Beginning this coming Tuesday, April 7, at 10:00 a.m., and continuing every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. thereafter, the Talbot County Free Library will take to Facebook to offer a live Story Time program for preschoolers (birth – 5 years of age).  Children’s Librarian Laura Powell will read stories, lead group sing-alongs, and generally having a good time making sure our community’s little ones remain entertained and engaged during this difficult period in all of our lives.  Parents can find the library’s live Story Time at: www.facebook.com/Talbot-County-Free-Library-130124829867/

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For children and parents stuck at home thanks to COVID-19, the Talbot County Free Library has created an entire page full of links that will take parents to sites designed to keep their children entertained, distracted, and learning while they’re stuck at home.  Parents can go to the library’s webpage (www.tcfl.org), click on the “Creative Fun for Kids at Home” photo halfway down the right hand side of the page, and then choose from twenty different sites providing children with everything from live story reading and drawing events from renowned children’s author Tim Young to a museum tour of the Maryland Science Center for kids.  Parents do not need a library card to access any of these sites.

Among the offerings to be found on this page are three links to the Tumble Books Library eResource.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, TumbleBooks, a world leader in online children’s book databases, has decided to make its entire family of online libraries available free to all public libraries until at least August 31.  The Tumble Book Library is a collection of animated talking picture books, read-alongs, ebooks, quizzes, lesson plans, and educational games used by thousands of schools and public libraries in over 100 countries around the world.

To access the Tumble Books Library directly, go to http://www.tcfl.org/child/kidsathome.html, and then scroll down to the links beneath the Tumble Books Library logo at the bottom of the page.

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The director of the Talbot County Free Library, Dana Newman, announced today that, in keeping with Governor Hogan’s directive that all non-essential businesses remain closed and that we practice social distancing, the Talbot County Free Library will be closed through Sunday, April 12, with the intent of reopening on Monday, April 13.  All library programs and meeting room reservations are cancelled through the end of April.

The Library Board of Trustees has made this decision as a precautionary measure to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, with the health and safety of Talbot County residents as its primary goal.  The library is doing everything it can to mitigate any inconvenience this causes its patrons.

Based on recommendations from the state of Maryland in an effort to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, all library book-drops will be closed starting Saturday, March 28.  Patrons are asked to hold on to any items they may have, and return them when the library reopens.  Fines will not be charged while the library is closed.Delivery of inter-library loans and holds from other Eastern Shore libraries will be suspended until at least April 13.

All AARP Tax Aid appointments are cancelled for the rest of the season.

If you have a library card and internet access, you can go to http://www.tcfl.org/eresources/ and enjoy the library’s many eResources, including eBooks, streaming movies, audiobooks, music, and much more.

If you don’t already have a library card, you may sign up for a temporary card by going to http://www.tcfl.org/find/?content=getacard, and then you too can access all the library eResources listed above!

Please check the library’s website or Facebook page for updates.  You can also find updated information about Talbot County’s response to COVID-19 at http://talbotcovid19.org/

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The corona virus has a lot of us feeling a little isolated and bored at home, but the Talbot County Free Library has a solution that will open your eyes to entirely new worlds.  If you have a library card, a computer, and Wi-Fi, from the safety of your home you can access (at http://www.tcfl.org/eresources/) the eResources listed below—all of which are provided to patrons absolutely free of charge.  If you don’t already have a library card, while the library is closed you can go to the library’s website (www.tcfl.org), and get a temporary online library card by clicking on the “Find” tab in the upper right hand corner of the homepage.  This temporary card will also allow you free access to the following eResources:

Adult Learning Center.  Patrons can prepare for the High School Equivalency Test; the U.S. Citizenship Test; connect with a live expert to learn Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint; learn how to write an effective résumé, and more.

Ancestry Library Edition.  This famous, world-class genealogy search engine is normally only available on-site in the library, but while the corona virus is keeping so many of us at home, Ancestry has taken the unprecedented step of making its services available to all library card holders in the comfort and safety of their own home.

AtoZ Databases.  Find the phone number and/or address for a business or person anywhere in the United States.  And more.

BookFlix.  Children’s picture books come alive!

Brainfuse.  Live tutoring, a writing lab, meet with friends in a private virtual study room, and more.

Chilton Library.  Chilton’s renowned mechanics collection of information about automobile parts and repairs for many, many different makes and models.

Gale Courses.  An entire suite of courses and learning labs—some of which offer certification—that will teach you everything from middle school English to Microsoft Excel to how to become an accountant.

