June 2025

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 the 28th of the previous month and will close on the 5th of the month, or when registration reaches the maximum amount of registrations. 

On the 10th of the month, The Lit Kit will be available to be picked up at the Library location of your choosing. This can be picked up inside of the branch, or via curbside appointment. If more than one location is closed on the 10th, the Lit Kit will be available the next day all three building locations are open.

Lit Kits will be held for a week before the items are returned to the library.

Have you ever wanted something 3D printed at the library, but weren't sure how? Now is your chance to learn!

This introductory course will cover the basics of how a 3D printer works and how to use PrusaSlicer software. Learn how to find ready-to-print files online and submit them to the Library for printing. No prior experience is needed. This is an in-person class held in the Computer Lab Makerspace.

Whether you have been creating for years or just started on your journey, join fellow crafters who love all things fabric and fiber.

Open to knitters, crocheters, quilters, embroiderers, cross-stitchers, and any other kind of needleworkers. Bring your current project, mingle with like-minded makers, and swap patterns, ideas, and tips. Basic supplies available, if needed. All skill levels welcome. No registration required.

Library services on the Mobile Library include Wi-Fi access, library card services, crafts to go, and materials for checkout!

While the Mobile Library collection is unavailable for holds, staff are able to assist with requests for books and materials from other Library locations. The Mobile Library can accept returns from any location, and materials checked out from the vehicle may be returned to any location.

24400 Mervell Dean Rd, Hollywood, MD 20636

Introducing the library theme for summer, COLOR OUR WORLD! Collaborative art, sensory play, fine motor and early learning activities to get kids playing. Dress for a mess!

This event is intended for individuals with toddler and pre-k abilities and interests along with their caregivers. 

Register to receive email reminders, walk-ins welcome.

Library services on the Mobile Library include Wi-Fi access, library card services, crafts to go, and materials for checkout!

While the Mobile Library collection is unavailable for holds, staff are able to assist with requests for books and materials from other Library locations. The Mobile Library can accept returns from any location, and materials checked out from the vehicle may be returned to any location.

23154 Wetstone Ln., California, MD 20619

Karen Stone, Division Manager of the St. Mary's County Museums, will give a special seminar highlighting the role of the Potomac River and lighthouses during the American Civil War.

The Potomac River has always been busy, but in the 19th century, it got considerably busier and more hazardous with the introduction of steamships. The River was also full of dangerous shoals and narrow turns, making it necessary to install aids to navigation, including lighthouses and light vessels.

By the start of the American Civil War, six aids of various types were in use on the Potomac between Alexandria, Virginia and Piney Point, Maryland. All of these aids were targeted by the Confederates at one time or another. Foxhall A. Parker, Commander of the Potomac Flotilla, wrote “while there are so many rebel sympathizers in Maryland and on the eastern shore of Virginia none of the lighthouses there located are safe.”

Join us as we explore the conditions on the Potomac River during the Civil War, especially in reference to the lighthouses and light vessels, and the dangers they faced.

About the Presenter: Karen Stone has been the Museum Division Manager for St. Mary’s County since 2017. She did her undergraduate work at Gettysburg College and obtained her master’s degree at Penn State University. She got her first museum job while still in middle school and has been working in the museum field ever since. Stone has published many articles and has been a frequent lecturer on U.S., Maryland, and local history. She recently wrote her first book: Shipwreck on the Potomac: Disaster in pursuit of Lincoln’s Killer.

Have you ever heard of Book of the Month or Stitch Fix? This is a personalized package like those, but for Library books!

Similar to our teen Lit Kit program, the Adult Lit Kit is a customized surprise for any adult (18+) who loves to read that comes with two Adult Library books that we will choose specifically for you. When you are finished with the books, just return them to the nearest library!

Fill out the registration and interest form between the 1st and 8th of the month (or until all registration spots are full). Please answer honestly in order to help our staff select a book that suits your literary tastes. You will then be notified on the 12th of the month that your Adult Lit Kit package is ready for pickup at the Leonardtown Library.

Please note that the Adult Lit Kit has now moved to every-other-month to match our Teen Lit Kits.

Looking for the Teen Lit Kit? Please click here.

The St. Mary's Health Department Outreach Team will be in the lobby of the Charlotte Hall Library to provide resources and information - Fun promotional items too!

The St. Mary's Health Department will be providing community members with a variety of health department resources for programs, such as information about our tobacco cessation programs, as well as our free colon cancer screenings, colonoscopies, and mammograms programs, health insurance/medicaid information, and information about our asthma programs and so much more. We will also provide community members with COVID-19 resources and will also offer on site registration for COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for anyone who is interested/eligible. Fun promotional items will be provided, too!

Library services on the Mobile Library include Wi-Fi access, library card services, crafts to go, and materials for checkout!

While the Mobile Library collection is unavailable for holds, staff are able to assist with requests for books and materials from other Library locations. The Mobile Library can accept returns from any location, and materials checked out from the vehicle may be returned to any location.

21905 Chancellors Run Rd., Great Mills, MD 20634

The Maryland Food Bank’s Mobile Market is coming to visit!

Stop by to shop from our “grocery store on wheels” and receive free nonperishable food items, fresh produce, and other non-food necessities while supplies last. 

The Three Oaks Center will connect those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to resources in the tri county that can help them with benefits, mental health, substance abuse, housing, and more.

They will also be completing referrals for service on site and collecting paperwork to enroll in their programs and/or offer shelter if available.

Join us as we participate in this global holiday where fiber artists decorate our community outside of the Leonardtown Library!

Fiber artists of all kinds and experience levels are encouraged to attend. In the spirit of Summer Reading, help us "Color Our World" by crocheting, knitting, or macraméing around benches, trees, and other structures!

If you'd like to donate any of your surplus or unused yarn, donations can be dropped off at the Leonardtown Library.

