April 2021

Job seekers can stop by to get job counseling and resume help,search for jobs, and get registered with the Maryland Workforce Exchange.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the following rules apply:

Mask Required for entry
Only one job seeker at a time in the vehicle
6 ft Social Distancing will be enforced.

There’s an Imposter Among Us! Don’t be sus. Can you and the other Crewmates complete tasks before you’re thwarted by the Impostor? Join us in the 4 - 10 co-op online game of Among Us!

We’ll use Zoom to voice chat during our Emergency Meetings. The game is free to download on Android and iOS devices or $5 if you want to play on steam and will need to be downloaded prior to the program. You must register with your email address in order to receive a link to participate. The link will be sent to your email approximately one day before the program. You will need a device with audio and an internet connection to join. Intended for participants ages 9-12.

In early 2020, the Hispanic literary community led an important national dialogue on the importance of “own voices” literature and inequities in the publishing industry.  

Leading and award-winning contemporary Latin American writers gather to discuss their perspectives on the importance of own voices narratives in providing representation for readers.

This program offers Latino/a/x and non-Latin Marylanders with an opportunity to learn about the diversity of the Latin American community, as represented in literature and poetry. ASL interpretation and live captions provided. 

Featured Speakers: 

Julia Alvarez, National Medal of Arts Winner Angie Cruz, Inaugural GMA Book Club Author

Reyna Grande, American Book Award Winner

Juan Felipe Herrera, U.S. Poet Laureate (2015-2017)

Lupita Aquino, moderator, @Lupita.Reads

Presented by the Prince George's County Memorial Library System, Frederick County Public Libraries, and Charles County Public Library as part of Maryland Libraries Together. This program is supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, through the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Maryland State Library. Maryland Libraries Together is a collaboration of Maryland libraries to engage communities in enriching educational experiences that advance an understanding of the issues of our time.

Purchase the authors' books from Loyalty Bookstores or Curious Iguana. 

Trying to find your next awesome read? Listen to the first chapter of some great books recommended for teens and tweens by library staff. We hope you get hooked and want to read the rest!

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube!

A book discussion series for veterans led by Vietnam veteran & author Wayne Karlin. For more information contact Kimberlé Fields at 301-863-8188 or kfields@stmalib.org.

A reading and book discussion series for military veterans that is led by Vietnam veteran, author, and College of Southern Maryland professor Wayne Karlin. Service members of all eras, their spouses, and adult children are welcome.

Participants should plan to attend all sessions. Books and other materials provided.

The Veterans' Book Group is coordinated statewide by Maryland Humanities and presented locally in partnership with St. Mary's County Library. The program was created by the Maine Humanities Council to promote understanding of the military experience and to support returning veterans.

June: A Wolf by the Ears by Wayne Karlin

Publisher Marketing:

We have the wolf by the ears, and we can neither hold him, nor safely let him go. --Thomas Jefferson

During the War of 1812, thousands of enslaved people from plantations across the Tidewater rallied to the British side, turning against an American republic that had barred them from the promises of freedom and democracy. Set against the backdrop of rebellion and war, Wayne Karlin's A Wolf by the Ears follows the interconnected stories of Towerhill and Sarai, two African slaves, and their master, Jacob Hallam. Educated side-by-side and inseparable as children, the three come of age as they are forced to grapple with--and break free of--the fraught linkage of black and white Americans and how differently each defines what it means to fight for freedom. Sarai and Jacob are caught in the tension between the dream of equality, the reality of slavery, and their own hearts, while Towerhill sits at the head of a company of black marines that is part of the force that takes Washington and watches the White House burn.

Stories, songs, and activities for children with their adult caregivers, outdoors at Greenwell State Park. Siblings welcome; please register once per family group.

Since the barn will be open to guests on this day, be sure to visit out all the friendly horses and goats after the program, and explore the trails and other outdoor areas at the park. Please bring a blanket or chairs for storytime, & feel free to bring a picnic lunch for later! Masks are required when inside the barn or other buildings, and social distancing will be observed at all times. This outdoor program is weather-dependent; in case of bad weather it will be cancelled.

