November 2021

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.

NaNoWriMo Kickoff with Christine Trent: The Writer’s Grand Journey

Join multi-published author Christine Trent as she describes her method for filtering through book concepts before taking the grand journey from an idea to a completed novel ready for publication.

Do you have a lot of great ideas for a novel but aren’t sure which one to pluck out of the air for a novel? Do you struggle with actually figuring out how to flesh out a viable plot from your great idea?  

Christine Trent is the author of the Lady of Ashes historical mystery series, about a Victorian-era undertaker, as well as the author of the Florence Nightingale Mysteries and several other historical novels. Lady of Ashes was named a 2014 finalist in the Daphne du Maurier Awards. Christine’s novels have been translated into Turkish, Polish, and Czech.

Christine's novels can be found in our library!

The Grim Readers: Book Club

The Grim Readers is a book club that meets on the first Tuesday of every month for an hour to discuss a horror book. This month's pick is "The Ruins" by Scott Smith.

Two young couples decide to take a trip to Mexico.  The group enjoyed the beach, hotel, and making friends with fellow tourists when the brother of one of the couples goes missing.   The group ultimately decides to go searching for the missing brother.  Trekking through the Mexican jungle, the group stumbles upon a village which is only the beginning of the creeping horror; they endure throughout the story.  What started as an exciting day-trip gradually spirals into a terrifying nightmare when they find the remains of an ancient ruins site… and the disturbing presence that lurks there.

Find The Ruins in the catalog!

Connecting Families to Health Care

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 :
Christie Taylor
Seedco Navigator
chtaylor@seedco.org

Create a Winter Refuge for the Birds

Join us virtually as Barb Whipkey, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Lexington Park, and LaPlata, MD, teaches us how to turn our yards into a winter refuge for the birds.

The temperature has begun to drop and snow will soon be on the way.  This is the perfect time to prepare winter shelter for backyard birds.  Bring color and activity to your yards by learning the best ways to protect birds from the wind, create roosts, and build protective shelters out of brush piles and fallen branches.

Author Talk with Alexis Daria

Award-winning and bestselling author Alexis Daria will join us for a virtual discussion of "You Had Me at Hola," "A Lot Like Adiós," and her work as an author.

Alexis Daria writes stories about successful Latinx characters and their (occasionally messy) familias. You Had Me at Hola, the first book in her Primas of Power series, is a national bestseller. Alexis is a lifelong New Yorker who loves Broadway musicals and pizza. Find Alexis' books in our catalog!

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

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.

Bridgerton Book Club: When He Was Wicked

Join us online to discuss When He Was Wicked, the sixth book in the Bridgerton series.

If you were a fan of the Netflix hit, or if you just want to read the series, come join us for book 6 of a Bridgerton read-along! This month we will read Francesca's story, When He Was Wicked. We will discuss the plot, character casting, the use of tropes and all things Bridgerton related. Next month we will be reading and discussing book seven, It's In His Kiss.

Check out the book in print, or on Hoopla in audio or ebook format.

Outdoor Storytime at Greenwell State Park

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

This program takes place outdoors under the big trees on the Manor House Lawn. 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! This outdoor program is weather-dependent; in case of bad weather it will be cancelled. Please register with an email address to get weather-related updates. Park admission is $3/ vehicle for Maryland residents and $5 for out-of-state residents.

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

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.

One Maryland One Book - Book Discussion

Join us as we discuss this year's One Maryland One Book - "The Book of Delights" by Ross Gay.

Join the librarians of St. Mary's County Library in discussing The Book of Delights. One of today’s most literary voices offers up a genre-defying volume of lyric essays written over one tumultuous year. The first nonfiction book from award-winning poet Ross Gay is a record of the small joys we often overlook in our busy lives. The Book of Delights is about our shared bonds, and the rewards that come from a life closely observed. These remarkable pieces serve as a powerful and necessary reminder that we can, and should, stake out a space in our lives for delight.

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.

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.

Alternative Dispute Resolution: How You Can Resolve Conflict with Mediation

In celebration of Alternative Dispute Resolution Month, Community Mediation Center Director Mia Bowers will talk about how alternative dispute resolution can help resolve conflicts out of court and give tips on conflict management.

Author Talk with Sherry Thomas

Join USA Today-bestselling author Sherry Thomas for a discussion about her newest Lady Sherlock Mystery, "Miss Moriarty, I Presume?"

Ms. Thomas's books regularly receive starred reviews and best-of-the-year honors from trade publications, including such outlets as The New York Times and National Public Radio. She is also a two-time winner of Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA® Award. Her newest novel, the 6th installment in the Lady Sherlock Mysteries, Miss Moriarty, I Presume? comes out on November 2nd. 

Sherry immigrated from China at age 13 and English is her second language.

Author photo by the lovely and talented Jennifer Sparks Harriman at Sparks Studio. 

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

St. Mary's Co. Dept of Aging and Human Services Lobby Visit

The Outreach Specialist from the St. Mary's County Dept. of Aging and Human Services will be available in the foyer to share information about the programs and services offered by the department.