Color our world with cereal! Use cereal to create self portraits, edible jewelry, cereal art, and build your own cereal snack mix!

Cereal used at this event will contain common allergens, including gluten.

Registration opens 2 weeks before the event.

Library services on the Mobile Library include Wi-Fi access, library card services, crafts to go, and materials for checkout!

While the Mobile Library collection is unavailable for holds, staff are able to assist with requests for books and materials from other Library locations. The Mobile Library can accept returns from any location, and materials checked out from the vehicle may be returned to any location.

22611 Franklin Delano Roosevelt Blvd., Lexington Park, MD 20653

Teens and tweens are invited to come vibe with us every second and fourth Thursday. Alternating Art and STEM activities, plus more!

No registration required! Tweens and Teens hang at 3!

Jun 12- Perler Bead Shennanigans

Jul 10- Tabletop Painting Workshop 

Aug 7- Mini Monet

Jun 26- Building & Board Games

Jul 24- Creative Writing

Aug 21- 3D Pens

Each month we will discuss a different fantasy or science fiction novel. June's book is Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson

Find it in the Catalog

Come learn more about the library's Cricut Maker and practice cutting iron-on vinyl (also called heat transfer vinyl or HTV) to embellish a tote bag to take home!

This introductory, in-person class will cover how to use the Cricut Maker 3, an electronic die-cutting machine, to create an iron-on decal using heat transfer vinyl (HTV) and how to apply that decal to a cloth tote bag using the Cricut Easy Press. Participants will also learn the basics of Cricut Design Space, the software used to create endlessly customizable designs. No experience necessary, all materials provided.

Everyone is welcome to visit the Leonardtown Library Makerspace during open hours to use the Cricut to create whatever you can imagine! Customers need to have their own Cricut Design Space online account and bring their own material, but we have all the equipment and tools you'll need! Visit the Makerspace webpage to see open hours and learn about all the Makerspace has to offer.

Note for minors: Teenagers are welcome in our Makerspace classes! Customers aged 14+ can use the Makerspace without a guardian present; younger customers need an adult present at all times while visiting the Makerspace. Waivers are no longer required.

It’s hip. It’s happening. It’s a tie-dye block party. Join us and make your very own groovy garment. Ages 8 to 18.

The Library will supply 1 item per person to tie-dye, but you are welcome to bring 1 additional item (tee, bag, hat, etc.) if you’d like. You will have 20 minutes to complete your tie-dye project. Each appointment is for one participant only. Wear something you won’t mind getting messy. 

Join musician Mr. Jon and his puppet friend George the Monkey for a high-energy family concert, and come ready to DANCE!

This event takes place at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, in the large multi-purpose room. Most seating will be on the floor- feel free to bring a blanket! Summer Performing Arts events are supported in part by a grant from the St. Mary's County Arts Council.

Join musician Mr. Jon and his puppet friend George the Monkey for a high-energy family concert, and come ready to DANCE!

Most seating will be on the floor- feel free to bring a blanket! Space may be limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Summer Performing Arts events are supported in part by a grant from the St. Mary's County Arts Council.

An all-ages chess social hang-out! Drop in and out to play as needed, no experience required. Staff will be available to assist those who haven't played before.

Small chess guides will be available for each player for reference. Chess boards will be provided by the library, but feel free to bring your favorite set.

Join musician Mr. Jon and his puppet friend George the Monkey for a high-energy family concert, and come ready to DANCE!

Most seating will be on the floor- feel free to bring a blanket! Space may be limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Summer Performing Arts events are supported in part by a grant from the St. Mary's County Arts Council.

A book discussion series for veterans led by Vietnam veteran Wayne Karlin. Registration required; space is limited. For more information contact Kimberlé Fields at 301-863-8188 or kfields@stmalib.org.

Monthly Reading List

Book descriptions from Amazon unless otherwise noted

February 01 - Uncertain Ground by Phil Klay

From the National Book Award-winning author of Redeployment and Missionaries, an astonishing fever graph of the effects of twenty years of war in a brutally divided America.

When Phil Klay left the Marines a decade ago after serving as an officer in Iraq, he found himself a part of the community of veterans who have no choice but to grapple with the meaning of their wartime experiences—for themselves and for the country. American identity has always been bound up in war—from the revolutionary war of our founding, to the civil war that ended slavery, to the two world wars that launched America as a superpower. What did the current wars say about who we are as a country, and how should we respond as citizens?

Unlike in previous eras of war, relatively few Americans have had to do any real grappling with the endless, invisible conflicts of the post-9/11 world; in fact, increasingly few people are even aware they are still going on. It is as if these wars are a dark star with a strong gravitational force that draws a relatively small number of soldiers and their families into its orbit while remaining inconspicuous to most other Americans. In the meantime, the consequences of American military action abroad may be out of sight and out of mind, but they are very real indeed.

This chasm between the military and the civilian in American life, and the moral blind spot it has created, is one of the great themes of Uncertain Ground, Phil Klay’s powerful series of reckonings with some of our country’s thorniest concerns, written in essay form over the past ten years. In the name of what do we ask young Americans to kill, and to die? In the name of what does this country hang together? As we see at every turn in these pages, those two questions have a great deal to do with each another, and how we answer them will go a long way toward deciding where our troubled country goes from here.

March 01 - The Women by Kristin Hannah

From the celebrated author of The Nightingale and The Four Winds comes Kristin Hannah's The Women―at once an intimate portrait of coming of age in a dangerous time and an epic tale of a nation divided.

Women can be heroes. When twenty-year-old nursing student Frances “Frankie” McGrath hears these words, it is a revelation. Raised in the sun-drenched, idyllic world of Southern California and sheltered by her conservative parents, she has always prided herself on doing the right thing. But in 1965, the world is changing, and she suddenly dares to imagine a different future for herself. When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows his path.

