Talbot County Free Library’s St. Michaels Branch will be holding a food drive during this winter for those in need.

The Food Drive will be taking place during normal business hours on December 1 through December 21 at the St. Michaels Branch, located at 106 Fremont Street. Items that will be accepted include canned goods and non-perishable items.

The items will be given to the St. Michaels Community Center located at 103 Railroad Avenue. For St. Michaels Branch Manager Shauna Beulah, making partnerships with other local community organizations is vital during the winter.

“It is gratifying to help the community and be of service when and where we can. It is part of our mission to serve and help people enrich their lives,” said Beulah. “We have come to know our patrons and we enjoy sharing with them all that the library has to offer.”

In 2021, approximately two million Marylanders may face hunger according to Maryland Food Bank’s Maryland Hunger Map Analysis. Roughly 39 % of Maryland Households are likely to be food insecure.

In Talbot County, one in five children are food insecure and 43 % of Talbot County public school kids receive free or reduced price school meal, according to Talbot County Hunger Coalition. The St. Michaels Community Center has a vision to enhance the quality of life and serve the needs of the community through programs, partnerships, and educational activities. The St. Michaels Community Center has been helping families in need for over 30 years.

About Talbot County Free Library

It is the mission of the Talbot County Free Library to enrich and renew the lives of the people it serves. There are two locations: The main library in Easton is located at 100 W. Dover St.; and the St. Michael branch is at 106 Fremont St. The Maryland Room in the Easton branch holds a voluminous collection of genealogical resources and historical documents. Services at both locations include the circulation of books, DVDs, and digital devices, as well as free Wi-Fi, public computers, exhibits, and programs for both children and adults. For more information, please visit www.tcfl.org. Be sure to like the library on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @Talbotcountyfreelibrary.

The Talbot County Free Library invites local residents and patrons to fill out the new Library Facilities Survey, which seeks input on a variety of topics, including what services and resources will be needed in the future.

Those interested in taking the survey can take it on the website at TCFL.org or stop by either the Easton or St. Michaels branch to express their opinions on paper. The survey will be offered in English and Spanish.

Participants will have the opportunity to determine the importance of various services, features, and spaces that might be included in any future expansion. The deadline for completing the survey is Saturday, Nov. 6. The survey is designed to make sure the library knows precisely what services the people of Talbot County would like to see their library offer.

“We really want to have all of our users take the survey, as it asks the public to tell us how they currently use the library and what services, resources and amenities are important to them to have at both the Easton and St. Michaels Library buildings,” said Dana Newman, Talbot County Free Library director.

The library will be using the data collected from the survey to apply for grant funding to make building improvements to both branches. During the design phase of the St. Michaels Library expansion and renovation, the Talbot County Free Library will use the data to help determine which amenities and features should be included in the new library.

“This information is especially important as it will help us with plans for the expansion of the St. Michaels Library in the next few years,” Newman said.

About Talbot County Free Library

It is the mission of the Talbot County Free Library to enrich and renew the lives of the people it serves. There are two locations: The main library in Easton is located at 100 W. Dover St., and the St. Michael branch is at 106 Fremont St. The Maryland Room in the Easton branch holds a voluminous collection of genealogical resources and historical documents. Services at both locations include the circulation of books, DVDs, and digital devices, as well as free Wi-Fi, public computers, exhibits, and programs for both children and adults. For more information, please visit www.tcfl.org. Be sure to like the library on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @Talbotcountyfreelibrary.

The Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center and the Talbot County Free Library hosted “Nuestras Raíces (Our Roots)” book discussion and reception on Wednesday, October, 20.

“As many other places, we are a piece of the diversity that makes this country unique. We have families, that are a big presence in labor force and the schools,” said Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center Hispanic Outreach Coordinator Victoria Gomez Lozano. “We can learn from each other when we listen to our voices. We are part of this community.”

An estimated 50 people in attendance had the opportunity to listen to the story of Veronica Ranero Paz and Estela Vianey Ramirez Ulloa. Both women wrote a book that recounts their life from their homeland to their journey to Easton, Maryland. The illustrations were made by their family members.

Speakers at the event also included Mayor Robert Willey and Talbot County Council Vice-President Pete Lesher. During the event, Mayor Willey discussed the importance of hearing the unique stories of Talbot County.