Park address: 25420 Rosedale Manor Lane, Hollywood, MD 20636

Register with an email address to receive the link to a trivia game and test your knowledge! The game is multiple choice questions and speed matters!

Registration for each week ends at 5 p.m. on Mondays. After 5 p.m., registrants will be emailed a link to that week's trivia. You will have until Thursday at 5 p.m. to complete the game, then you'll receive an email with the full results. Trivia uses Kahoot, accessible through any internet browser, no account needed.

Join Barb Whipkey, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Lexington Park and LaPlata, for this talk all about hummingbirds.

Barb will discuss nesting behaviors, attracting hummingbirds to your feeders, and more.  Barb will even give some of her tips for hand feeding the hummingbirds.  Make this your best hummingbird season ever!

Register with an email address to receive a link to join the online event.

If you require an ASL interpreter or other accommodation for this event, please contact us at virtualservices@stmalib.org with as much notice as possible, but no later than five business days before the event date.

Have questions about growing vegetables, soil conditions, mystery insects, invasive weeds, or heirloom plants? Ask a Master Gardener!

Logon with your plant samples and questions to get answers!

Please note, this is not a formal presentation. Come with your questions! 

Paint a spring scene in acrylic on wood with local artist Jamie Naluai!

Recommended materials:

Acrylic paint, craft paint is okay. You can find individual tubes or packs at Hobby Lobby or Michaels. 
Recommended colors for this session - red, yellow, blue, burnt sienna, white, purple, green

Brushes - a round brush and a flat brush

A piece of wood to paint on - any relatively smooth piece of wood will work, but you can also find wood specifically for art at Walmart, Michaels, etc. You can use any size piece of wood - you can adjust the painting to fit the proportions of your piece of wood. 

Other materials you might need:

Pencil
Eraser
Tape​
Piece of white chalk (if you have it)
Ruler
Palette- can use paper plate, parchment paper, plastic lid
Cup of water to rinse brushes
Paper towel

Jamie Naluai is a local artist based in Southern Maryland who creates murals, faux finishes, and trompe l'oeil of all sizes in Maryland and the greater Washington D.C. area.

There’s an Imposter Among Us! Don’t be sus. Can you and the other Crewmates complete tasks before you’re thwarted by the Impostor? Join us in the 4 - 10 co-op online game of Among Us!

We’ll use Zoom to voice chat during our Emergency Meetings. The game is free to download on Android and iOS devices or $5 if you want to play on steam and will need to be downloaded prior to the program. You must register with your email address in order to receive a link to participate. The link will be sent to your email approximately one day before the program. You will need a device with audio and an internet connection to join. Intended for participants ages 13-18.

Join us each month as we discuss a different mystery novel. This month's book is The Tale Teller by Anne Hillerman.

The Mystery Book Club meets via Zoom on the 2nd Friday of the month at 7:00pm (unless otherwise noted). Register with an email address to receive the link.

Find the book in our catalog here. 

Stories, songs, and activities for children with their adult caregivers, outdoors under the pavilion at Fifth District Park.

Participants should dress for the weather, and follow social distancing practices during the event. This event is rain or shine, but if the weather is very poor it may be postponed. Bad weather date: April 17. After storytime, enjoy the playground and nature trail!

Siblings welcome; please register once per family group. 

Celebrate Spring by planting seeds and watching them grow!

Pick up a kit for kids at any of our locations beginning Monday, April 12, while supplies last. Using the items provided, follow the 6 easy steps for planting your own flower seeds. Water them and watch them grow into beautiful flowers!

Walk-in during our open hours or schedule a curbside pickup appointment.

Register with an email address to receive the link to a trivia game and test your knowledge! The game is multiple choice questions and speed matters!