As green and inexperienced as the men sent to Vietnam to fight, Frankie is over-whelmed by the chaos and destruction of war. Each day is a gamble of life and death, hope and betrayal; friendships run deep and can be shattered in an instant. In war, she meets―and becomes one of―the lucky, the brave, the broken, and the lost.

But war is just the beginning for Frankie and her veteran friends. The real battle lies in coming home to a changed and divided America, to angry protesters, and to a country that wants to forget Vietnam.

The Women is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm’s way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been forgotten. A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism, The Women is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era.

April 05 - The Genizah by Wayne Karlin

In the novel The Genizah, Wayne Karlin enters its pages as a character in his own novel, reimagining his family's lives―and fate―if they had not come to America but stayed in his mother's village in Poland where the rest of her extended family were murdered by the Nazis in 1941.

Karlin commemorates and mourns that unutterable loss by making it present, in the spirit of the words from the Passover Seder, which asks those at the table to recount the story of oppression as if they had lived it. It is a phrase that calls upon the people at the table to feel, not just to know, what happened, as good fiction calls us to do. How can anyone who had not been through the Holocaust share even a little part of such experiences? How can anyone who has not felt some of that horror reverberate in their own bones try to understand the terrible massacres of our own days, sparked by hatred of the Other, in Syria, in Myanmar, in Israel, in Gaza, in Charleston, and in Pittsburgh―in so many other places, they overwhelm our ability to empathize.

Karlin's answer to that question is to personalize the impersonal, to imagine what could have happened if his grandparents, and mother, and her brothers and sisters and his father and his family, had not torn themselves away from a place they and their ancestors had lived for hundreds of years, in a town and on a continent where they had always been unwelcome guests.

May 03 - For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway

Ernest Hemingway's masterpiece on war, love, loyalty, and honor tells the story of Robert Jordan, an antifascist American fighting in the Spanish Civil War.

In 1937 Ernest Hemingway traveled to Spain to cover the civil war there for the North American Newspaper Alliance. Three years later he completed the greatest novel to emerge from “the good fight” and one of the foremost classics of war literature.

For Whom the Bell Tolls tells of loyalty and courage, love and defeat, and the tragic death of an ideal. Robert Jordan, a young American in the International Brigades, is attached to an antifascist guerilla unit in the mountains of Spain. In his portrayal of Jordan’s love for the beautiful Maria and his superb account of a guerilla leader’s last stand, Hemingway creates a work at once rare and beautiful, strong and brutal, compassionate, moving, and wise. Greater in power, broader in scope, and more intensely emotional than any of the author’s previous works, For Whom the Bell Tolls stands as one of the best war novels ever written.

June 14 - The Heart That Fed by Carl Sciacchitano

A brilliant graphic memoir debut, this is a loving son’s exploration of his tumultuous relationship with his father, told through the lens of the Vietnam War and its lasting effects long after returning home.

As a college dropout amidst the tumult of the 1960s and the Vietnam War, David Sciacchitano enlisted in the Air Force and volunteered to be sent overseas. An aircraft mechanic away from the front lines, David nevertheless experienced the chaos of war during the Tet Offensive and the 1975 evacuation. But although David returned home from the war with no physical injuries, it would be as if a part of him was forever left behind.

Set against one of the most tumultuous events of the 20th century, The Heart That Fed is a beautifully illustrated and moving story of trauma and love—told by a son seeking to understand a father forever changed by PTSD and the horrors of war.

Join musician Mr. Jon and his puppet friend George the Monkey for a low-stress family concert designed especially for kids with sensory sensitivities.

We'll have lower lights and lower volume, several sensory-friendly seating options, a small crowd, and a zero-judgement zone for friends with special sensory needs. Please register each member of your group (adults and kids), so we can keep the audience size small.

Summer Performing Arts events are supported in part by a grant from the St. Mary's County Arts Council.

Have you ever wanted something 3D printed at the library, but weren't sure how? Now is your chance to learn!

This introductory course will cover the basics of how a 3D printer works and how to use PrusaSlicer software. Learn how to find ready-to-print files online and submit them to the Library for printing. No prior experience is needed. This is an in-person class held in the Computer Lab Makerspace.

Join the Mobile Library for an all-ages storytime in the park followed by bubbles, music, playtime, and art! The Mobile Library will be open for library services as well.

This activity will take place outdoors from 9:30-11 a.m on Mondays in June and on Fridays in July and August. Participants should bring blankets or chairs for comfort. Please register once per family group for a reminder e-mail or inclement weather notice. Walk-ins are welcome!

Monday, June 16: Lancaster Park, 21550 Willows Rd., Lexington Park, MD 20653

Monday, June 23: Cecil Park, 19241 St. George's Church Rd., Valley Lee, MD 20692

Monday, June 30: Seventh District Park, 23035 Colton Point Rd., Bushwood, MD 20618

Friday, July 11: Judge P. H. Dorsey Park, 24275 Hollywood Rd., Leonardtown, MD 20650

Friday, July 18: Chancellor's Run Regional Park, 21905 Chancellor's Run Rd., Great Mills, MD 20634

Friday, July 25: John Baggett Park, 26929 Three Notch Rd., Mechanicsville, MD 20659

Friday, August 01: Nicolet Park, 21770 FDR Blvd., Lexington Park, MD 20653

Friday, August 15: Chancellor's Run Regional Park, 21905 Chancellor's Run Rd., Great Mills, MD 20634

Free, nutritious lunches for kids 0-18 and their accompanying adults. Lunches must be eaten on-site; no carry-outs.

Lunches are provided by the Judy Center Early Learning Hub and St. Mary's County Public Schools through the USDA Summer Meals program, with additional support from the St. Mary's County Department of Social Services.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Esta institución es un proveedor que brinda igualdad de oportunidades.