“It is most important that the Town government hears from all of its citizens regardless of race or ethnic background,” said Easton Mayor Robert Willey. “We try to make government as approachable as possible for everyone and invite comments from each and everyone. People need to know that Town officials are not everywhere and do not see everything, so their opinions count and they are most welcome.”

Ranero Paz’s book, “The Pieces of My Heart,” tells the story of a woman who went through challenges and triumphs from her roots in Guatemala to Easton. Her faith and determination to keep moving forward kept her family together. Illustrations were created by her grandson José, which added an emotional touch to this compelling story.

Ramirez Ulloa’s book, “Because of Mommy Tomi,” is an ode to the most important woman in her life: her grandmother. This story tells the captivating bond between a grandmother and her granddaughter. Through ultimate sacrifice, her grandmother protected and raised her in urban Honduras. The author’s two daughters illustrated this story of affection and devotion that has been passed down through the family.

The inspiration to bring these stories to life came from Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center Volunteer Angeline Sturgis. After moving to the Eastern Shore from New Jersey, Sturgis decided to volunteer with the organization after learning about their services to non-English speaking residents in the area.

Once she asked if there would be interest in hearing immigrant stories, both Lozano and Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center Executive Director Matthew Peters were on board. During the process, they also received a small grant from the Talbot Arts Council.

“This is just one way to highlight the different voices in our community and make sure that we are helping to give a voice to the Hispanic/Latino population in Easton,” said Talbot County Free Library Director Dana Newman. “When we hear about each other’s experiences, we open the door wider to being more inclusive and having a better understanding of other cultures.”

“The Pieces of My Heart,” and “Because of Mommy Tomi,” will be available for check-out at both branches of the Talbot County Free Library.

About Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center

The Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center empowers people from different cultures to become successful and engaged members of our community. It is open to all community members and provides quality information and referral services for recent immigrants on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. We offer assistance with Immigration, Family Support, Driver’s Licenses, Legal referrals, Employment, English (ESL) classes, consultancy, Medicaid/Insurance, Translation and Interpretation. Our Normal Hours of Operation are Monday through Friday from 9 am to 6 pm. For more information, call 1-877-772-9832.

About Talbot County Free Library

The Talbot County Free Library (TCFL) has been a fundamental center for knowledge through books and digital devices that is offered to locals and visitors alike. There are two locations: The main library in Easton is located at 100 W. Dover St.; and the St. Michael branch is at, 106 Fremont St. You can find the Maryland Room in the Easton location that holds a voluminous collection of genealogical resources and historical documents. Services both locations offer include free Wi-Fi, special talks, exhibits, and programs for adults and children. For more information, visit ww.tcfl.org. Be sure to like the library on Facebook and follow on Instagram @Talbotcountyfreelibrary.

Troika Gallery Owner/Portrait Artist Laura Era stopped by the Talbot County Free Library on Wednesday to unveil her new Anna Murray Douglass portrait that she has given to the Easton branch.

Anna Murray Douglass was the first wife of Frederick Douglass, helped him escape slavery, and supported his work as an abolitionist for over 44 years. Era also painted and donated a portrait of Frederick Douglass to the library as a part of last year’s Frederick Douglass Day.

For her newest portrait, Era discovered inspiration from a black and white photograph of Anna Murray Douglass, which she described as being a perfect complement to her portrait of Frederick Douglass. Although the photograph was in black and white, Era found this to be an opportunity to create a unique portrait using colors like teal, blue and gray.

“I was truly honored to paint both of these extremely notable Americans, and we thought it was so appropriate that he needed his first wife to join him in the Frederick Douglass room,” said Era. “I found out when reading about Anna, that she was extremely important to him and his success. She represents a foundation and backbone to Frederick.”

Era knew she wanted to create a portrait that truly represents history tying into the roots of the Tri-county area. She started the portrait in April and managed to complete it by early September, in time for Frederick Douglass Day, which will take place on Saturday, September 25.

The Frederick Douglass Honor Society, in partnership with the Talbot County Free Library, The Town of Easton, Talbot County Government, and other partners will hold a virtual celebration on that day to honor Frederick Douglass. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Era unveiling the Anna Murray Douglass portrait at 11 a.m.

