Talbot County Free Library announced recently that Darlene Goehringer, of Pops Old Place, will be the guest speaker of June’s Lunch & Learn taking place on Monday, June 5 at noon at the St. Michaels Branch.

Pop’s Old Place is a Century Family Farm, located in Dorchester County Maryland. This Midshore family farm has been around since 1909.

Darlene and her husband Arthur Wilson have been the owners since 1989. Their stated goal is to produce nutritious and delicious food for their family, and the community. They also focus on soil health, animal welfare and environmental stewardship.

They raise grass fed & finished beef, lamb, woodland pork, and free-range laying hens. They sell their products directly from their farm market. Darlene and Arthur have a different approach to farming in that they raise heritage breeds, not hybridized.

Darlene wanted animals that were actively farmed in the early 1900s when her ancestors were farming. Many of the breeds they raise are endangered, including Randall Cattle and Mulefoot Pigs.

The duo started out small with horses and added as they went, including a sheep and sheep dog.

Pop’s Old Place is a purpose driven farm. Darlene will share a documentary about Pops Old Place about the farm that was done with David Harp, Tom Horton and Richard Anderson.

For more information about the farm visit the website https://popsoldplace.com/. The Lunch & Learn Speakers series is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Coffee and dessert will be provided. For more information, visit www.tcfl.org  or call 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at 106 Fremont St. The Maryland Room in the Easton branch holds a voluminous collection of genealogical resources and historical documents.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, digital devices, free Wi-Fi, public computers, exhibits, and programs for both children and adults. Many of the Talbot County Free Library’s programs are made possible by the generous support of the local community. 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 (TCFL) and the Talbot County Hunger Coalition will be presenting “The Hunger Crisis in Talbot County” program on Thursday, May 25 at 6 p.m. at the Easton Library.

This program will be a panel discussion with speakers representing the various pantries and meal providers in Talbot County and how they are handling the increasing challenge of hunger in our own backyard. Panelists include:

· Emily Moody and newly-elected Easton Mayor, Megan Cook, will represent CarePacks that makes sure over 300 children in the public schools have backpacks of food to take home over the weekend, supplementing the schools’ free and reduced meals.

· Kate Mansfield will represent St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry, one of the biggest, if not the biggest, and probably the oldest of food pantries in Talbot.

· Gary Yeatman will represent St. Mark’s Food Pantry that sprang up during the pandemic as a temporary pantry and then morphed into a full-time food pantry now serving 65 families or 163 people a week, mainly seniors.

· Patrick Rofe will represent St. Michaels Community Center, which has an active food pantry, but he will speaking about the meals they serve the community and their plans to expand that operation.

· Catherine Poe will represent the Hunger Coalition.

“According to the Talbot County Hunger Coalition, 11% of our neighbors are food insecure (hungry) and 15% children are food insecure. There are 17% of our children living below the poverty line; 61% of our children participating in free or reduced school meals; 6% of our seniors living below the poverty line; and 12% of our resident relying on SNAP”

“Hunger doesn’t discriminate. It afflicts the young and the old, black and white, the employed and the unemployed. It is the refrigerator standing empty at the end of the month except for last night’s rice and beans. It is the child who fills up on potato chips because it is a cheap meal. It is the senior citizen whose Social Security checks don’t stretch to pay for one more grocery trip that month,” said Poe.

During the program, the panelists will address the major issue of hunger confronting Talbot County and what more can be done. All Talbot County Free Library Programs are free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.tcfl.org.

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. Many of the Talbot County Free Library’s programs are made possible by the generous support of the local community.  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 (TCFL) invites the community to stop by the Easton library to save a life on Friday, June 2, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

All one has to do is register online at https://tinyurl.com/5973rmxn and find the right time that suits their schedule. The first 30 people who register will receive a free tote and a book buck they can use at the library.

“Donating blood during this crucial time is a good way to not only kickoff the summer season, but to also save lives to those in need,” said Christina Acosta, Talbot County Free Library Communications Manager. “We are very thrilled to host it at the library because we offer more than just books. We offer resources, events, and now our second blood drive.”

Last year, TCFL hosted a STEM Blood Drive at the Easton Library where over 59 units of blood were collected, which helped up to 177 people. It was all made possible with the help of The Blood Bank of Delmarva, who successfully facilitated the event for four hours.