Learn more about the library's Cricut Maker and practice cutting cardstock to create a printed bookmark to save your spot in your latest juicy read!

This introductory, hands-on class will cover how to use an electronic die-cutting machine called the Cricut Maker to use the "print then cut" feature to create a printed cardstock bookmark! Participants will also learn the basics of Cricut Design Space, the software used to create endlessly customizable designs compatible with Cricut cutting machines. No experience necessary, all materials provided.

NOTE: This program will be repeated later in the evening on the same day at 5:30pm. Please register for only the afternoon session or the evening session.

Come join us for some hands-on crafting fun! Whether you're a seasoned fuse bead artist or trying it for the first time, we'll have everything you need to design and create your own masterpieces.

What to Expect:

Make Your Own Designs: Let your imagination run wild and create original patterns and pictures.
Follow Provided Patterns: If you'd prefer a little guidance, we'll have a variety of fun and inspiring patterns to choose from.
All Supplies Included: We'll provide a colorful assortment of both standard-sized Perler Beads and larger Biggie Beads, along with pegboards and ironing paper.

Who Can Participate:

This program is open to ages 4 and up! Biggie Beads are perfect for little hands, while Perler Beads offer more intricate design possibilities for older children. 

Don't miss out on this opportunity to:

• Unleash your inner artist
• Develop fine motor skills
• Create unique and personalized items
• Enjoy a relaxing and engaging activity

We can't wait to see the amazing creations you come up with!

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.

Learn more about the library's Cricut Maker and practice cutting cardstock to create a printed bookmark to save your spot in your latest juicy read!

This introductory, hands-on class will cover how to use an electronic die-cutting machine called the Cricut Maker to use the "print then cut" feature to create a printed cardstock bookmark! Participants will also learn the basics of Cricut Design Space, the software used to create endlessly customizable designs compatible with Cricut cutting machines. No experience necessary, all materials provided.

NOTE: This program is a repeat of the same event earlier in the afternoon the same day at 1:30pm. Please register for only the afternoon session or the evening session.

Stories, rhymes, bounces, songs, and playtime for children birth-2 years with their adult caregivers.

Please note: Storytime space is limited. Each storytime will be filled to capacity on a first-come, first served basis. We have increased the number of weekly storytimes to meet the needs of our community.

Stories, rhymes, bounces, songs, and playtime for children birth-2 years with their adult caregivers.

Please note: Storytime space is limited. Each storytime will be filled to capacity on a first-come, first served basis. We have increased the number of weekly storytimes to meet the needs of our community.

Stories, rhymes, songs, and activities planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

Stories, rhymes, songs, and activities for children ages 1-5 with their adult caregivers.

Please note: Storytime space is limited. Each storytime will be filled to capacity on a first-come, first served basis. We have increased the number of weekly storytimes to meet the needs of our community.

Stories, rhymes, songs, and activities planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

Stories, rhymes, songs, and activities planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

Free, nutritious lunches for kids 0-18 and their accompanying adults. Lunches must be eaten on-site; no carry-outs.

Lunches are provided by the Judy Center Early Learning Hub and St. Mary's County Public Schools through the USDA Summer Meals program, with additional support from the St. Mary's County Department of Social Services.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Esta institución es un proveedor que brinda igualdad de oportunidades.

Families can safely test it out by making a small take home project. Quick, easy and fun for everyone 5 and up.

ChompSaw is part of the new makerspace coming to Lexington Park Library this year!

We supply the “bricks,” you bring the imagination! Come and build something amazing with our thousands of LEGO and Duplo pieces. This is a drop-in style program with no registration required.

Join us for learning-based crafts, games, and activities as we play our way to developing valuable school readiness skills such as fine motor control, following directions, and group participation.

Activities are designed with preschoolers in mind and vary week to week. No registration required. 

No experience needed! Characters will be provided or you can make your own ahead of time! We'll have a D&D 5e Game every time, while we may have new games to teach as well.

Our panel of industry experts are here to answer your most important questions about preparing your home for sale and overcoming the challenges of selling your home. Attend in-person or online.

With over a decade of real estate experience in three States as well as two decades of business ownership and community volunteerism, your host Amy Scott, Broker/Owner of OE Realty is proud to announce a panel filled with knowledgeable experts in the fields that will directly impact the sale of your home. Each of our panelists bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will help you navigate common pitfalls, discover problems before they become emergent, conduct general repairs to make your home more appealing to buyers thus assisting you in getting top dollar for your home.

Selling your home can be a challenging and emotional time. Let us help you navigate those choppy waters with ease.

Registration is required to receive the Zoom link if attending online. 

Want to try out a new hobby but not sure if it's for you? Come to Hobby Trials! This week we will try out cross stitching with a simple bookmark project.

MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital Community Health Advocates will be in the lobby to talk about health and wellness services throughout the hospital, and to provide blood pressure and other screenings.

They will also provide information about ways that Access Health can help with overcoming barriers such as transportation, housing, food insecurity, insurance, benefit applications, and more.

Stories, rhymes, songs, and activities planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

Please note: Storytime space is limited. Each storytime will be filled to capacity on a first-come, first served basis. We have increased the number of weekly storytimes to meet the needs of our community.

A storytime where sitting is optional, and activities are designed for kids with extra energy. Planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

Please note: Storytime space is limited. Each storytime will be filled to capacity on a first-come, first served basis. We have increased the number of weekly storytimes to meet the needs of our community.

CareFirst will have information on Medicaid, including how to sign up for Medicaid in Maryland, helpful resources, and free giveaway items.

Stories, rhymes, songs, and activities planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

Please note: Storytime space is limited. Each storytime will be filled to capacity on a first-come, first served basis. We have increased the number of weekly storytimes to meet the needs of our community.

