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Library News

Library Closed 9/1/2025

Both branches of TCFL will be closed on Monday, September 1st for the Labor Day holiday.

We will reopen with normal operating hours on Tuesday, September 2nd.

Delayed Opening 9/3/2025

Both branches of TCFL will have a delayed opening on Wednesday, September 3rd due to a staff meeting.

The Easton Branch will open at 11:00 a.m., and the St. Michaels Branch will open at 12:00 p.m.

Shelf Life: History Edition

In 1940, feeling a bit squeezed for space, the Library moved from the Tred Avon Building into the newly renovated and expanded South Wing of the Talbot County Courthouse. This new space allowed for a general reading room, an area for children’s books, a director’s room, an office, a workroom, and a vault for a special collection of books about Maryland. The celebration and dedication that followed brought several important items of literary history to the Eastern Shore — read on to learn more!

Items on loan from the Library of Congress, including a display of Alice in Wonderland ephemera (bottom)

On June 7th, 1941, a program to dedicate the new library quarters drew numerous distinguished guests. The visitors included Arthur Houghton, Jr., Curator of Rare Books for the Library of Congress; Adeline Pratt, President of the Maryland State Library Advisory Committee; and Dr. Thomas S. Cullen, Chairman of the Enoch Pratt Free Library’s Board. The Honorary Dedication Committee consisted of prominent Eastern Shore residents such as opera baritone John Charles Thomas, writer and poet Hervey Allen, and former heavyweight boxing champion Gene Tunney.

As part of the celebration, The Library of Congress also loaned 41 items, which, at the time, were valued at almost half a million dollars, or approximately $10,988,027.21 today, adjusted for inflation. These items included a 1450 Gutenberg Bible, the First Folio of William Shakespeare from 1623, first editions of John Milton’s Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained, and the 1645 edition of Poems. The loan also included 16 manuscripts related to Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland and a manuscript copy of James Boswell’s Life of Johnson.

While the items have made their way back to the Library of Congress, the Maryland Room at TCFL continues to house and protect valuable documents, books, letters and more related to Maryland, with a particular emphasis on Talbot County and the Eastern Shore.

Speaking of the Library of Congress, the National Book Festival is on Saturday, September 6! From author talks to historical lectures on materials and conservation, the festival is sure to have something for everyone. Check out more information here.

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

Featured Adult Programming

Maryland Public Television Presents: Becoming Frederick Douglass

Thursday, September 4th

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

Easton Branch

Discover how a man born into slavery in Talbot County, MD, became one of the most influential voices for democracy in American history. Oscar-nominated filmmaker Stanley Nelson explores the role Douglass played in securing the right to freedom for African Americans.

Corporate Funding for this film was provided by Bowie State University, DIRECTV and Pfizer, Inc. Rating: TV-14. Event is free and open to the public.

Click here for more information

Ask a Master Gardener

Thursday, September 11th

4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Lobby - Easton Branch

Stop by and see the Master Gardeners! Ask questions about your garden, bugs and pests, and more!

Don't miss this opportunity to identify pests, plant ailments, and soil needs. They also provide guidance on growing seasons, native plants, and more.

Click here for more information

For more events, visit our online events calendar!

Events Calendar

Featured Youth Programming

Story Time

Tuesday, September 9

10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Easton Branch

Join us for a fun story time for ages birth - 5 years, accompanied by an adult. Come experience stories, songs, and rhymes!

No registration required.

Click here for more information

Afternoon Chess

Wednesday, September 10

4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Easton Branch

For ages 8-16. Learn and play chess! Snacks will be provided.

Registration is required.

Click here for more information

For more youth events, visit our online events calendar!

Events Calendar

Book Clubs at the Library

Easton Book Club

Monday, September 15

6:30 p.m. - Easton Branch

This month's selection:

Kin: Rooted in Hope

by Carole Boston Weatherford

To learn more or view the full list of selections, click below.

Click here for more information

Talbot Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Book Discussion Group

Thursday, September 18

6:30 p.m. - Easton Branch

This month's selection:

Kin: Rooted in Hope

by Carole Boston Weatherford

To learn more or view the full list of selections, click below.

Click here for more information

Resources at the Library

MY Tech Clinic

Saturday, Sept. 20th

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

St. Michaels Temporary 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, September 8th

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

It's Back to School Season!

Whether it’s your first day of middle school or your final semester before graduation, Brainfuse HelpNow gives you access to real tutors, live help, and study tools anytime, anywhere. It's a FREE resource with your library card at tcfl.org 😎

More E-Resources

Community Resources

Local Talbot County Food Pantries

Click here for English | Haga clic aquí para español

TCFL at the Festival of Hope!

Come out to the Talbot Goes Purple kick off at Anchor Church for the Festival of Hope! TCFL staff will be there with resources, free books, and information about resources. See the flyer below for more information:

Support Talbot County Free Library

Hours of Operation:

Monday and Thursday: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Tuesday and Wednesday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Easton: 410-822-1626 | St. Michaels: 410-745-5877