“I would like to thank Laura Era for this wonderful portrait that serves as a reminder to all that will see it at the Easton library of everything Anna Murray Douglass did, from helping Frederick Douglass to escape from slavery to the support she gave his abolitionist work throughout her life,” said Talbot County Free Library Director Dana Newman.

About Talbot County Free Library

The Talbot County Free Library (TCFL) has been a fundamental center for knowledge through books and digital devices that is offered to locals and visitors alike. There are two locations: The main library in Easton is located at 100 W. Dover St., and the St. Michael branch is at, 106 Fremont St. You can find the Maryland Room in the Easton location. It holds a voluminous collection of genealogical resources and historical documents. Services both locations offer include free Wi-Fi, special talks, exhibits, and programs for adults and children. For more information, visit ww.tcfl.org. Be sure to like the library on Facebook and follow on Instagram @Talbotcountyfreelibrary.

Talbot County Free Library (TCFL) announced the winners of the Summer Reading 2021: Tails and Tales! children and adult programs, putting a bookend to the season.

The winners of the children summer reading program are Abigail Dethmers (7 years old), Jaxson Guth (9 years old), Milo Perry (4 years old), Clark McMullen (7 years old), Kylee Smith (11 years old) and Ada Speleos (8 years old). The winners had their choice of winning either a $50 to Amazon or Crackerjacks Toys in Easton.

“I sincerely hope that participants had a good time with the summer reading program and enjoyed the fun activities,” said Laura Powell, senior youth services librarian. “Summer is a great time to get into the books you want to read because it cultivates empathy, and brings about an increased awareness of our shared human experiences, which alleviates feelings of isolation.”

The adult summer reading program winners are Joan Grumbach (Easton), William England (St. Michaels), and Melissa Baltz (Beanstack). The three winners received a $50 gift card to Target for participating in the program.

Over 1,300 people participated in the program that took place from June 1 through July 31. During both summer programs, children and adults logged in each book that was read into the Beanstack website/app, and received badges in the process. Participants filled out an entry form for every book they read.

Photo: Joan Grumbach and Sabine Simonson Photo: Joan Grumbach (Left) was presented with $50 gift card to Target for her participation in the Summer Reading 2021: Tails and Tales! Adult Program by TCFL Outreach Services/Volunteer Coordinator Sabine Simonson (Right).

“With almost 800 (adult) participants in this year’s program, I would say this was the most successful (year) we have ever had,” said TCFL Outreach Services/Volunteer Coordinator Sabine Simonson.

All libraries throughout the state of Maryland have strived to foster a love of reading for all ages with their summer reading programs. Over 500,000 Maryland Residents participated in library summer programming in 2019, according to the Maryland State Library.

In order for adult participants to continue their strides in reading, the Talbot County Free Library invites you to stop by our Easton or St. Michaels location to check out this year’s One Maryland One Book: The Book of Delights: Essays By Ross Gay. The book is a collection of lyrical essays in which Gay wrote one essay per day over a unique year, and took the time to find “delights” in his everyday life.

Patrons can then join Library Guy Bill Peak via Zoom for the Easton Book Group’s Zoom discussion on Monday, Sept. 20 at 6:30 p.m.

There are also upcoming events for children to enjoy including the Outdoor Story Time! taking place on Tuesday, September 21 at the Easton location; and Wednesday, September 22 at the St. Michael’s location.

Stop by one of the library’s locations, or visit www.tcfl.org for more information about programs, services, and upcoming events.

About Talbot County Free Library

The Talbot County Free Library (TCFL) has been a fundamental center for knowledge through books and digital devices that is offered to locals and visitors alike. There are two locations: The main library in Easton is located at 100 W. Dover St.; and the St. Michael branch is at, 106 Fremont St. You can find the Maryland Room in the Easton location that holds a voluminous collection of genealogical resources and historical documents. Services both locations offer include free Wi-Fi, special talks, exhibits, and programs for adults and children. For more information, visit ww.tcfl.org. Be sure to like the library on Facebook and follow on Instagram @Talbotcountyfreelibrary.

Talbot County Free Library (TCFL) would like to invite the community to attend various family-friendly events that will highlight Hispanic Heritage Month.

TCFL will be joined alongside Easton Downtown, Easton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC),  the Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center (ChesMRC), the Avalon Theatre,  Talbot Arts Council, and the Academy Art Museum to celebrate the festivities.  Hispanic Heritage Month takes place from September 15 to October 15. During this time, TCFL will be celebrating the history, cultures, and accomplishments of Latinos in the United States.