Free, nutritious lunches for kids 0-18 and their accompanying adults. Lunches must be eaten on-site; no carry-outs.

Lunches are provided by the Judy Center Early Learning Hub and St. Mary's County Public Schools through the USDA Summer Meals program, with additional support from the St. Mary's County Department of Social Services.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Esta institución es un proveedor que brinda igualdad de oportunidades.

Pizza, Previews, and Play! Come see the fun ahead this summer at Lexington Park Library as we goof off and kick off the season right.

The St. Mary’s County Circuit Court offers a free Family Law Self Help Legal Clinic to provide legal assistance/advice regarding family law.

Come for a one-on-one session with an attorney to discuss matters such as custody, visitation, divorce, child support, name change, guardianship, and domestic violence.

First Come First Serve. No appointments - walk-ins only.

Contact Person: Claire Langeluttig, Family Services Coordinator

Email: claire.langeluttig@mdcourts.gov
Phone: 301-475-4200 ext 4110

NOTE: Dates are subject to change without prior notice. Please contact Claire Langeluttig to confirm dates. We recommend getting to the library by 5:30pm to sign in. Please note that the attorney must leave by 7:30pm

The Library is closed in observance of Juneteenth.

Puppets + Opera = FUN! The puppet bears Grizzelina & Grizzelino (and their human friends from Maryland Opera) sing, play, and share all the ways that opera is a delightful way to tell a story.

Most seating will be on the floor- feel free to bring a blanket! Summer Performing Arts events are supported in part by a grant from the St. Mary's County Arts Council.

Free, nutritious lunches for kids 0-18 and their accompanying adults. Lunches must be eaten on-site; no carry-outs.

Lunches are provided by the Judy Center Early Learning Hub and St. Mary's County Public Schools through the USDA Summer Meals program, with additional support from the St. Mary's County Department of Social Services.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Esta institución es un proveedor que brinda igualdad de oportunidades.

Puppets + Opera = FUN! The puppet bears Grizzelina & Grizzelino (and their human friends from Maryland Opera) sing, play, and share all the ways that opera is a delightful way to tell a story.

Most seating will be on the floor- feel free to bring a blanket! Summer Performing Arts events are supported in part by a grant from the St. Mary's County Arts Council.

Stories, rhymes, songs, and activities planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

Please note: Storytime space is limited. Each storytime will be filled to capacity on a first-come, first served basis. We have increased the number of weekly storytimes to meet the needs of our community.

Join the Mobile Library and the Town of Leonardtown for an all-ages storytime in the park followed by bubbles, music, playtime, and art! The Mobile Library will be open for library services as well.

This activity will take place outdoors. Participants should bring blankets or chairs for comfort. Please register once per family group for a reminder e-mail or inclement weather notice. Walk-ins are welcome!

23190 Newtowne Neck Rd, Leonardtown, MD 20650

Have you ever wanted to try watercolor painting, but didn't know where to start? Come join us as we explore the art of watercolor through the tutorials of Art Influencer, Andrea Nelson.

With supplies provided by the library, participants will have the chance to experiment with at least three different art projects inspired by Nelson's online videos. 

Please wear clothing that can get messy. Smocks will not be provided. 

This program is intended for adults, teens and children ages six and up if accompanied by an adult. 

Explore the science of butterflies--how they grow and change and how they move when seasons change!

From caterpillar to butterfly, learn all about these beautiful flying insects with a short themed storytime, plus hands on activities. This event is designed for lower elementary aged children. Siblings welcome, please register each child attending.

Join the Mobile Library for an all-ages storytime in the park followed by bubbles, music, playtime, and art! The Mobile Library will be open for library services as well.

This activity will take place outdoors from 9:30-11 a.m on Mondays in June and on Fridays in July and August. Participants should bring blankets or chairs for comfort. Please register once per family group for a reminder e-mail or inclement weather notice. Walk-ins are welcome!

Monday, June 16: Lancaster Park, 21550 Willows Rd., Lexington Park, MD 20653

Monday, June 23: Cecil Park, 19241 St. George's Church Rd., Valley Lee, MD 20692

Monday, June 30: Seventh District Park, 23035 Colton Point Rd., Bushwood, MD 20618

Friday, July 11: Judge P. H. Dorsey Park, 24275 Hollywood Rd., Leonardtown, MD 20650

Friday, July 18: Chancellor's Run Regional Park, 21905 Chancellor's Run Rd., Great Mills, MD 20634

Friday, July 25: John Baggett Park, 26929 Three Notch Rd., Mechanicsville, MD 20659

Friday, August 01: Nicolet Park, 21770 FDR Blvd., Lexington Park, MD 20653

Friday, August 15: Chancellor's Run Regional Park, 21905 Chancellor's Run Rd., Great Mills, MD 20634

Free, nutritious lunches for kids 0-18 and their accompanying adults. Lunches must be eaten on-site; no carry-outs.

Lunches are provided by the Judy Center Early Learning Hub and St. Mary's County Public Schools through the USDA Summer Meals program, with additional support from the St. Mary's County Department of Social Services.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Esta institución es un proveedor que brinda igualdad de oportunidades.

Drop in to make a fuse bead creation. Ages 4 and up

Fuse Beads are part of the new makerspace coming to Lexington Park Library this year!

BTS are together again!

Show off your love of K-pop at our K-pop Party! Make bias buttons, try some popular Korean snacks, dance to K-pop music, and decorate your photocards. Plus, to celebrate BTS coming back together, test your knowledge about them to see if you're a true ARMY!

Join us for our summer art series! This summer, we’ll be introducing kids to four different artworks from around the world and the art techniques used.

After, they’ll have a chance to recreate the piece, or use it as inspiration to make their own unique piece of art.

Make sure you wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy!

Therapy animals from Pets on Wheels are visiting the library! Friends of all ages are invited to practice reading with a furry friend, or just enjoy some pets and snuggles.

