. When the opportunity to work as the first paid employee at the St. Michaels branch presented itself, Shauna took a leap of faith and jumped right in.

The Talbot Street location initially fit the Library's requirements well, but as the popularity of the space (and the collection's numbers) increased, by 1988 the branch outgrew its home and was looking to move. Wishing to keep the library within St. Michaels, the town offered up a new space - the old county garage on Fremont Street. Once home to salt trucks and other maintenance machinery, this space would soon welcome the vast shelves and many volunteers of the St. Michaels branch.

For just $1.00 per year, the Library rented the space. When Shauna saw the renovated garage, she felt it was perfect for the library and community. A drastic difference from the cramped space on Talbot St., this new opportunity to welcome the community into the library was awe-inspiring.

But that's certainly not the end of the St. Michaels branch's journey - an expansion is on the way in 2004, along with some unique challenges that come with being a coastal library. Stay tuned for next week's edition, where we'll continue to explore the history and future of the branch!

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