Registration for each week ends at 5 p.m. on Mondays. After 5 p.m., registrants will be emailed a link to that week's trivia. You will have until Thursday at 5 p.m. to complete the game, then you'll receive an email with the full results. Trivia uses Kahoot, accessible through any internet browser, no account needed.

Job seekers can stop by to get job counseling and resume help, search for jobs, and get registered with the Maryland Workforce Exchange.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the following rules apply:

Mask Required for entry

Only one job seeker at a time in the vehicle

6 ft Social Distancing will be enforced.

Join fellow crafters who love all things fiber - virtually! Registration is required (with an email address). You'll receive an email with a link to join the Zoom meeting before the program.

Open to knitters, crocheters, quilters, embroiderers, cross-stitchers, and any other kind of needleworkers. Work on your current project and chat with like-minded makers. All skill levels welcome.

If you require an ASL interpreter or other accommodation for this event, please contact us at virtualservices@stmalib.org with as much notice as possible, but no later than five business days before the event date.

Learn about levers and fulcra as you engineer three sculptures that are designed to move.

Register to reserve a supply kit and receive the link to the live Zoom event with STEM coaches from FutureMakers. Register once per child needing a supply kit; kits will be available for pickup beginning Thursday, April 8. The live program will also be recorded for later viewing.

Join Ms. Sue and other librarian friends as we read a story, sing silly songs and share fun activities!

Watch on Facebook!

Stories, songs, and activities for children with their adult caregivers, in the great outdoors! Siblings welcome; please register once per family group. Rain date: Apr 24.

This activity will take place on the State House lawn, which is a grassy area. Participants should park at the State House parking area and follow the signs to storytime, bring blankets or chairs for comfort, and follow social distancing practices during the event. This outdoor event is weather-dependent; in case of bad weather it will be postponed or cancelled.  Masks are encouraged during the outdoor storytime, and required to enter any Historic St. Mary's City buildings. Storytime attendance is free; families wishing to explore the grounds afterward should plan to visit the Gift Shop to purchase admission after 10am.

Find out if you've got the 5th grade skills to make it through this challenge. Get your brain in gear on this journey through the life and times of Captain Walter F. Duke!

CLICK HERE to start the challenge!  Please press the SUBMIT button at the very end.

Stop and pick up a craft kit with everything you need to make a hungry shark bookmark! Slip it onto the corner of your page and never lose your place in a book again.

Craft kits will be available at all library locations, while supplies last. Walk in during our open hours or schedule a curbside appointment.

Due to some small, delicate pieces, this craft is designed for ages 8 and up.

Register with an email address to receive the link to a trivia game and test your knowledge! The game is multiple choice questions and speed matters!

Registration for each week ends at 5 p.m. on Mondays. After 5 p.m., registrants will be emailed a link to that week's trivia. You will have until Thursday at 5 p.m. to complete the game, then you'll receive an email with the full results. Trivia uses Kahoot, accessible through any internet browser, no account needed.

Take 10 minutes this week and visit with a therapy dog!

Please note:

No more than five individuals in your party
Sessions will be held outside
All individuals over the age of 2 must wear a mask and utilize hand sanitizer (provided) before handling the animals
 

Pets on Wheels brings the joy of friendly pet therapy to people all over the state of Maryland. Regularly visiting nursing homes and hospitals to assisted living facilities, homeless and domestic violence shelters, veterans’ hospitals, libraries, schools, colleges, corporate campuses and more, Pets on Wheels volunteers improve lives and help lick loneliness one visit at a time.

St. Mary's, Calvert, and Charles Counties are collaborating on a joint partnership with the Maryland Department of Labor. Join us for monthly virtual classes relating to employment and training.

Offered by the Maryland Department of Labor, American Job Center, this is an interactive workshop with information on how to navigate the MWE website and set up an account, as well as basic resume and cover letter writing help.  Looking for a job, or a better job?  Don't miss this free class.  There will be an opportunity for one-on-one help as well.  Registration closes one day before the event.

Job search help is available on https://mwejobs.maryland.gov/vosnet/Default.aspx

Creating an account on Maryland Workforce Exchange before the workshop is recommended, but not required.

