News

April 16, 2020 – Leonardtown, Md. – St. Mary’s County Library and St. Mary’s County Arts Council are accepting submissions to Quaranzine, a collection of creative works from our community that will document how we responded to this strange time we find ourselves in. Quaranzine will be a small online publication of local art and writing by the St. Mary’s County community, distributed through the Library website.

All ages are welcome and encouraged to submit work on the St. Mary’s County Library website. Please note that content should be appropriate for a wide audience including all ages. We hope to publish issues to the St. Mary’s County Library website once per week. The first issue was published on Wednesday, April 15. Frequency will depend on the number of submissions we receive.

Submissions may include, but are not limited to:

• art
• writing: essays, poetry, fiction, Top Ten lists, reviews, etc. (500 words or fewer)
• visual tutorials
• comics
• photography
• recipes

“Our creativity doesn’t shut down during a pandemic.” said Nell Elder, Executive Director for St. Mary’s County Arts Council. “The arts are vital to us, and we keep creating! We are excited to partner with the St. Mary’s County Library to give our community a chance to express themselves during this extraordinary time.”

“Art and literature get us through tough times. Thank you to our partners from the Arts Council for bringing together our art community for this effort!” said Amy Ford, Lexington Park Library Branch Manager. “We’re glad to showcase the talent here in St. Mary’s County. Keep creating!”

Submissions will be reviewed by a committee of St. Mary’s County Library and St. Mary’s County Arts Council staff. Submissions are limited to one per person, per issue. Anyone within the St. Mary’s County Library community may submit. You do not need to be a St. Mary’s County resident to participate.

By submitting work you grant the St. Mary’s County Library and St. Mary’s County Arts Council the right to publish that work in Quaranzine. Though published by St. Mary’s County Library and St. Mary’s County Arts Council, ownership rights of original work remain with the creator. Submitting work does not guarantee publication. All content must be original and previously unpublished. All work is subject to County and Library standards of conduct.

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POSITION: Assistant Branch Manager I – Youth Services, Full-Time

CLOSING DATE: June 1, 2020 (job closes at 11:59 p.m. on May 31)

LOCATION: Charlotte Hall Library

HOURS: Thursday 12 – 8 p.m.; Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., rotating Saturdays

SALARY: Grade 6, $43,824 per year

BENEFITS: 7% Mandatory Pension Contribution; Health, Life & Long Term Disability Insurance; Vacation, Personal & Sick leave; 457 Plan; Aflac Insurance; Credit Union Membership

REQUISITES:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Library Associate Certification from the Maryland State Library (achieved within two years of hire).
• Five years or more of library customer service experience or equivalent training, education and/or experience. Two or more years of supervisory experience.
• General interest in reading and literature, and an awareness of trends in popular culture as well as current news events as they relate to customer interests and needs.
• Knowledge of supervisory methods, including work delegation, scheduling, evaluating performance and maintaining morale.
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development.
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, Library trustees, local government elected and appointed officials, community leaders, vendors, and citizens.
• Ability to effectively and positively resolve customer complaints, mediate disputes and exercise diplomacy.
• Ability to operate relevant computer systems (including hardware and software), current audiovisual equipment, and office machines.
• Excellent communication skills, both in writing and orally.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with emphasis on team building, conflict management and resolution, mentorship, empathy and emotional intelligence, and support and empowerment of staff.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Excellent decision-making and problem solving skills with emphasis on personal responsibility and willingness to deal with issues at hand.

DUTIES INCLUDE:

• Supervises the daily operations of youth services including scheduling staff
• Provides guidance for staff in resolving complex customer interactions
• Takes a leadership role in fulfilling the goals and objectives of the Library
• Assists customers in finding answers to a broad range of questions using Library resources and databases
• Assists customers with technology-related questions and issues
• Plans and presents Library-related programs, events, classes and tours
• Special projects as assigned.

HOW TO APPLY:
See full job description and apply online now.

St. Mary’s County Library is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
Law requires all applicants to show proof of identity and right to work in U.S.

In order to help address current COVID-19 health concerns, temporary cards will now be valid for 90 days to access all Library ebooks, eaudiobooks, downloadable movies, TV shows, music, and online resources.

