November 2020

Community Assistance Week at Lexington Park

The St. Mary’s County Homelessness Prevention Board will be reaching out to community members at Lexington Park Library on November 2 from 9 to 12.

Community partners will be connecting participants with assistance for food, housing, utilities, jobs, mental and physical healthcare, and more. We will have giveaways available for outreach participants.Come visit us outside the library!

Feel Good and Live Better with root SUP & Fitness: 4 Part Series

Join Jenn Houck and Cathy Pierce of root SUP Fitness, in this 4 Part Series designed to teach you about the importance of Movement/Mobility, Nutrition, Mindfulness, and Building Strength.

Part 1: Movement/Mobility, Monday, September 14th

The first in this 4 Part Series will focus on the importance of Movement/Mobility.  There are many ways to incorporate gentle movement throughout your day.  How can you care for your joints so they don't ache as often?  What are some things you can do for your back/knees/shoulders? 

Part 2: Nutrition, Monday, September 28th

Session two will focus on the importance of Nutrition.  We all know what to do, but doing it can be another thing entirely!  In this session we will discuss Mindful Eating and give you simple, real-life tips on eating (and preparing) solid, healthy meals.  Cooking for a busy family? Have multiple eating preferences in your house? Cathy and Jenn have tips for that too!

Part 3:  Mindfulness, Monday, October 19th

Session three will focus on the importance of Mindfulness.  Mindfulness has become a bit of a buzz word.  Cathy and Jenn will provide education on how to actually bring more peace and calm into your life by practicing awareness. 

Part 4:  Building Strength, Monday, November 2nd

The fourth and final session will focus on the importance of Heart/Bone Health.  As we age it is important to care for our heart and bones properly.  Different ages require different exercises, guidelines, etc.  Do you know what you should be doing at your age for maximum heart/bone strength? It is never too late to start and you may be surprised at how "easy" it can be.

This series is the perfect way to gain valuable Fitness Education! The owners of root SUP and Fitness can help you learn about your body and what can help you Feel Good and Live Better!  Opportunities to have your fitness questions answered will be included throughout the sessions.

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.

Trivia Mondays

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.

Drawing with Jamie Naluai for Seniors

Join Jamie Naluai for a virtual, interactive series and learn drawing techniques!

This series is for seniors, age 55+. We will meet in Zoom and you will be asked to have your mic and camera on so you can ask questions and Jamie can see your work as we go. 

Things you will be drawing: Landscape, Still life, Flowers, Birds
Things you will be learning about: Composition, Basic shape and contour lines, Value as in lights and darks, Texture, Natural size and proportion

Suggested Materials:

Drawing Paper (any brand), Charcoal Set, Pastels Set, No. 2 Pencils, Eraser

This series is sponsored by the St. Mary's County Arts Council.

Story and a Song

Join Ms. Sue and Ms. Erin for a lively story and silly sing-a-long song!

A new Story and a Song will be released every other Wednesday. Videos can be seen on Facebook or on the Library's website!

Community Assistance Week at Charlotte Hall

The St. Mary’s County Homelessness Prevention Board will be reaching out to community members at Charlotte Hall Library on November 4 from 10 to 12.

Community partners will be connecting participants with assistance for food, housing, utilities, jobs, mental and physical healthcare, and more. We will have giveaways available for outreach participants.Come visit us outside the library!

The Importance of History

Paul Rose, a Research Historian at United States Holocaust Memorial Museum will discuss the importance of history and how it can shape our understanding of today.

Mr. Rose is an employee of the Holocausts Memorial Museum, he will be speaking in an unofficial and personal capacity on why history is important to him.

Register to receive the link to the Zoom meeting the day before the 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.

Southern Maryland JobSource Mobile Career Center

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.

Fairy Tale STEAM

Why did Goldilocks prefer the temperature of only one bowl of porridge? Could Hansel and Gretel have made a compass? Explore the science behind classic tales using easily accessible household objects!

Videos will premiere every other Thursday at 6 pm on Facebook.

YA First Chapter Fridays

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!

One-On-One With a Job Coach: The Resume/Cover Letter Workshop

Call us at 301-475-2846 to make an appointment to meet virtually with a Maryland Department of Labor job coach.