For more information email:  tanya.wallace@maryland.gov

St. Mary's, Calvert, and Charles Counties are collaborating on a joint partnership with the Maryland Department of Labor. Join us for monthly virtual classes relating to employment and training.

This workshop, offered by Maryland Department of Labor, American Job Center, is for the experienced, seasoned jobseeker who wants to step into a new role! We will cover going after the dream, making your skillset fit into a new career path and most importantly working around those subtle and not-so-subtle age and over-experience barriers.  Registration closes one day prior to the event.

More job-seeker help is available on https://mwejobs.maryland.gov/vosnet/Default.aspx

Having an account on Maryland Workforce Exchange before attending the workshop is recommended, but not required.

For more information email tanya.wallace@maryland.gov

Each month we will discuss a different romance novel. All books will be available in both eBook and audiobook format on Hoopla. April's title is Reckless by Selena Montgomery

Take 10 minutes this week and visit with a therapy dog!

Please note:

No more than five individuals in your party
Sessions will be held outside
All individuals over the age of 2 must wear a mask and utilize hand sanitizer (provided) before handling the animals
 

Pets on Wheels brings the joy of friendly pet therapy to people all over the state of Maryland. Regularly visiting nursing homes and hospitals to assisted living facilities, homeless and domestic violence shelters, veterans’ hospitals, libraries, schools, colleges, corporate campuses and more, Pets on Wheels volunteers improve lives and help lick loneliness one visit at a time.

In recognition of Autism Acceptance Month, St. Mary's College of Maryland's IDE(A)2 and the Hilda C. Landers Library, Archives & Media Center present a screening of "Autism Goes to College."

5:00 pm – 6:10 pm:  Virtual Group Viewing
6:10 pm – 7:30 pm:  Virtual Group Discussion

Zoom Link:  https://smcm.zoom.us/j/97971039386
Meeting ID: 979 7103 9386
Passcode: 631420

About the Film:
Every fall, more and more students on the spectrum go off to college. Getting in is often easy enough, but navigating college on the spectrum can be challenging in many ways. So students are figuring it out by doing it.

Meet Guillermo, Jasmine, Caroline, Jonathan, and Aniella – five students on the spectrum take us on campus and into their lives to see how they’re doing in college.
From deciding which school will be the best fit, to interactions with professors and peers, facing roommate situations, handling money, homesickness, finding work, overcoming setbacks, staying on track to graduate– these students come up against aspects of college life students typically encounter.

Autism Goes to College is a first-of-its-kind film, packed with honest insights for students, parents, and educators offering an eye-opening look at what a growing number of neurodiverse students are bringing to campus.

If you have questions or need further assistance, please contact Sarah Cannavo (slcannavo@smcm.edu) or Kat Ryner (khryner@smcm.edu).

There’s an Imposter Among Us! Don’t be sus. Can you and the other Crewmates complete tasks before you’re thwarted by the Impostor? Join us in the 4 - 10 co-op online game of Among Us!

We’ll use Zoom to voice chat during our Emergency Meetings. The game is free to download on Android and iOS devices or $5 if you want to play on steam and will need to be downloaded prior to the program. You must register with your email address in order to receive a link to participate. The link will be sent to your email approximately one day before the program. You will need a device with audio and an internet connection to join. Intended for participants ages 13-18.

Learn all about Cameroon from a Cameroonian!

Our Cameroonian presenter will take you on a trip to Cameroon, discussing tourist attractions, languages, customs, cuisine, and clothing. And you'll even learn a bit of the languages spoken there! Experience the world from the comfort of your own home in our new series!

Come get fun, new sensory play ideas for babies and toddlers! Demonstrated activities may be messy but will include easily accessible supplies.

Video will premiere at 9 am on Facebook and Youtube.

Take 10 minutes this week and visit with a therapy dog!