The St. Mary’s County Library offers an option for all citizens to sign up for a free Library Card through the St. Mary’s County Library website. Simply click on ‘Get a Library Card’ under ‘Library Services’ on the homepage. When you apply online, you will receive a temporary Library Card number that can be used to access the Library’s online resources and digital materials which include thousands of ebooks, eaudiobooks, emagazines, downloadable movies, TV shows, music and more.

The Library has extended all temporary cards to be valid for 90 days. Once the Library is open again, you can come in to verify your address and receive your permanent physical Library Card.

Browse thousands of digital items available for free without ever leaving your home! Find easy to use instructions on accessing items on the Library website under ‘Read, Listen, Watch.’

Maryland’s Digital eLibrary Consortium (OverDrive/Libby)
Download eBooks, digital audiobooks, and magazines to a smartphone, tablet, eReader, laptop, or computer.

Hoopla Digital
Borrow up to 5 titles per month from thousands of movies, TV shows, music albums, eBooks, comics, and audiobooks using a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or computer.

RBdigital
Download eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines in one app.

Tumble Book Library
A collection of electronic, animated, talking books, games, and puzzles.

Looking for homework help, learning activities, or something fun to do? Find online resources under ‘Research and Learn’ on the website.

Check out the Library Homework Help page, www.stmalib.org/kids/homework-help/.

Creativebug
Creativebug is the number one inspirational resource for DIY, crafters and makers, with thousands of award-winning art & craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists.

Mango Languages
Mango Languages courses are offered in 71 languages, including 20 ESL courses and specialty courses focused on specific subjects. You can try Mango as a guest, but to save your progress, create a profile with your email address, a password, and your St. Mary’s County Library card number.

Lynda.com
We are pleased to offer our library cardholders access to lynda.com’s library of instructional videos. Normally, using lynda.com requires a paid subscription, but as a St. Mary’s County Library cardholder you can access Lynda.com content from any computer with an Internet connection simply by visiting the library’s lynda.com site and entering your library card number and password/PIN (usually the last four digits of your telephone number).

Kids InfoBits
Provides authoritative, age-appropriate, curriculum-aligned digital content covering a broad range of educational topics including Animals, Arts, Geography Literature, Social Studies, Technology, and more. With a modern design and simple navigation, Kids InfoBits makes it easy for young users to explore content and gain comfort with database searching.

POSITION: Librarian I – Teen Services, Part-Time

CLOSING DATE: June 1, 2020 (position closes at 11:59 p.m. on May 31, 2020)

LOCATION: Lexington Park Library

HOURS: 21 hours per week, Tuesday 12-8, Thursday 12-8, Friday 9-5, Saturday rotation

SALARY: Grade 4, $19.80 per hour

BENEFITS: 7% mandatory State Pension contribution; 42 hours paid time off; Direct deposit; AFLAC; 457 plans; Credit Union

REQUISITES:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Two years or more of customer service experience or equivalent training, education and/or experience.
• Knowledge of current and emerging technologies.
• General interest in reading and literature, and an awareness of trends in popular culture as well as current news events as they relate to customer interests and needs.
• Ability to learn St. Mary’s County Library policies and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, Library trustees, local government elected and appointed officials, community leaders, vendors, and citizens.
• Ability to operate relevant computer systems (including hardware and software), current audio-visual equipment, and office machines.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Excellent decision-making and problem solving skills with emphasis on personal responsibility and willingness to deal with issues at hand.

DUTIES INCLUDE:

• This position will serve as teen services librarian within the youth services department and will focus on teen collection maintenance, teen programming, and teen outreach as well as children’s programming and assisting customers at service desks.
• Assists customers in finding answers to a broad range of questions using Library resources and databases.
• Guides customers in selecting appropriate materials for reading/viewing/listening.
• Assists customers with technology-related questions and issues.
• Plans and presents Library-related programs, events, classes, and tours.
• Participates in the Library Associate Training Institute or attends Library and Information Science classes.
• Performs other duties and participates in special projects, as assigned.

HOW TO APPLY:
See full job description and apply online now.

St. Mary’s County Library is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
Law requires all applicants to show proof of identity and right to work in U.S.