This program is designed for registrants to receive personalized help with learning the purpose of a resume, the types of resumes, creating a resume, and creating and editing a cover letter. Maryland Department of Labor job coaches will meet with you one-on-one in a 45 minute virtual session through Google Meets. Appointments are available at 9:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:15 p.m. These meetings will be virtual. You will need a device and internet connection to participate. 

When you call to register, we will ask for your name, phone number, email address, and the last four digits of your social security number. This information will be shared with the job coaches and they will email you a link to the Google Meet meeting.

Teen Craft Corner - Yarn, Yarn, Yarn

Follow our 3 Instagram craft sessions that are really easy, and will add a new touch to your personal style.

The fall series of the Teen Craft Corner features yarn as the primary material. Learn to make a Pom Pom Bookmark, an Ombre Kool-Aid Dip Dye Tassel Wall Hanging, and an Ombre Monogram Letter. Follow us on Instagram

Trivia Mondays

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.

Meet Maryland Author Casey Cep

Casey Cep, staff writer at The New Yorker, will join us live on Zoom to discuss her first book, "Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and The Last Trial of Harper Lee".

Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and the Last Trial of Harper Lee is a true-crime story.  In the 1970's Reverend Willie Maxwell was a rural preacher accused of murdering five of his family members.  His motive was insurance money.  Maxwell was acquitted of his crimes, thanks to the expertise of his shrewd lawyer. Several years later, Maxwell was murdered at the funeral of his 16-year-old stepdaughter, by the girl's brother Robert Burns.  Burns was acquitted of his crime, by reason of insanity, by the same lawyer who had succeeded in keeping Reverend Maxwell out of jail.

Beloved author Harper Lee, attended Burns's Alabama trial.  Lee's intention in attending the standing-room-only trial, was to write her own true-crime story surrounding Maxwell's supposed crimes. Though Lee was never able to finish the book, or as some say, never able to get the book off the ground, author Casey Cep took up the challenge.  With countless hours of her own research and access to Lee's notes and research, Cep has woven the fascinating tale for us of Reverend Maxwell, his savvy lawyer, Maxwell's murderer, and the life and writing challenges of writer Harper Lee.

Don't miss this exciting discussion!  Register to receive the link to the Zoom meeting the day before the event.  Copies of Cep's books can be found in our catalog.  Signed copies will be available for purchase at The White Rabbit bookstore in California, Md.

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

Drawing with Jamie Naluai for Seniors

Join Jamie Naluai for a virtual, interactive series and learn drawing techniques!

This series is for seniors, age 55+. We will meet in Zoom and you will be asked to have your mic and camera on so you can ask questions and Jamie can see your work as we go. 

Things you will be drawing: Landscape, Still life, Flowers, Birds
Things you will be learning about: Composition, Basic shape and contour lines, Value as in lights and darks, Texture, Natural size and proportion

Suggested Materials:

Drawing Paper (any brand), Charcoal Set, Pastels Set, No. 2 Pencils, Eraser

This series is sponsored by the St. Mary's County Arts Council.

Southern Maryland JobSource Mobile Career Center

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.

Watercolor with Jamie Naluai

Jamie Naluai will lead participants in creating a framed watercolor featuring leaves.

Suggested Materials (all are available at Michaels, Walmart, Hobby Lobby, other crafts stores, and/or Amazon):

Watercolor Paper - Recommended brand: Canson, 30 sheet, 140lb

Watercolors - Discs: Prang 8 color palette OR Tubes: Artist Loft 12 color tubes

Brushes - Rounds. Blue, purple, or yellow handles – just make sure they are rounds. Best to get a #2, #4, and #6. If you only get one, choose a #4 round.

Common Thread Online

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.

Library Closed

All St. Mary's County Library locations are closed today.

Digital Content from the Library : eBooks, Audiobooks, Movies, and More!

Did you know that the Library offers digital books, audiobooks, music, movies, TV shows, and magazines for checkout?

Learn how to use each of the services available to you with your Library card - OverDrive/Libby, hoopla digital, and RBdigital. We'll demonstrate all three services and answer any questions you may have!

Register to receive the link to the Zoom meeting the day before the 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.

Be an Unlikely Ally-Community Conversations on Race

Join the conversation! Our panel will be discussing equity consultant Nita Mosby Tyler’s TED talk: ‘Want a more just world? Be an unlikely ally.’