“This year, Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the theme: ‘Esperanza: A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage and Hope.’  The library is a place where people learn about, experience, and celebrate other cultures,” said Dana Newman, Talbot County Free Library director.

Newman added “Organizations in the community have come together to provide a rich schedule of programs that are a part of this month’s Hispanic Heritage observance. We invite people to reflect on the 2021 theme of hope and resilience, and find inspiration in the experiences and stories that will be shared.”

The U.S. Census Bureau notes Latino Americans have become the nation’s largest minority group with an estimated 60.5 million Latinos currently living in the United States.

Here are some events visitors and local residents should plan on attending:

Poster Art: Exhibition and Awards— Thursday, September 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Academy Art Museum, 106 South Street.

Outdoor Movie Night: The Book of Life— Friday, September 17 from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at The Park at 17 East Dover Street.

Outdoor Festival at Culture Crossing— Saturday, September 18 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Rails to Trails. At this event, patrons can enjoy music by Los Compas del Rancho, Grupo Gitano, and Pasión Musical. There will also be food from Asbury UM Church, Camino de Fe Church, tacos from Belen Food Truck, and popsicles from Paletas Heladas Veracruz.

Family Art Day Crafts and Art Making— Saturday, September 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Academy Art Museum, 106 South Street.

Outdoor Storytelling & Book Event— Friday, September 24 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The Stoltz Pavilion, 218 N. Washington St. Three local Latin American families from Nuestras Raíces (Our Roots) will be presenting their journey from their homeland to Easton, Maryland. Javier Bustamante, director of the Center for Cultural Engagement for the Catholic University of America, will be the keynote speaker and a live performance will be provided by Tori Gomez.

For Tickets, visit https://tickets.avalontheatre.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=1309

“There is a lot of diversity in this county, so we have a little bit of everything including having an opportunity to have different businesses including stores and restaurants. Our presence, our culture, and our traditions give a lot to our community,” said Victoria Gomez Lozano, ChesMRC Hispanic Outreach coordinator.

Lozano went further to say that the nation as a whole has embraced the Hispanic culture.

“The fact that the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and other holidays including Cinco De Mayo says a great deal,” Lozano said. “We would like for the community to come and join us and have fun. Have a little piece of our culture either with food, music, dancing and art, so please join us and celebrate.”

The TCFL also offers an extensive collection of books, audiobooks, and DVDs that embrace Hispanic Heritage Month that are all ready to be checked out at both Easton and St. Michaels libraries. For more information, stop by one of the locations or visit www.tcfl.org.

About Talbot County Free Library

The Talbot County Free Library (TCFL) has been a fundamental center for knowledge through books and digital devices that is offered to locals and visitors alike. There are two locations: The main library in Easton is located at 100 W. Dover St.; and the St. Michael branch is at, 106 Fremont St. You can find the Maryland Room in the Easton location that holds a voluminous collection of genealogical resources and historical documents. Services both locations offer include free Wi-Fi, special talks, exhibits, and programs for adults and children. For more information, visit ww.tcfl.org. Be sure to like the library on Facebook and follow on Instagram @Talbotcountyfreelibrary.

On Saturday, August 21, from 11a.m. to 1 p.m., the Talbot County Free Library and community partners will celebrate Be My Neighbor Day featuring Daniel Tiger. Catch the beloved tiger for a guest appearance throughout the day. Bring the family for a celebration of kindness and what it means to be a caring neighbor.No registration is required.

Be My Neighbor Day is made possible with support from PNC’s Grow Up Great Initiative and Fred Rogers Productions. Other partners include Maryland Public Television, Imagination Library of Talbot County, Talbot County Judy Center, Leaders of Tomorrow Youth Center, Talbot County Public School’s Early Literacy team, and Rita’s Ice.  There will crafts-to-go, giveaways, and free Italian ice.

COVID restrictions will be in place with social distancing and masks required for all adults and children over the age of two.

All Talbot County Free Library programs are free and open to the public. More information can be found at tcfl.org or by calling 410-822-1626.

Author Bryan Christy, Thursday, July 1st at 1:00 pm at St. Michaels Library.

