Talbot County Free Library and Talbot Family Network announced a partnership for the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Book Club starting in January.

This new book club was designed for those who seek to engage in conversations that focus on Diversity, Equity, and Social Issues. The first meeting will take place on Thursday, January 13, 2022 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. via Zoom. All book club meetings will take place on the second Thursday of every month from January through May. Interested readers are encouraged to register for the first meeting at www.tcfl.org.

“The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Book Club was something that the library as well as Talbot Family Network wanted to do for almost a year now,” said Talbot County Free Library Communications Manager Christina Acosta. “This was an opportunity for the community to come together and discuss inclusion and diversity from different viewpoints and different locations. It was important for us to cover the history, present, and future.”

Community members are welcome to attend any of the sessions and will not be required to register for the whole series. For Talbot Family Network Executive Director Nancy Andrew, this book club will highlight the challenging topics to work through, with “constructive conversation.”

“Equity and diversity can be challenging topics on their own. Personal stories and reading can provide a means through which to have a constructive conversation. Hopefully, with practice, it becomes more comfortable to talk with others in our community about these issues,” said Andrew. “My hope is to learn more about the lived experience of others.”

The list of dates and books includes “House on Mango Street,” by Sandra Cisneros on January 13, 2022; “We Are Not Like Them,” by Christine Pride on February 10, 2022; “When They Call You A Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir,” by Patrisse Kahn-Cullors and Asha Bandele on March 10, 2022; “Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor,” by Layla F. Saad on April 14, 2022; and “A Place for Us,” by Fatima Farheen Mirza on May 12, 2022.

Selecting the titles for this book was a collaborative process that included the Talbot County Free Library Staff, Talbot Family Network, and Mid Shore Scholars College Success Manager Allyson DeMaagd, who holds a PhD in literature. They aimed to include stories with writers and characters from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

“The books we’ve chosen for this round of readings feature writers and characters who are Latinx, queer, African American, and/or Muslim, as well as people who experience mental health issues,” said DeMaagd.

DeMaagd, who most recently taught at Ball State University, continued by stating that as a teacher, she felt it was her responsibility to center the voices of marginalized writers.

“In my literature classes, my students and I discussed how privilege, implicit bias, systematic racism, homophobia, sexism, ableism help uphold the status quo. We also discussed how writers reify, question, and challenge these oppressive forces and how that can lead to real cultural change,” said DeMaagd. “I bring these same goals and spirit of collaboration to my facilitation of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Book Club in Talbot County. I look forward to sharing and learning with the community.”

For more information, visit www.tcfl.org or call (410) 822-1626.

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.

Talbot County Free Library has recently announced that both branches will now be offering a limited number of WiFi hotspots with a longer loan period.

Library card holders will be able to borrow the extended loan hotspot for four weeks and renew it once if needed. The WiFi Hotspot is a small portable device that enables users to connect their laptops, Chromebooks, smartphones, tablets, and other WiFi enabled devices to the internet through local cellular networks.

Thanks to funding from the Emergency Connectivity Fund, internet connectivity will now be available to those in the community who otherwise would have to go without access to equipment or services.

“The Emergency Connectivity Fund made it possible for the library to purchase 50 WiFi hotspots to circulate to patrons that do not have a reliable internet connection so that they will be able to access vital government and community information, library resources, employment opportunities, and current health information,” said Talbot County Free Library Director Dana Newman. “The library has a long history of providing the community with equitable access and training on the use of the internet.”

Each WiFi hotspot uses the Verizon cellular network; and each kit contains a hotspot device, Micro USB cable, adapter, and instructions on how to set it up.  Kajeet is the vendor providing the hotspots, and the Talbot County Free Library staff will assist patrons who need help placing a hold on one of the hotspots.

“The pandemic has made it even more clear that access to the Internet is not a luxury, but is essential for all to have regular and reliable access to complete everyday tasks such as applying for a job, paying bills, making a doctor’s appointment, completing work assignments and research, doing homework, and communicating with family and friends,” said Newman. “The library will continue to look for ways to help residents have easily available access to information on the Internet, and through library eResources.”

For more information about the WiFi Hotspots, schedule an appointment through email at askus@tcfl.org, or call the Easton branch at (410) 822-1626 or St. Michaels branch at (410) 745-5877.

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 recently welcomed one new board of trustees member and two new Talbot County Free Library Foundation members to participate in planning the future of the library.

John Watters and Amanda David are officially members of the Library Foundation, which supports the library’s strategic initiatives to play a vital role in the public education system and community.

David will be joining the foundation in 2022. She is a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones, and she aims to “steward the responsibilities and goals set before the board and to be as impactful as possible.”

“The Talbot County Free Library is an important and special place in Talbot County. It provides programs, education, a safe space to be creative and use imagination, and reach through the community that is extensive,” David said. “The library serves as an intricate part of our community and an essential participant in making the community better.”

The Library Foundation also facilitates fundraising efforts for projects including purchasing materials for the Maryland Room, library collections, supporting innovative programming, and enhancing building renovation projects. Watters joined the foundation in October, and knew he wanted to be a part of it because he would like to “contribute to the preservation and oversight of the foundation processes and asset management.”

“The importance of the Foundation and its financial support of the Library cannot be overstated.  Over a century ago, Andrew Carnegie described the institution perfectly: ‘A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people. It is a never failing spring in the desert,’” Watters said. “This is even more true now as the Talbot County Free Library embraces a bewildering array of learning options in today’s non-print world.”

The duties of the board of trustees include developing library policy, establishing rules and regulations for the operation of the library, and approving the library’s annual operating and capital outlay budget request and allocation.

Marlene Thomas is the Site Director at Critchlow Adkins Children’s Center and is now the newest member of the board of trustees. She joined the Board in June and her goals are to observe, “Volunteer opportunities offered through the Talbot County Free Library and be involved in the St. Michaels expansion and renovation.”

“The public would be very surprised and pleased about the Strategic direction, programming, outreach, and partnerships that are a part of their mission as they strive to meet the needs of everyone in our community,” Thomas 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.

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.