Genealogy Connect.  Yet another great genealogy eResource.

Hoopla.  Instantly borrow movies, music, eBooks, and more.  One of the library’s most popular eResources.

Kids Infobits.  Guaranteed to keep young children occupied with fun facts on a host of interesting topics.

Literary Reference Center.  Learn everything you ever wanted to know about your favorite book or author.

Mango Languages.  Learn to speak Mandarin Chinese, French, Levantine Arabic, German, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese, and more.

MasterFILE Premier.  Read full-text articles from current and back issues of more than 1,600 magazines and journals, including Consumer Reports.  Plus more.

Muzzy Club.  The world’s #1 language course for children, featuring popular animated characters, rich immersion methodology, and engaging stories, games, and exercises.

News Bank.  Access articles from current and back issues of area magazines and newspapers, including The Star Democrat, The Capital, The Dorchester Star, and The Times Record.

Novelist Plus.  Trying to find the second book in a series or a mystery written by an author whose stories are similar to John Sandford’s?  This is the eResource for you!

Overdrive/Libby.  Thousands of eBooks and audiobooks available for check out.  One of the library’s most popular eResources.

Testing and Education Reference Center.  Microsoft program tutorials; GED, SAT, and AP exam prep; scholarship search; career guidance; and more!

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Dana Newman, director of the Talbot County Free Library, announced today that while the library is closed due to the corona virus, would-be patrons can register online for a free, temporary library card that will allow them to access all the library’s free eResources (including online movies, books, magazines, courses, etc.).  The new card will be good for 60 days.  Once the library reopens, they can come in, show ID, and immediately upgrade to a regular library card that will allow them to use one of the library’s public computers, check out library materials, and give them access to the library’s multiple other services.

To acquire your free, temporary Talbot County Free Library card, go to the library’s website (www.tcfl.org), and then follow these steps:  Click on the “Find” tab in the upper right hand corner of the homepage.  In the drop-down menu that appears, click on “Get a Library Card.”  In the new page that appears, scroll down to the last paragraph, which is entitled “Online Card Registration.”  In that paragraph, click on “Register for a temporary library card.”  From there on it’s just a matter of filling in a brief form to receive your own temporary card number.

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Bill Peak

Easton Library to Host Discussion of Virginia Woolf’s “To the Lighthouse”

On Monday, March 16, at 6:30 p.m. in the Easton branch of the Talbot County Free Library, library guy Bill Peak returns to host a discussion by the Easton book group (open to all) of his all-time favorite novel, Virginia Woolf’s “To the Lighthouse.”

Eudora Welty described Woolf’s masterpiece as “at once ethereal and firm, as only a vision can be…[Woolf] has shown us the shape of the human spirit.”The New York Times called Woolf herself “the chief figure of modernism in England ….”

All library programs are free and open to the public.  Patrons do not need to pre-register to participate in this program.  For more information, please call the library at 410-822-1626, or visit www.tcfl.org.

St. Michaels Library to Offer Family Crafts

On Tuesday March 17, at 3:30 p.m., the St. Michaels branch of the Talbot County Free Library will offer a program of Irish Crafts for all ages (children 5 and under must be accompanied by an adult).  All library programs are free and open to the public.  Patrons do not need to pre-register to participate in this program.  For more information, please call the library at 410-745-5877, or visit www.tcfl.org.

Master Gardeners Host Bartlett Tree Experts at the Easton Library

On Wednesday, March 18, at 10:15 a.m., in the Easton branch of the Talbot County Free Library, Master Gardeners will play host to Bartlett Tree Experts.  The arborists will share information about common landscape diseases, pests, and problems, and how to identify them on your property.  They will also provide tips and solutions for dealing with these issues.  All library programs are free and open to the public.  Patrons do not need to pre-register to attend this program.  For more information, please call the library at 410-822-1626, or visit www.tcfl.org.

St. Michaels Library to Host Book Discussion

St. Michaels Library Book Club Series

On Wednesday, March 18, at 3:30 p.m., in the St. Michaels branch of the Talbot County Free Library, the St. Michaels Book Club (open to all) will discuss The New York Times bestseller “This is How it Always Is”by Laurie Frankel.  All library programs are free and open to the public.  Patrons do not need to pre-register to participate in this program.  For more information, please call the library at 410-745-5877, or visit www.tcfl.org.