Please note:

No more than five individuals in your party
Sessions will be held outside
All individuals over the age of 2 must wear a mask and utilize hand sanitizer (provided) before handling the animals
 

Pets on Wheels brings the joy of friendly pet therapy to people all over the state of Maryland. Regularly visiting nursing homes and hospitals to assisted living facilities, homeless and domestic violence shelters, veterans’ hospitals, libraries, schools, colleges, corporate campuses and more, Pets on Wheels volunteers improve lives and help lick loneliness one visit at a time.

Pianists, ranging in age from age 6 to 18, will present a diverse concert of traditional songs, movie and show tunes, and original repertoire of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and Chopin.

We invite you to enjoy an afternoon of Spring music!  Grab a cup of tea and sit back and relax, as you listen to beautiful piano compositions!

Register with an email address to receive a link to join the online event.

If you require an ASL interpreter or other accommodation for this event, please contact us at virtualservices@stmalib.org with as much notice as possible, but no later than five business days before the event date.

Adventures needed in the town of Sandpoint! There have been disturbing reports coming from the abandoned graveyard north of town, Pauper's Grave.

Pathfinder is a fantasy roleplaying game where each player takes on the role of a daring hero on an epic quest.

This adventure utilizes the rules from Pathfinder 2nd Edition, and is designed for 3 level characters.

No experience required. Pre-made character sheets, with a brief overview of the rules, will be provided. We will use Zoom for voice chat during this adventure, so microphones are required. You must register with your email address in order to receive a link to participate. The link will be sent to your email approximately one day before the program.

Have questions about growing vegetables, soil conditions, mystery insects, invasive weeds, or heirloom plants? Ask a Master Gardener!

Logon with your plant samples and questions to get answers!

Please note, this is not a formal presentation. Come with your questions! 

Join Steven Ragsdale as he explores issues in the health care system, such as how these systems were built and why they no longer work.

A Follow Up to Many Wounds to Heal: Health Care (In)Equity - How Does It Affect Me? This is the first of three sessions in a series that continues the exploration of issues identified at the September 13, 2020 Big Conversation on health care inequities. 

This forum is brought to you by The Big Conversation Partners in Dismantling Racism and Privilege in Southern Maryland.

Steven K. Ragsdale has more than 25 years of experience in developing health care innovations and advancing pathways to better, safer, and more equitable care. His work with local hospitals, healthcare and other organizations in diversity, equity, and inclusion is guided by his steep understanding and desire to appreciate concepts that drive difference in society. He has enabled research, policy, and community efforts that expand services to underrepresented and vulnerable populations since 1997.  Mr. Ragsdale is an associate faculty member at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Note
You will receive registration confirmation immediately. The Zoom information will be emailed to you 2 hours before the event on April 25.
Access Note
Due to Covid-19 regulations, The Big Conversation Partners must present this forum online. We are aware that this limits access for some. Please consider including others, if comfort and social distancing allows.

Floral fun! No need to wait for the flowers to bloom! Bring a bit of spring indoors with a paper tulip picture. Design your own colorful, multi-layered papercraft.

Your artwork will make the perfect gift to celebrate spring. Building this blossom craft works well for elementary-age children and preschool-age with assistance. Blooming April 26, 2021. 

Craft kits will be available at all library locations, while supplies last. Walk in during our open hours or schedule a curbside appointment.

Register with an email address to receive the link to a trivia game and test your knowledge! The game is multiple choice questions and speed matters!

Registration for each week ends at 5 p.m. on Mondays. After 5 p.m., registrants will be emailed a link to that week's trivia. You will have until Thursday at 5 p.m. to complete the game, then you'll receive an email with the full results. Trivia uses Kahoot, accessible through any internet browser, no account needed.

The archaeology of cheese (as funny as that may sound) is a novel way in which to explore an industry that spread like wildfire across the northern tier of states, especially New York, in the 1860s.