Panelists knowledgeable about conflict resolution, law, and community mentoring will offer their perspectives on how we can better talk about racial issues by sharing our stories and speaking up for anyone we encounter who is suffering from injustice. This program is part of the series: Community Conversations on Race. The TED talk will be shown as part of this program and participants will be able to participate through chat.

Panelists:
Nikki Phillips, Adjunct Communication Professor
Nikki has taught communication and culture classes at the college level for more than 16 years. In 2016 she started her own business called Professional Communication Training where she works with a variety of organizations to help them work together to work better.

José R. Ballesteros Ph.D., Director of Equity Programing, St. Mary’s College of MD
José has been a faculty member at the National Honors Public College within the College’s Department of International Languages and Cultures since 2002.  At St. Mary’s, José co-created and until recently was associate director of the DeSousa-Brent Program. The program’s retention and graduation rates for students from underrepresented populations earned it a permanent funding grant from the State of Maryland in 2019.  He is a contributing poetry editor for the Library of Congress’s Handbook of Latin American Studies and the co-author of the Spanish literature textbook Voces de España. He is a published translator and the owner and editor of the literary press Zozobra Publishing, the premier publisher of regional Latinx poets. His own poetry has been anthologized and appears in various journals in the US. He is the author of the book of poems Lovedust (Izote Press).

Marsha Johnson, Attorney at Law
Marsha L. Williams, Esq. is a partner with the law firm Williams, McClernan, & Stack, LLC. She attended Rutgers University - New Brunswick where, in 1997, she earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science. In 2000, she earned her Juris Doctor degree from Howard University School of Law. Marsha began her legal career with the House of Ruth of Maryland representing victims of domestic violence. In 2002, Marsha joined Maryland Legal Aid - Southern Maryland where she represented clients in child welfare proceedings in Maryland’s trial and appellate courts.
In 2019, Marsha was recognized by The Daily Record as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women for outstanding achievement in her legal career and for community leadership. In 2020, The Daily Record named Marsha as a Leadership in Law Honoree for her dedication to the legal field and to her community.

Moderator: Christine Bergmark, owner Evenstar Farms and community mediator
Christine has facilitated such events as the Big Conversations in Calvert and St. Mary’s Counties, the Shut Up and Listen discussions, and also holds the license for TEDxGreatMills.

TED Talks are influential videos from expert speakers on education, business, science, tech and creativity. The talks are posted online for free distribution under the slogan "ideas worth spreading"​​ by TED Conferences LLC, an American media organization. 

Join us this fall for Community Conversations on Race, a series of virtual events to engage in conversation and learn from fellow community members. Community partners for this series include NAACP Unit 7025, Community Mediation of St. Mary’s, Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions (UCAC), Historic Sotterley, and St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks – Museum Division.

YA First Chapter Fridays

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!

Take and Make Turkey Craft

Stop by and pick up a craft kit with everything you need to make a fun handprint turkey! Craft kits will be available at all libraries by curbside appointment, while supplies last.

Make a curbside pickup appointment at https://stmalib.libnet.info/v/assets/13!

Young Adult Book Discussion: Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds

Join other teens online to discuss this critical and pivotal work by one of the top authors in YA literature today. Register early to check out your copy of the book.

As part of the Community Conversations on Race series, teen librarian Miss Elizabeth and Spring Ridge Middle School media specialist Priscilla Dyson will facilitate a conversation on Jason Reynolds' adaptation of the adult work Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi. 

Join us this fall for Community Conversations on Race, a series of virtual events to engage in conversation and learn from fellow community members. Community partners for this series include NAACP Unit 7025, Community Mediation of St. Mary’s, Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions (UCAC), Historic Sotterley, and St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks – Museum Division.

Trivia Mondays

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.

Drawing with Jamie Naluai for Seniors

Join Jamie Naluai for a virtual, interactive series and learn drawing techniques!

This series is for seniors, age 55+. We will meet in Zoom and you will be asked to have your mic and camera on so you can ask questions and Jamie can see your work as we go. 

Things you will be drawing: Landscape, Still life, Flowers, Birds
Things you will be learning about: Composition, Basic shape and contour lines, Value as in lights and darks, Texture, Natural size and proportion

Suggested Materials:

Drawing Paper (any brand), Charcoal Set, Pastels Set, No. 2 Pencils, Eraser

This series is sponsored by the St. Mary's County Arts Council.