Stories, rhymes, bounces, songs, and playtime for children birth-2 years with their adult caregivers.

Please note: Storytime space is limited. Each storytime will be filled to capacity on a first-come, first served basis. We have increased the number of weekly storytimes to meet the needs of our community.

Stories, rhymes, bounces, songs, and playtime for children birth-2 years with their adult caregivers.

Please note: Storytime space is limited. Each storytime will be filled to capacity on a first-come, first served basis. We have increased the number of weekly storytimes to meet the needs of our community.

Stories, rhymes, songs, and activities planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

Stories, rhymes, songs, and activities for children ages 1-5 with their adult caregivers.

Please note: Storytime space is limited. Each storytime will be filled to capacity on a first-come, first served basis. We have increased the number of weekly storytimes to meet the needs of our community.

Stories, rhymes, songs, and activities planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

Stories, rhymes, songs, and activities planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

Free, nutritious lunches for kids 0-18 and their accompanying adults. Lunches must be eaten on-site; no carry-outs.

Lunches are provided by the Judy Center Early Learning Hub and St. Mary's County Public Schools through the USDA Summer Meals program, with additional support from the St. Mary's County Department of Social Services.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Esta institución es un proveedor que brinda igualdad de oportunidades.

Can you win the challenge? Snacks and goodies as we play Nintendo Switch games and determine who's the best at games such as Smash Bros, Mario Kart, and more!

Drop in for open-ended crafting fun. Try one of our sample crafts, or create your own design! All materials provided. This is a drop-in style program with no registration required.

Join us for learning-based crafts, games, and activities as we play our way to developing valuable school readiness skills such as fine motor control, following directions, and group participation.

Activities are designed with preschoolers in mind and vary week to week. No registration required. 

Have you ever wanted to play a table-top roleplaying game, but are not sure where to start? Maybe you have a new campaign coming up and want to try something new!

Join us for a night of painting, stories, and heroics!

Participants will receive a mini-figure for tabletop games that they will get to paint! In addition to painting supplies, we have blank character sheets, rulebooks, and dice for both Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder so that you can flesh out your character concept.

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

A representative of the Maryland Dept. of Labor will be in the lobby to connect veterans and the general public to employment services.

Learn about connections to employers, connections to the DVA, health services, veterans resources, assistance for homeless veterans, and more!

Stories, rhymes, songs, and activities planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

Please note: Storytime space is limited. Each storytime will be filled to capacity on a first-come, first served basis. We have increased the number of weekly storytimes to meet the needs of our community.

A storytime where sitting is optional, and activities are designed for kids with extra energy. Planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

Please note: Storytime space is limited. Each storytime will be filled to capacity on a first-come, first served basis. We have increased the number of weekly storytimes to meet the needs of our community.

Library services on the Mobile Library include Wi-Fi access, library card services, crafts to go, and materials for checkout!

While the Mobile Library collection is unavailable for holds, staff are able to assist with requests for books and materials from other Library locations. The Mobile Library can accept returns from any location, and materials checked out from the vehicle may be returned to any location.

13723 Point Lookout Rd., Lexington Park, MD 20653

Stories, rhymes, songs, and activities planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

Please note: Storytime space is limited. Each storytime will be filled to capacity on a first-come, first served basis. We have increased the number of weekly storytimes to meet the needs of our community.

Free, nutritious lunches for kids 0-18 and their accompanying adults. Lunches must be eaten on-site; no carry-outs.

Lunches are provided by the Judy Center Early Learning Hub and St. Mary's County Public Schools through the USDA Summer Meals program, with additional support from the St. Mary's County Department of Social Services.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Esta institución es un proveedor que brinda igualdad de oportunidades.

Library services on the Mobile Library include Wi-Fi access, library card services, crafts to go, and materials for checkout!

While the Mobile Library collection is unavailable for holds, staff are able to assist with requests for books and materials from other Library locations. The Mobile Library can accept returns from any location, and materials checked out from the vehicle may be returned to any location.

47720 College Dr., St. Mary's City, MD 20686

We supply the “bricks,” you bring the imagination. Come build something amazing with our LEGO and Duplo pieces!

We supply the “bricks,” you bring the imagination. Come build something amazing with our LEGO and Duplo pieces!

The St. Mary’s County Circuit Court offers a free Family Law Self Help Legal Clinic to provide legal assistance/advice regarding family law.

Come for a one-on-one session with an attorney to discuss matters such as custody, visitation, divorce, child support, name change, guardianship, and domestic violence.

First Come First Serve. No appointments - walk-ins only.

Contact Person: Claire Langeluttig, Family Services Coordinator

Email: claire.langeluttig@mdcourts.gov
Phone: 301-475-4200 ext 4110

NOTE: Dates are subject to change without prior notice. Please contact Claire Langeluttig to confirm dates. We recommend getting to the library by 5:30pm to sign in. Please note that the attorney must leave by 7:30pm

Healthy yards filled with native plants attract, feed, and shelter local pollinators. Learn how you can join Leonardtown's Butterfly Trail by planting a butterfly stopover in your yard.

Leonardtown’s Butterfly Trail is a growing effort to support pollinators (especially birds, bees, and butterflies) by creating a landscape corridor of habitat and nutrition for them from the library to the wharf and across surrounding neighborhoods.

Amy Henderson is a member of the St. Mary’s County Garden Club and Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay. She volunteers regularly at the Leonardtown Library’s Front Yard Garden and has become a passionate advocate for native plants and pollinator-friendly ecosystems. With the help of other local native plant enthusiasts, she’s helping to establish and expand the Butterfly Trail in Leonardtown.

Beginners and expert crafters alike are invited to join us for Youth Common Thread!