A few of these include: caregiver support, senior rides program, project Graduation, volunteer placement, and the Senior Activity Centers.  Stop by to find out more!

Teen & Tween Gaming

On the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, join us for some virtual gaming. We'll play games like Among Us, Quiplash, Drawful, and Murder Trivia Party. Wit, weirdness, and hijinks are encouraged.

Make sure to register with an email to receive the Zoom link. Two devices are recommended: one for Zoom and one to use as a game controller.  Intended for ages 10 to 18. 

Veterans Day Author Talk with Wayne Karlin

Honor our war veterans by exploring their experiences through the work of local author and US Marine Corps Vietnam War Veteran, Wayne Karlin.

Following the Vietnam War, Mr. Karlin began an award-winning career documenting the veteran experience on both sides of the conflict. Mr. Karlin’s work includes both fiction and non-fiction books as well as film and radio productions. Join our virtual interview as we talk with Mr. Karlin about his journey in Vietnam, his experiences working with Vietnamese authors and artists following the war, and his career as a professor of languages and literature for over thirty years with the College of Southern Maryland.

RESERVE YOUR COPY of any of Mr. Karlin's works from our catalog.

Library Closed

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

Virtual Mystery Book Club

Join us each month as we discuss a different mystery novel. The book for November is "The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie" by Alan Bradley.

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 Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie in our catalog here!

Outdoor Storytime at Historic St. Mary's City

Stories, songs, and activities for children with their adult caregivers, in the great outdoors! Siblings welcome; please register once per family group. Rain date: December 4.

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, and bring blankets or chairs for comfort. This outdoor event is weather-dependent; in case of bad weather it will be postponed to December 4. Please register with an email address to receive weather-related updates. Storytime attendance is free; families wishing to explore the grounds afterward should plan to visit the Gift Shop to purchase admission after 10am.

The Lit Kit

Have you ever heard of Book of the Month? What about OwlCrate?

The Lit Kit is just like those boxes - except it's FREE! The Lit Kit is a free customized box for teens ages 14-17 filled with 3-4 goodies AND up to 2 YA library books that we'll choose for you (please note: the library books must be returned). Registration begins on November 1st and will close on November 8th, or when registration reaches the maximum amount of registrations. On November 15th, The Lit Kit will be available to be picked up at the Leonardtown Branch. This can be picked up inside of the branch, or through the drive-thru. This program is only at the Leonardtown Branch. 

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.

Intro to Proposal Writing

Are you new to proposal writing or want a quick refresher? This class will provide you with an overview of how to write a standard project proposal to a foundation.

This program is provided by Charles County Public Library.

Keeping Deer Out of Your Garden

In this virtual presentation, Master Gardener Mariah Dean will discuss ways to deter deer from your garden using deer resistant plants, exclusion tactics, and types of fencing.

Maryland Workforce Exchange Workshop: Resumes and Cover Letters

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 for resume and cover letter writing help.  Looking for a job, or a better job?  Don't miss this free class.  Registration closes the Monday before the event.

Job search help is available at https://mwejobs.maryland.gov/

By registering for this class, you are agreeing that your contact information will be shared with the Maryland Department of Labor, American Job Center (AJC).  AJC staffer, Jasmine McCain, will contact you with initial materials and explain the MWE registration process.  If you have questions or do not wish to register on MWE, you can contact Ms. McCain directly at jasminet.mccain@maryland.gov to get help on this topic.

St. Mary's County Health Department

Employees from the St. Mary's County Health Department will be available in the lobby to answer your questions about Narcan and Opioid overdose. No appointment necessary.

Maryland Workforce Exchange Workshop: Professional Interview Skills

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.

Hone your interview skills with the Maryland Department of Labor, American Job Center! This is an interactive workshop with mock interviews and advice for in-person as well as virtual meetings. Registration ends Monday prior to the event.

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

By registering for this class, you are agreeing that your contact information will be shared with Maryland Department of Labor, American Job Center (AJC). AJC staffer, Jasmine McCain, will contact you with initial materials and explain the MWE registration process.  If you have questions or do not wish to register on MWE, you can contact Ms. McCain directly at jasminet.mccain@maryland.gov to get help on this topic.

Archaeology at St. Mary's Fort : With Dr. Travis Parno

Join us in welcoming archaeologist Dr. Travis Parno as he discusses his archaeological findings at St. Mary's Fort.

In March 2021, archaeologists at Historic St. Mary’s City announced that they had recently unearthed the remains of the original 1634 St. Mary’s Fort, built by the first group of European settlers to reach the western side of Chesapeake Bay. In the past 30 years, approximately 200 excavations have taken place in the surrounding region, but no trace of the legendary lost St. Mary’s Fort had ever been found, until now.

Dr. Parno is the Director of Research and Collections at Historic St. Mary’s City. He has over 15 years of experience excavating and researching historic sites in Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts, and Bermuda. In addition to overseeing the Department of Research and Collections, Dr. Parno runs Historic St. Mary’s City’s annual Field School in Historical Archaeology, the country’s longest-running program of its kind.