Book discussion: In Relentless Pursuit of an Education: Community Conversations on Race

Join us to hear from speakers who are featured in the book!

For American Education Week, we are discussing the local history book In Relentless Pursuit of an Education.  In their own words, residents of St. Mary's County, Maryland, tell of the separate and unequal black schools that existed until the county complied with Brown v. Board of Education in 1967. This discussion will feature students whose experiences are in the book and guest speakers from the Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions who will be talking about their experience interviewing former students of segregated schools.  We will also hear how students today are working to improve equity in their schools.

Read the book:

• Check out a physical copy of the book from the Library
• Download the SimplyE app (PDF) to check out a digital copy (PDF)
• Download a PDF copy of the book (64MB)

This book was produced by the Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions and digitized by St. Mary's County Library.  The book discussion is cosponsored by St. Mary's County NAACP Unit 7025, the Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions, and Historic Sotterley and is part of our Community Conversations on Race series. 

Join us this fall for Community Conversations on Race, a series of virtual events to engage in conversation and learn from fellow community members. Community partners for this series include NAACP Unit 7025, Community Mediation of St. Mary’s, Unified Committee for Afro-American Contributions (UCAC), Historic Sotterley, and St. Mary’s County Recreation and Parks – Museum Division.

Story and a Song

Join Ms. Sue and Ms. Erin for a lively story and silly sing-a-long song!

A new Story and a Song will be released every other Wednesday. Videos can be seen on Facebook or on the Library's website!

Virtual Romance Book Club

Each month we will discuss a different romance novel. All books will be available in both eBook and audiobook format on Hoopla. November's title is No Judgements by Meg Cabot

Book Discussion: The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue

Join us for a discussion of New York Times bestselling novel, "The Pull of the Stars!"

Emma Donoghue, best known as the author of Room, has written another bestselling novel. This story takes place in a Dublin hospital maternity ward at the height of the Great Flu, in 1918. Three very different women, caring for maternity patients who have been stricken with the flu, learn things about themselves and each other while caring for their patients under overwhelming circumstances. We ask ourselves, what have we learned about ourselves during the COVID pandemic? How have we cared for and helped each other? 

Chosen as the Barnes & Noble Book Club choice for August, a Reader' Digest Book Club pick for September, an Australian Women's Weekly Book Club pick for August, and an Oprah Magazine pick for 28 of the Best Books to Transport You This Summer, Written by Women Around the World, The Pull of the Stars does not disappoint its readers. The fight against impossible odds, shows the tenderness and compassion still found in humanity.

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 not later than five business days before the event date.

Pint-Sized Playtime Ideas

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

Videos will premiere at 9 am on Facebook.

YA First Chapter Fridays

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!

Outdoor Storytime at Patuxent River Naval Air Museum

This program takes place outdoors at the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum (22156 Three Notch Road Lexington Park, MD 20653). Check the weather before you come!

Stories, rhymes, songs, and activities for children with their adult caregivers. Siblings welcome; no registration required.

This activity will take place outdoors on the Flight Line, which is a paved area. Participants should 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 cancelled. If in doubt, please check with the library or museum to confirm that the event is still on.

The museum entry fee will be waived for all children 10 & under attending the storytime, and offered at a reduced price of $3 to all adults.  Masks are encouraged during the outdoor storytime, and required to enter the museum buildings.

Teen Gaming: Among Us

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.

Trivia Mondays

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.

Drawing with Jamie Naluai for Seniors

Join Jamie Naluai for a virtual, interactive series and learn drawing techniques!

This series is for seniors, age 55+. We will meet in Zoom and you will be asked to have your mic and camera on so you can ask questions and Jamie can see your work as we go. 

Things you will be drawing: Landscape, Still life, Flowers, Birds
Things you will be learning about: Composition, Basic shape and contour lines, Value as in lights and darks, Texture, Natural size and proportion

Suggested Materials:

Drawing Paper (any brand), Charcoal Set, Pastels Set, No. 2 Pencils, Eraser

This series is sponsored by the St. Mary's County Arts Council.

Common Thread Online

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.