This event is open to knitters, crocheters, embroiderers, cross-stitchers, or any type of fiber artist! Come socialize with fellow crafters, swap patterns, and learn!

Registration is required for this event. 

Stories, rhymes, bounces, songs, and playtime for children birth-2 years with their adult caregivers.

Please note: Storytime space is limited. Each storytime will be filled to capacity on a first-come, first served basis. We have increased the number of weekly storytimes to meet the needs of our community.

Stories, rhymes, bounces, songs, and playtime for children birth-2 years with their adult caregivers.

Please note: Storytime space is limited. Each storytime will be filled to capacity on a first-come, first served basis. We have increased the number of weekly storytimes to meet the needs of our community.

Stories, rhymes, songs, and activities planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

Stories, rhymes, bounces, songs, and playtime for children birth-2 years with their adult caregivers.

Please note: Storytime space is limited. Each storytime will be filled to capacity on a first-come, first served basis. We have increased the number of weekly storytimes to meet the needs of our community.

Stories, rhymes, songs, and activities for children ages 1-5 with their adult caregivers.

Please note: Storytime space is limited. Each storytime will be filled to capacity on a first-come, first served basis. We have increased the number of weekly storytimes to meet the needs of our community.

Stories, rhymes, songs, and activities planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

Stories, rhymes, songs, and activities planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

Stories, rhymes, songs, and activities planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

Please note: Storytime space is limited. Each storytime will be filled to capacity on a first-come, first served basis. We have increased the number of weekly storytimes to meet the needs of our community.

Free, nutritious lunches for kids 0-18 and their accompanying adults. Lunches must be eaten on-site; no carry-outs.

Lunches are provided by the Judy Center Early Learning Hub and St. Mary's County Public Schools through the USDA Summer Meals program, with additional support from the St. Mary's County Department of Social Services.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Esta institución es un proveedor que brinda igualdad de oportunidades.

The Three Oaks Center will connect those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to resources in the tri county that can help them with benefits, mental health, substance abuse, housing, and more.

They will also be completing referrals for service on site and collecting paperwork to enroll in their programs and/or offer shelter if available.

Make a small clay pot on our pottery wheel

Pottery Wheels are part of the new makerspace coming to Lexington Park Library this year! Kids 8 and up

Teens and tweens are invited to come vibe with us every second and fourth Thursday. Alternating Art and STEM activities, plus more!

No registration required! Tweens and Teens hang at 3!

Jun 12- Perler Bead Shennanigans

Jul 10- Tabletop Painting Workshop 

Aug 7- Mini Monet

Jun 26- Building & Board Games

Jul 24- Creative Writing

Aug 21- 3D Pens

Join us to discuss a different cozy mystery on the 3rd Thursday of each month at the Leonardtown Library. Be ready to talk about a genre that puts us all at ease while keeping us on our toes.

As we do every 3 months, this meeting will be BYOB - Bring Your Own Book!

Come ready to talk about a cozy mystery that you have been reading recently, a go-to favorite/recommendation, or one that you’re excited to read this year! It can be any cozy book, series, or author that you enjoy. Just come prepared to share and get some good recommendations from your peers. Something you suggest may even be selected for a future book club meeting! A list of all the books that we discuss will be sent out after the meeting.

Looking for possible books to read and bring to discuss? Try searching for "cozy mysteries" in our catalog or look for digital downloads on Libby!

It's gaming day!

It’s time to game on! Swing by the library for an afternoon packed with fun and games. Dive into video game showdowns on the Nintendo Switch, conquer the competition in board games, or just chill with friends in a laid-back, game-filled vibe. Whether you're a gaming pro or just here for the snacks, there’s something for everyone. 

Perfect for teens ages 13-18. No registration required. 

Each month we will discuss a different romance novel. June's title is The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ Charles

Find a copy of the book in our catalog

Stories, rhymes, songs, and activities planned for individuals ages 1-5 who prefer a quieter atmosphere; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

Please note: Storytime space is limited. Each storytime will be filled to capacity on a first-come, first served basis. We have increased the number of weekly storytimes to meet the needs of our community.

Join the Mobile Library for a blooming adventure at Goldpetal Farms! Explore the sunflower fields, discover fun facts, and enjoy hands-on activities.

Step into the sunny world of sunflowers with a sunflower science tour! Begin your journey at the Mobile Library before heading out to the sunflower fields to learn some fun science concepts. What is phototropism and the golden ratio? How does a sunflower relate to the Fibonacci sequence? After the program, explore the grounds-admission fees will be waived for families registered for this event. Register once per family group.  Please remember to bring hats and sunscreen. 

Goldpetal Farms, 37254 Manor Rd, Chaptico, MD 20621

Free, nutritious lunches for kids 0-18 and their accompanying adults. Lunches must be eaten on-site; no carry-outs.

Lunches are provided by the Judy Center Early Learning Hub and St. Mary's County Public Schools through the USDA Summer Meals program, with additional support from the St. Mary's County Department of Social Services.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Esta institución es un proveedor que brinda igualdad de oportunidades.

Curious about the inner workings of your library? Want to learn more about what the library offers? Join us for this comprehensive tour!

You'll visit the back room to see how we get your books to you, spend time in our computer lab for an overview of key virtual services, and see a demo of the equipment in our Makerspace!

Want to try speed puzzling? Form a team of three or four and see how fast you can put together a 300 piece puzzle!

All teams will go head-to-head to see who can complete the 300 piece puzzle first! Puzzles are all the same design and provided by the library. Prizes awarded. Teams are made up of 3-4 people of any age although at least one team member must be over 16 and at least one must be under 16. Team members do not need to be related. Registration will open at 9am on June 14 so check back then to reserve a spot for your team! Only one team member should register for the team.

In addition to the competition, we'll have a puzzle swap too! Bring a complete puzzle to give away and find a new one to take home. No registration is required for the puzzle swap, just drop in!