Easton Library Lunch & Learn to Explain 3D Printing

On Tuesday, March 19, at noon, in the Easton branch of the Talbot County Free Library, library staffer Amy Wise will describe the process, technology, and uses of 3D printing.

Wise has been learning everything she can about 3D printing and Virtual Reality as a part of an Innovation grant the library received last year. She will have several printers running so that attendees can see for themselves what this amazing technology is capable of.

All library programs are free and open to the public.  Patrons do not need to pre-register to attend this program.  For more information, please call the library at 410-822-1626, or visit www.tcfl.org.

Bruce E. Mowday, Author of “Stealing Wyeth,”to Speak at Easton Library

On Thursday, March 19, at 6:00 p.m., in the Easton branch of the Talbot County Free Library, award-winning author and journalist Bruce E. Mowdaywill talk his new book, “Stealing Wyeth,” which details the theft of millions of dollars worth of paintings from the estate of the famous Brandywine artist.  Mowday’s book describes the journey the purloined paintings made through the United States, the vicious criminals that stole them, and the law enforcement team that successfully tracked down both the paintings and the crooks.All library programs are free and open to the public.  Patrons do not need to pre-register to attend this program.  For more information, please call the library at 410-822-1626, or visit www.tcfl.org.

St. Michaels Library to Host Family Unplugged Games

On Thursday, March 19, at 3:30 p.m., the St. Michaels branch of the Talbot County Free Library invites patrons to bring the whole family in to the library for an afternoon of board games and fun educational children’s games.  This program is designed for all ages, thought children 5 and under must be accompanied by an adult.All library programs are free and open to the public.  Patrons do not need to pre-register to participate in this program.  For more information, please call the library at 410-745-5877, or visit www.tcfl.org.

Create a Tree of Life Sun Catcher at the Easton Library

On Friday, March 20, from 10:30 a.m. – noon, the Easton branch of the Talbot County Free Library invites patrons to celebrate Spring with a crafts programs for adults.  Patrons will create a tree of life sun catcher.  All library programs are free and open to the public, but patrons are required to pre-register for this program by calling the library at 410-822-1626.For more information, please call the library at 410-822-1626, or visit www.tcfl.org.

Easton Library to Offer Bilingual Story Time/Hora Bilingue de Cuentos e Historias

On Saturday, March 21, at 1:30 p.m., the Easton branch of the Talbot County Free Library invites children 5 and older to come in to learn and practice Spanish and English, Español y Ingles.  Para niños de 5 añosenadelante.  All library programs are free and open to the public.  Patrons do not need to pre-register to participate in this program.  For more information, please call the library at 410-822-1626, or visit www.tcfl.org.

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The Board and staff of the Talbot County Free Library extend a warm invitation to area residents to attend an open house on Thursday, March 12, at 6:00 p.m., in the library’s St. Michael branch at 106 Fremont Street.  Dana Newman, director of the Talbot County Free Library, said of the event, “This will be a great opportunity to learn more about the St. Michaels Library Renovation and Expansion project and to share your ideas for enhancing the library building and services.  Pamela P. Gardner, architect for the feasibility study, and I will offer an update on the project and ask for your input on the proposals put forward in the initial feasibility study.”

The evening will feature a presentation of the latest architectural renderings and provide a full description of the expansion and renovation of the St. Michaels library as currently envisioned.  Refreshments will be available and there will be several drawings for gift certificates from local merchants.  The Talbot County Free Library Foundation will also offer a Silent Auction of baskets containing items donated by local businesses (with all proceeds going to the purchase of library books and other materials for the expanded library).  The auction will begin the night of the open house and run through the end of the month.

All library programs are free and open to the public.  Patrons do not need to pre-register to attend this event.  For more information, please call the library at 410-822-1626, or visit www.tcfl.org.

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Michael Rosato

Renowned Eastern Shore artist, Michael Rosato, will speak about his mural art at the St. Michaels Library on Saturday, March 7 at 1:30 p.m. He is known for his murals in Maryland and other locations in the mid-Atlantic region and elsewhere.  His most notable and most recent outdoor mural is the “Take My Hand” mural in Cambridge, MD.  The mural depicts Harriet Tubman and received world-wide attention. Other examples of his art are found locally in Dorchester county and are included in the Chesapeake Country Mural Trail.  These murals can be accessed on-line at visitdorchester.org/Chesapeake-country-mural-trail/.  More information on his public and private art can also be found at the Michael Rosato Studio website at michaelrosatostudio.com. The event is co-hosted by the Rotary Club of St. Michaels, Phillips Wharf Environmental Center, and the Talbot County Free Library, St. Michaels Branch.  Coffee and dessert will be provided. For more information, call 410-745-5877 or visit www.tcfl.org or www.rotarystm.org.