The Graphic Novel Round Table

Hey Tweens & Teens! Do you love graphic novels or comics?

Come join us in our Graphic Novel Round Table! We will have an opening icebreaker, then we will share the latest graphic novels we have read with everyone. Mrs. Brittany will also share the newest graphic novels that the library has to offer. 

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 Neon Gods by Katee Robert

Listen to the audiobook on Hoopla

Read the eBook on Hoopla

Amazing Apples Cider-Making Demo- 10am Session

Learn to make fresh apple cider! This event takes place at the pavilion in Fifth District Park in Mechanicsville.

Learn about the life cycle of apples from seeds to trees and fruit, see how a cider press works, then get hands-on and help make a batch of fresh apple cider! Please register each child who will attend (accompanying adults do not need to register). This program is rain-or-shine; we'll be under the covered pavilion, but dress for the weather!

Amazing Apples Cider-Making Demo- 11:30 am Session

Learn to make fresh apple cider! This event takes place at the pavilion in Fifth District Park in Mechanicsville.

Learn about the life cycle of apples from seeds to trees and fruit, see how a cider press works, then get hands-on and help make a batch of fresh apple cider! Please register each child who will attend (accompanying adults do not need to register). This program is rain-or-shine; we'll be under the covered pavilion, but dress for the weather!

We Tried!: An Audacious Art Program

Have you ever seen a piece of beautiful art and thought, “I could make that!"? Now is your chance to try!

In this program, you will be presented with famous art pieces that you will try to recreate just for the fun of it and test out your amazing (or not so amazing) art skills! We'll give you the materials and you supply the enthusiasm. It's okay if it looks NOTHING like the original. Laugh it off because hey, you tried! This is a virtual program held on Zoom. Supply kits will be available for registered participants a week before the meeting. Be sure to register with an email to receive the Zoom link. Registration required. Intended for ages 10 to 18. 

Peace Poster awards presentation

The Lions Club will host the winners of the 2021 Peace Poster contest for St. Mary's County and present their awards. All are welcome to meet the young artists!

A Dutch Settler in Colonial Southern Maryland

Join us for an illustrated presentation given by Dr. James Gibb, describing the land and lifestyle of Bernard Johnson, a Dutch settler in colonial southern Maryland in the late 1600's.

Bernard Johnson was a Dutch cooper, or barrel-maker, who emigrated to Maryland in the 1660's.  In 1671, Johnson became naturalized so that he might legally own land.  He acquired two tracts of land in Aquasco, Maryland, located in Prince Georges County, that he named Dove's Perch (200 acres, 1679) and Dove's Nest (150 acres, 1686).  Johnson built his plantation upon those tracts of land and eventually died there around 1700.  His sons-in-law sold the tracts in 1711.

Archaeological survey led to the discovery of Johnson's plantation house which was subsequently excavated in its entirety.  This presentation describes the remains of the catastrophically burned dwelling, its Dutch-inspired hearth and chimney, and the artifacts and bones from which we have learned about the Johnsons' lifestyle, including their diet.

St. Mary's County Health Department Outreach Team

Providing registration for the COVID-19 Vaccine and Booster for all eligible populations, answering any questions about the vaccines, and providing other health department resources.

St. Mary's County Health Department Outreach Team will be in the Charlotte Hall Library Lobby on Tuesdays from 11am - 2pm until the end of 2021. The Outreach Team will be providing registration for the COVID-19 Vaccine and for Booster Doses for all eligible populations, and answering any questions that community members may have about the vaccines as well. The Health Department representatives will also be providing other health department resources, such as information about asthma, tobacco, dental care, etc. 

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.

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

Teen & Tween Gaming

On the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, join us for some virtual gaming. We'll play games like Among Us, Quiplash, Drawful, and Murder Trivia Party. Wit, weirdness, and hijinks are encouraged.

Make sure to register with an email to receive the Zoom link. Two devices are recommended: one for Zoom and one to use as a game controller.  Intended for ages 10 to 18. 

Library Closing at 5 p.m.

All St. Mary's County Libraries will close at 5 p.m. today.

Library Closed

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

Library Closed

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

Be a Friend to the Birds (and Other Wildlife)! : Part 2: Birds in YOUR Neighborhood

Learn about birds common to our community and their behavior. Part 2 of a 3 part video series.

Have you ever paid attention to the birds around you? That's called bird watching, and it's a fun hobby! In this part 2 of a 3 part video series, our youth services librarians will talk about birds that live here in St. Mary's County, and some things you might see them doing, like migrating. We will showcase some books you can check out about this topic, some fun bird-related activities, and footage of birds in our own backyards! This program is for children preschool-upper elementary and their families to enjoy together. Watch any time after the premiere on the library's Facebook or YouTube.

Calm Kits for Mindful Kids: Take & Make

It's never too early for a mindful moment! Grab a Calm Kit for your mindful kid and share emotional wellness with peace-promoting preschool crafts and activities.

Whether you’ve got some ants in your pants or those winter blues, chase away busy thoughts with a kit full of mindful crafts and activities for preschoolers. Register with your email address to be informed when your Calm Kit is ready!

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.