The kitchen comes to the library with a cooking demonstration mixed with wellness! This series will help teach vital skills to tweens, teens, and their caretakers.

Attendees will learn vital food safety skills as well as self sufficiency methods and broadening skill sets on nutrition, meal preparation, and healthy decision making. Labs are hands on food demonstrations. 

In conjunction with the University of Maryland Extension, presented by Deon Littles, Ed.D., Family & Consumer Sciences Agent 

June 28th- Food Safety and Sanitation

July 19th- Seasoning and Spice Lab

August 15th- Mystery Basket Lab

Stories, rhymes, songs, and activities planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.

Please note: Storytime space is limited. Each storytime will be filled to capacity on a first-come, first served basis. We have increased the number of weekly storytimes to meet the needs of our community.

Get your hands dirty and your creativity spinning!

Kids ages 8-16 will learn the basics of throwing pottery on a wheel. From shaping clay to forming their own bowl, participants will discover the magic of molding and spinning to create one-of-a-kind masterpiece. No experience needed-just bring your imagination and be ready to get messy!

An all-ages chess social hangout! Drop in and out to play as needed, no experience required.

Staff will be available to assist those who haven't played before. Small chess guides will be available for each player for reference. Chess boards will be provided by the library, but feel free to bring your favorite set!

Join the Mobile Library for an all-ages storytime in the park followed by bubbles, music, playtime, and art! The Mobile Library will be open for library services as well.

This activity will take place outdoors from 9:30-11 a.m on Mondays in June and on Fridays in July and August. Participants should bring blankets or chairs for comfort. Please register once per family group for a reminder e-mail or inclement weather notice. Walk-ins are welcome!

Monday, June 16: Lancaster Park, 21550 Willows Rd., Lexington Park, MD 20653

Monday, June 23: Cecil Park, 19241 St. George's Church Rd., Valley Lee, MD 20692

Monday, June 30: Seventh District Park, 23035 Colton Point Rd., Bushwood, MD 20618

Friday, July 11: Judge P. H. Dorsey Park, 24275 Hollywood Rd., Leonardtown, MD 20650

Friday, July 18: Chancellor's Run Regional Park, 21905 Chancellor's Run Rd., Great Mills, MD 20634

Friday, July 25: John Baggett Park, 26929 Three Notch Rd., Mechanicsville, MD 20659

Friday, August 01: Nicolet Park, 21770 FDR Blvd., Lexington Park, MD 20653

Friday, August 15: Chancellor's Run Regional Park, 21905 Chancellor's Run Rd., Great Mills, MD 20634

Follow Lenny & Mabel, comic duo from Bright Star Theatre, down the yellow brick road, and meet all your favorite Oz characters along the way!

Gain courage with the Cowardly Lion, take heart with the Tin Man, and find your wits with the Scarecrow in this fun interactive retelling of the L. Frank Baum classic. Most seating will be on the floor- feel free to bring a blanket! Summer Performing Arts events are supported in part by a grant from the St. Mary's County Arts Council.

Free, nutritious lunches for kids 0-18 and their accompanying adults. Lunches must be eaten on-site; no carry-outs.

Lunches are provided by the Judy Center Early Learning Hub and St. Mary's County Public Schools through the USDA Summer Meals program, with additional support from the St. Mary's County Department of Social Services.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Esta institución es un proveedor que brinda igualdad de oportunidades.

Follow Lenny & Mabel, comic duo from Bright Star Theatre, down the yellow brick road, and meet all your favorite Oz characters along the way!

Gain courage with the Cowardly Lion, take heart with the Tin Man, and find your wits with the Scarecrow in this fun interactive retelling of the L. Frank Baum classic.

This event takes place at Mechanicsville Elementary School, in the gym. Most seating will be on the floor- feel free to bring a blanket! Summer Performing Arts events are supported in part by a grant from the St. Mary's County Arts Council.

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.

Do you like graphic novels? Do you want to talk about your favorite graphic novel with kids your age? Join us for our kids book club!

Participants can bring in and discuss their favorite graphic novels, participate in a craft, and enjoy refreshments with peers.

Art doesn't have to be intimidating, or time consuming. Instead, it can be a chance to explore creativity, the ability to make mistakes, and even an opportunity to engage in meditation.

Each session will feature a small watercolor or paper craft projects that can be completed in an hour to an hour and a half.

Looking to learn more about the American Revolution? Join us for a virtual presentation! Dr. Jim Gibb will discuss the archaeology of the Declaration of Independence, with a focus on Maryland.

In this series of presentations, we'll uncover the stories of the American Revolution!

From January through June, we will explore the individual actions and events leading to the Continental Congress declaring independence from Great Britain. Living conditions in Colonial Maryland on the eve of the Seven Years War (French & Indian War) provides our starting point. Presentations will include some archaeological findings in Maryland and elsewhere, but most of our discussions will examine specific events and documents, including shots fired at Lexington and Concord, removal of French Canadians from Acadia, paintings of the Anglo-American assault on French Canada, and the Declaration.

On August 23, 1775, King George III declared that parts of Britian’s American colonies were in “open & avowed rebellion.” A running battle between British regular troops and Massachusetts militia groups occurred months earlier resulting in significant casualties on both sides. Colonial resolutions of non-importation and polite petitions, and sternly worded Parliamentary acts, became moot. Congress had to organize and equip an army, create and staff foreign embassies, and organize and implement the basic functions of government, including raising money for doing so and without a monarch. This talk explores the initial part of an experiment that continues to this day.

This presentation will be held live over Zoom. It will also be recorded and uploaded to the St. Mary's County Library YouTube channel.

If you would like to attend this event live and/or watch the recording, please register with an email address to receive the Zoom link the day before the event. The YouTube link to the recording will be emailed to everyone who registers for this program.