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Easton Library Continues Its Women’s Suffrage Celebration with Harriet Film

On Monday, March 2, at 6:00 p.m., in honor of the 100^th anniversary of Women’s Suffrage in America, the Easton branch of the Talbot County Free Library will continue its celebration of the 100^th anniversary of Women’s Suffrage in America with a free showing of “Harriet” on the library’s big, professional screen.  This just released feature film celebrates one of America’s greatest heroes, Harriet Tubman, whose courage and ingenuity helped free hundreds of slaves. This film is rated PG-13 and is 125 minutes in length. Mr. Donald Tinder, the Director of the Harriet Tubman Museum, will be in attendance to introduce the film and take questions afterward. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library and the Chesapeake Film Festival.  All library programs are free and open to the public.  Patrons do not need to pre-register to attend this screening.  For more information, please call the library at 410-822-1626, or visit www.tcfl.org.

Lunch & Learn Hosted at the St. Michaels Library

On Monday, March 2, noon, the St. Michaels branch of the Talbot County Free Library presents, “Reconsidering the Roles of Women on the Chesapeake”.  Women have played significant roles in the fisheries, maritime industries and communities along the Chesapeake Bay, yet their stories are often missing from the historical record and in historical narratives. Associate Curator of Collections Jen Dolde will discuss the portrayals of Chesapeake women from the CBMM collection, as captured by the lenses of well-known photographers, cultural historians, and ordinary people, and suggest new ways to interpret the place of women and other underrepresented groups place in the history of our region.

All library programs are free and open to the public.  Patrons do not need to pre-register to participate in this program.  For more information, please call the library at 410-745-5877, or visit www.tcfl.org.

Easton Library to Offer Story Time

Tuesday, February March 3, at 10:00 a.m., and repeating at 11:00 a.m., the Easton branch of the Talbot County Free Library will offer a Story Time program for children 5 and under accompanied by an adult.  All library programs are free and open to the public.  Patrons do not need to pre-register to participate in this program.  For more information, please call the library at 410-822-1626, or visit www.tcfl.org.

Easton Library to Offer Afternoon Chess for Youth 6 – 16 Years of Age

On Tuesday, March 3, at 4:30 p.m., the Easton branch of the Talbot County Free Library invites youth 6 – 16 years of age to come in to learn and play chess.  Light snacks will be served.  All library programs are free and open to the public, but patrons are asked to pre-register at http://www.tcfl.org/child/programreg/ to participate in this program.  For more information, please call the library at 410-822-1626, or visit www.tcfl.org.

Read with a Pets on Wheels Therapy Dog at the St. Michaels Library

On Tuesday, March 3, at 3:30 p.m., the St. Michaels branch of the Talbot County Free Library invites children to bring a book or choose one from the library’s shelves to read with Maggie Gowe and her dog, Wally.  All library programs are free and open to the public.  Patrons do not need to pre-register to participate in this program.  For more information, please call the library at 410-745-5877, or visit www.tcfl.org.

St. Michaels Library to Offer STEM Program

On Wednesday, March 4, at 3:30 p.m., the St. Michaels branch of the Talbot County Free Library will offer a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) program entitled “We Are Builders.”  Children 5 – 12 years of age will have the opportunity to build with Legos, Zoobs, or foam blocks.  All library programs are free and open to the public.  Patrons do not need to pre-register to participate in this program.  For more information, please call the library at 410-745-5877, or visit www.tcfl.org.

St. Michaels Library to Offer Story Time

On Wednesday, March 4, at 10:30 a.m., the St. Michaels branch of the Talbot County Free Library will hold a Story Time program for children 5 and under accompanied by an adult.  All library programs are free and open to the public.  Patrons do not need to pre-register to participate in this program.  For more information, please call the library at 410-745-5877, or visit www.tcfl.org.

Easton Library to Host Milk & Cookies…and Chapter Books!

Thursday, March 5 at 1:30 p.m., the Easton branch of the Talbot County Free Library will host a chapter book read aloud with milk and cookies for children 6 and older.    All library programs are free and open to the public.  Patrons do not need to pre-register to participate in this program.  For more information, please call the library at 410-822-1626, or visit www.tcfl.org.