Bryan Christy is an American author and an internationally recognized investigative journalist. He founded National Geographic’s Special Investigations Unit and was named National Geographic Society’s Rolex Explorer of the Year. For its 125th Anniversary, the National Geographic Society declared his work “one of ten ways National Geographic has changed the world.”

His debut novel IN THE COMPANY OF KILLERS is a story that pits one man against some of the most powerful forces operating in the world today. Bryan will talk about his adventures as a journalist, what it means to be a true explorer, and how stories can be used to better the world. Like George Orwell, Upton Sinclair, and John LeCarre, Bryan’s writing is both adventure story and social witness, exploring both international espionage and individual obligation. A Washington, DC lawyer and CPA turned writer, he has written about rare coin smuggling, terrorism in Central Africa, and trafficking in ivory and rhino horn. His work has led to police raids on Vatican City, the defrocking of a pedophile monsignor, the arrest of “the Pablo Escobar of Wildlife Trafficking,” and the closure of China’s ivory market, saving tens of thousands of African elephants.

He has been featured in two award-winning documentary films and has appeared on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, CNN, the BBC, ABC News, MSNBC, and many other networks. For his work as presenter in the film Warlords of Ivory, Christy won a Wildscreen Panda Award, the wildlife film industry’s top prize. His non-fiction book THE LIZARD KING, Hachette/Twelve) is currently being adapted into a film (A24 Films).

Christy and his wife Jennifer, a painter moved to the Eastern Shore in October. They left their home in the Catskill mountains, exchanging one place of extraordinary beauty for another. The Eastern Shore is a wonderful place for them both to create. They spend their time with their dogs and family and doing a lot of kayaking. For more information, visit www.tcfl.org or call 410-745-5877.Christy’s website: www.bryanchristy.com.

Saturday, June 12, will mark the 6^th Annual Chesapeake Children’s Book Festival (CCBF), a hybrid event with some programming being held outdoors on the library lawn from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. and some being offered virtually. Headlining this year’s Festival is awarding winning children’s author and illustrator Bryan Collier, a Pocomoke, Maryland native. Collier will make two live presentations at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. with attendance limited to 100 people on a first-come, first-served basis. The event will be recorded and live streamed via Facebook. In case of rain, the program will be entirely virtual.

Thanks to lead sponsor Flying Cloud Booksellers, a Bluepoint Hospitality property, children ages birth – 18 who sign up for the library’s Summer Reading Challenge will receive a voucher valued at $20 for a free book of their choice and a Flying Cloud Booksellers tote bag, redeemable at Flying Cloud Booksellers while supplies last. Participants will also receive a Bluepoint goodie bag with a bookmark, treat coupons, and other fun items. To register for the Summer Reading Challenge, go to tcfl.beanstack.org or visit the library beginning May 15. The library will also help children register during the upcoming Community Day, May 15. Once registered, vouchers can be picked at the library during regular operating hours.

Books authored and/or illustrated by Collier include We Shall Overcome; Fifty Cents and a Dream: Young Booker T. Washington; All Because You Matter; By and By: Charles Albert Tindley, the Father of Gospel Music; Hey Black Child; 5 O’Clock Band; Thurgood; The Watcher; Clemente!; Rosa; Dave the Potter; Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; I Too Am America; and Uptown. Collier’s unique style of illustration often combines both watercolor and collage.

During the week leading up to the Festival, a different author will read each night via Facebook Live. Others will read via Facebook Live on Saturday, June 12, between Collier’s presentations. Some of those authors include David LaRochelle, Carole Boston Weatherford, Ann Brashares, ThrityUmrigar, Tracy Baptiste, Cozbi Cabrera, and Lisa Yee.

Other sponsors of this year’s Book Festival include Maryland Public Television, Talbot County Council, the Talbot County Arts Council with funds from the Maryland State Arts Council, The Talbot County Free Library Foundation, and Friends of the Library.

“We are excited that this year’s festival can be held in person with the appropriate safety protocols in place for masking and social distancing,” said TCFL Director Dana Newman.“I’d especially like to thank Timothy Young for pulling together a stellar lineup of children’s authors to share with our community and our sponsors for their generous support.”

For more details about the Chesapeake Children’s Book Festival including a complete list of authors and the reading schedule, visit chesapeakechildrensbookfestival.com, call the Talbot County Free Library at 410-822-1626, or email askus@tcfl.org.