POSITION: Assistant Branch Manager I – Youth Services, Full-Time

CLOSING DATE: June 1, 2020 (job closes at 11:59 p.m. on May 31)

LOCATION: Lexington Park Library

HOURS: Monday 12 – 8 p.m.; Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., rotating Saturdays

SALARY: Grade 6, $43,824 per year

BENEFITS: 7% Mandatory Pension Contribution; Health, Life & Long Term Disability Insurance; Vacation, Personal & Sick leave; 457 Plan; Aflac Insurance; Credit Union Membership

REQUISITES:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Library Associate Certification from the Maryland State Library (achieved within two years of hire).
• Five years or more of library customer service experience or equivalent training, education and/or experience. Two or more years of supervisory experience.
• General interest in reading and literature, and an awareness of trends in popular culture as well as current news events as they relate to customer interests and needs.
• Knowledge of supervisory methods, including work delegation, scheduling, evaluating performance and maintaining morale.
• Knowledge of child and adolescent development.
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, Library trustees, local government elected and appointed officials, community leaders, vendors, and citizens.
• Ability to effectively and positively resolve customer complaints, mediate disputes and exercise diplomacy.
• Ability to operate relevant computer systems (including hardware and software), current audiovisual equipment, and office machines.
• Excellent communication skills, both in writing and orally.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with emphasis on team building, conflict management and resolution, mentorship, empathy and emotional intelligence, and support and empowerment of staff.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Excellent decision-making and problem solving skills with emphasis on personal responsibility and willingness to deal with issues at hand.

DUTIES INCLUDE:

• Supervises the daily operations of youth services including scheduling staff
• Provides guidance for staff in resolving complex customer interactions
• Takes a leadership role in fulfilling the goals and objectives of the Library
• Assists customers in finding answers to a broad range of questions using Library resources and databases
• Assists customers with technology-related questions and issues
• Plans and presents Library-related programs, events, classes and tours
• Special projects as assigned.

HOW TO APPLY:
See full job description and apply online now.

St. Mary’s County Library is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
Law requires all applicants to show proof of identity and right to work in U.S.

St. Mary’s County Library has completed a strategic planning process and the final plan is now available for the public to review.

After just less than a year of exploration, market research and input from stakeholders, the public and staff, the St. Mary’s County Library is excited to announce the completion of a 2020 – 2024 Strategic Plan. The strategic planning process was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) through a Library Services and Technology Services (LSTA) grant. St. Mary’s County Library surveyed our community to gain a more precise understanding of the community’s needs, interests, and priorities. In addition to surveys, we interviewed many stakeholders to find out how the Library is currently serving the needs and what we can do to continue to improve.

New Mission and Vision statements will help guide the Library over the next five years.
Our Vision: We inform and inspire.
Our Mission: We connect people with ideas and information in a diverse community, valuing opportunity and education for all.

In executing this strategic plan, the St. Mary’s County Library will continue to uphold our core values and guiding principles of education, service, community and integrity. The Library will especially focus on five areas:
Area of Focus: Organizational Health
Goal 1: Promote a positive working environment
Goal 2: Institutionalize the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI)

Area of Focus: Service to the Community
Goal 1: Develop and maintain a dynamic and current collection
Goal 2: Enhance our programs and services

Area of Focus: Access
Goal 1: Improve access to collections, services, and programs
Goal 2: Renovate and/or repurpose existing spaces to meet changing needs

Area of Focus: Technology
Goal 1: Stay abreast of current and changing technologies to best serve the community
Goal 2: Provide access and training to address the digital divide

Area of Focus: Community Relations
Goal 1: Tell the Library’s story
Goal 2: Cultivate advantageous partnerships
Goal 3: Proactively communicate with our community

“Our plan is the result of an inspiring process, from getting a grant through interviews with community leaders, surveying the public and our employees, and working through many drafts to tighten and focus our priorities.” said Michael Blackwell, Library Director. “Thanks to all who contributed. Now the work begins of realizing our ambitions to excel, with this plan as our guide. St. Mary’s County Library will deliver even more outstanding 21st Century service.”

“The Strategic Plan serves as a framework for future plans and action steps to enhance services to the community, stay relevant to the changing culture and population diversity, and keep pace with technology.” Said Jim Hanley, President of the St. Mary’s County Library Board of Trustees. “Expanding the role of the library as a community center and education resource and partnering with county organizations with similar aims, we will continue to be central to the personal and professional ambitions and interests of our residents.”

Beth Roth, Library Board Trustee, added “This Plan will provide direction and guidance for now and into the future. It is the product of much thought and collaborative effort.”

The public is welcome to read the entire plan on the Library’s website.