Archaeologist Jim Gibb, using period illustrations and the results of excavation of the Columbus Center Cheese Factory in Chenango County, New York, will join us to describe the rise of the industry in the early 1860s and its eventual concentration in just a few locations.  Jim will discuss the effects the reorganization of the industry had on thousands of dairy farms.  He will also identify the culprit responsible for the demise of small factories and the abandonment of many of New York State's dairy farms in the 1890s.  As this will be a virtual presentation, Jim encourages participants to supply their own cheese and beverages of choice.

Register with an email address to receive a link to join the online event.

If you require an ASL interpreter or other accommodation for this event, please contact us at virtualservices@stmalib.org with as much notice as possible, but no later than five business days before the event date.

Join fellow crafters who love all things fiber - virtually! Registration is required (with an email address). You'll receive an email with a link to join the Zoom meeting before the program.

Open to knitters, crocheters, quilters, embroiderers, cross-stitchers, and any other kind of needleworkers. Work on your current project and chat with like-minded makers. All skill levels welcome.

If you require an ASL interpreter or other accommodation for this event, please contact us at virtualservices@stmalib.org with as much notice as possible, but no later than five business days before the event date.

Job seekers can stop by to get job counseling and resume help, search for jobs, and get registered with the Maryland Workforce Exchange.

Job seekers can stop by to get job counseling and resume help, search for jobs, and get registered with the Maryland Workforce Exchange.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the following rules apply:

• Mask Required for entry
• Only one job seeker at a time in the vehicle
• 6 ft Social Distancing will be enforced

Seedco Navigators will be on site to educate and assist those who are uninsured as well as those currently insured through Maryland Health Connection.

Navigators will be providing information on new lower premiums, access to financial assistance for those who qualify, as well as scheduling appointments for application and enrollment in health coverage.

Seedco is a non-profit organization under a grant funded contract with the state of Maryland, through the Maryland Health Exchange. We work to educate and assist Maryland residents, free of charge, in understanding their health coverage options, potential for financial assistance, and how to select the best plan within the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange marketplace that suits their needs. Additionally, we work to provide resources and other options for those who do not qualify or are unable to get the coverage they need. 

Social distancing and safe COVID protocols will be in place to ensure the safety of Seedco staff, Library staff, and the general public. 

For more information please contact : 

Kristen Cox 

Seedco Navigator 

kcox@seedco.org 

Job seekers can stop by to get job counseling and resume help, search for jobs, and get registered with the Maryland Workforce Exchange.

Job seekers can stop by to get job counseling and resume help, search for jobs, and get registered with the Maryland Workforce Exchange.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the following rules apply:

• Mask Required for entry
• Only one job seeker at a time in the vehicle
• 6 ft Social Distancing will be enforced

Participants will learn how to use acrylic paint to create a fluid abstract painting. Paint pouring is a technique that uses a fluid medium to allow paint to flow around the canvas.

No prior art or painting experience is necessary, great session for beginner artists and families. Participants are encouraged to prepare their space for a mess and allow 24-hours for dry time!

Art kits will be provided to registrants on a first come, first served basis. You will be able to pick up the kit for Abstract Paint Pouring starting one week before the event at any of our locations. We will send an email out prior to the date of the event to all registrants asking where you'd like to pick up your kit.

Instructor Kim Burgess is an artist and teacher located in Laurel, Maryland.  Her art practice is wide ranging, encompassing ceramics, watercolors, acrylics, charcoal, textiles, and mixed media.  She has a decade of teaching experience, including elementary, middle, high school, and adult education.

There’s an Imposter Among Us! Don’t be sus. Can you and the other Crewmates complete tasks before you’re thwarted by the Impostor? Join us in the 4 - 10 co-op online game of Among Us!

We’ll use Zoom to voice chat during our Emergency Meetings. The game is free to download on Android and iOS devices or $5 if you want to play on steam and will need to be downloaded prior to the program. You must register with your email address in order to receive a link to participate. The link will be sent to your email approximately one day before the program. You will need a device with audio and an internet connection to join. Intended for participants ages 9-12.

Join Ms. Sue and other librarian friends as we read a story, sing silly songs and share fun activities!

Watch on Facebook!