Free Family Law Assistance Available at Easton Library

On Thursday, March 5, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., in the Easton branch of the Talbot County Free Library, a lawyer will be available to provide free consultation to patrons on how to represent themselves and complete forms for divorce, custody, visitation, child support, name change, guardianship, adoption, and juvenile expungement.  All library programs are free and open to the public.  Patrons do not need to pre-register to take advantage of this opportunity.  For more information, please call the library at 410-822-1626, or visit www.tcfl.org.

Master Gardener Program at Easton Library

On Thursday, March 5, 6:30 p.m., in the Easton branch of the Talbot County Free Library, we welcome Master Gardener, Maureen Rice. She will present the topic, “Annuals vs. Perennials—Which is Best for Your Garden?”  Spring is coming! Now is the time to plan for summer fun and beauty.  All library programs are free and open to the public.  Patrons do not need to pre-register to take advantage of this opportunity.  For more information, please call the library at 410-822-1626, or visit www.tcfl.org.

St. Michaels Library to Offer Adult Arts & Crafts

On Thursday, March 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the St. Michaels branch of the Talbot County Free Library will offer an adult arts and crafts program.  Free instruction will be available for knitting, beading, needlework, and tatting.  Patrons are invited to bring their coloring books, Zentangle pens, or anything else that fuels their passion for being creative.  They may also bring a lunch.  All library programs are free and open to the public.  Patrons do not need to pre-register to participate in this program.  For more information, please call the library at 410-745-5877, or visit www.tcfl.org.

St. Michaels Library to host Master Gardener Program

On Saturday, March 7, 10:00 a.m., the St. Michaels branch of the Talbot County Free Library will host Talbot County Master Gardener Missy Corley, who will explain the basic permaculture principles and then guide attendees in a garden design exercise. The concept of permaculture guides gardeners to use what nature already provides in terms of light, soil, air, water and more when planning gardening spaces.All library programs are free and open to the public.  Patrons do not need to pre-register to participate in this program.  For more information, please call the library at 410-745-5877, or visit www.tcfl.org.

St. Michaels Library to Feature Speaker

On Saturday, March 7, 1:30p.m.,the St. Michaels branch of the Talbot County Free Library will present the topic, “The Transformative Power of Public Art”. Renowned Eastern Shore artist, Michael Rosato, will speak about his mural art.  He is known for his murals in Maryland and other locations in the mid-Atlantic region and elsewhere.  His most notable and most recent outdoor mural is the “Take My Hand” mural in Cambridge, MD.  The mural depicts Harriet Tubman and received world-wide attention. Other examples of his art are found locally in Dorchester County and are included in the Chesapeake Country Mural Trail.  These murals can be accessed on-line at visitdorchester.org/Chesapeake-country-mural-trail/

The event is co-hosted by the Rotary Club of St. Michaels, Phillips Wharf Environmental Center, and the Talbot County Free Library, St. Michaels Branch.  Coffee and dessert will be provided.

All library programs are free and open to the public.  Patrons do not need to pre-register to participate in this program.  For more information, please call the library at 410-745-5877, or visit www.tcfl.org.

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There will be a Lunch & Learn at St. Michaels Library on March 2, 2020 at noon. Jenifer Dolde will discuss “Reconsidering the Roles of Women on the Chesapeake.”

Women have played significant roles in the fisheries, maritime industries and communities along the Chesapeake Bay, yet their stories are often missing from the historical record and in historical narratives. Associate Curator of Collections Jen Dolde will discuss the portrayals of Chesapeake women from the CBMM collection, as captured by the lenses of well-known photographers, cultural historians and ordinary people, and suggest new ways to interpret the place of women and other underrepresented groups place in the history of our region.

Shipwright June Wingo. Photo by Robert de Gast, CBMM Collection.

Jenifer Dolde is the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s Associate Curator of Collections, originally from Dorchester County, with family roots in the area tracing back to the late 1600s. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English and History from Washington College, and a Master of Arts in History with a certificate in Museum Studies from the University of Delaware. Before coming to CBMM, Jen worked as a curator at the Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village, and spent 20 years as a museum consultant, working with small cultural institutions throughout the Delmarva Peninsula on projects focused on exhibitions, oral histories, and collections care. She is the author of Trumpington: Three Centuries of Family and Farming in Kent County, MD, which traces one family’s connections to boatbuilding and farming. The Lunch & Learn series is sponsored by the Friends of the Library, coffee and dessert are provided. For more information, visit www.tcfl.org  or call 410-745-5877.

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