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. Many of the Talbot County Free Library’s programs are made possible by the generous support of the local community. For more information, please visit www.tcfl.org. Be sure to like the library on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @Talbotcountyfreelibrary.

The board of trustees of the Talbot County Free Library (TCFL) has recently welcomed three new members this month to enhance the future of the library.

“Our newest members are committed to and share the values of our library and understand the important role TCFL plays in our community. This includes offering programs, services, resources, and education to every resident,” said TCFL Board President Susan Sherman. “We are fortunate to have them join our Board and look forward to working with them.”

Sue Regier moved to Easton in July 2020. She completed a bachelor’s degree in literature and creative writing from Vermont College.

Regier has worked for a small non-profit, Quechua Benefit, and traveled to Peru to help establish a small private boarding school for Quechua children living in the Altiplano who were too far from public school to receive education. As education director, she developed a new curriculum based on project learning, to learn how to use STEM for actual. She also implemented a reading program to bring the children to the national skill level and stocked the small campus library with reading and learning materials.

Mary Pellicano holds a master’s degree in library science from Syracuse University, and a bachelor’s degree in English from State University of New York at Stony Brook. Pellicano retired as school library media specialist in Loudoun County, VA public schools.

Her position also involved collaboration with teachers in curriculum planning and delivery, advocating for library programs, coordinating special events such as book fairs, grant writing, and assisting students in selection of materials and resources. Pellicano has also served as a church librarian and trustee for the nine branches of the Loudoun County Public Library.

Becky Amaral currently works as school librarian for the Country School and teaches 2nd to 4^th grade library classes. She is also a middle school English teacher, curriculum coordinator and technology instructor.  Amaral earned her bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from St. John’s College in Santa Fe and her master’s degree in English from Smith College in Massachusetts. She has volunteered with Talbot Optimists, served as a liaison with the Avalon Foundation, and worked with various aspects of AIMS (the Association of Independent Schools of Maryland) that included reviewing schools for accreditation and planning annual and single-day workshops for teachers.

L-R: Sue Regier, Mary Pellicano, and Becky Amaral.

Our newest members are committed to and share the values of our library, an integral part of our community that provides education, information and recreation for all of our residents.

Additional information about the Talbot County Free Library and a full list of current trustees is available by visiting tcfl.org, emailing askus@tcfl.org, or by calling 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. Many of the Talbot County Free Library’s programs are made possible by the generous support of the local community.  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 invites the community to celebrate Mother’s Day with us and enjoy DC folk duo and 2021 Whammie winners, The Sweater Set.

The family concert will be taking place on Saturday, May 13, 10:30 a.m. at the Easton Library. There will also be a Ukulele strum along/sing along for the Grand Finale, and the library invites you to bring your instrument and join us.

“Join two of the coolest, hottest, totally in-touch and effervescently talented multi-instrumentalists – Maureen Andary and Sara Curtin of the beloved DC band the Sweater Set.”  Nina Goodman, DC Music review.

The Sweater Set

After the performance, guests will have the opportunity to participate in a craft activity: Make a card for Mother’s Day!

This performance is supported in part by the Maryland State Arts Council and is presented in partnership with Carpe Diem Arts. All library programs are free and open to the public, and no registration is required. For more information, visit www.tcfl.org

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. Many of the Talbot County Free Library’s programs are made possible by the generous support of the local community. For more information, please visit www.tcfl.org. Be sure to like the library on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @Talbotcountyfreelibrary.

Peter Anthony Andrews

Former Vice-President of NBC Entertainment Peter Anthony Andrews will be speaking at the St Michaels branch on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 11:00 am.

Andrews is one of the most storied executives in the history of the film and television industry—having served as Vice President of Primetime Programming at NBC, Senior Vice President at Columbia Pictures, and Executive Vice President at MGM Studios. His career began with Harry Belafonte Enterprises as a writer/producer.

He was later hired by NBC and became the Vice President of NBC Entertainment. During his seven-year tenure, he developed programming that resulted in numerous Emmy-Award winning hits and some of the network’s most memorable shows-including Little House on the Prairie, Columbo, Quincy, CHiPs, Policewoman, Rockford Files, and Chico and the Man.

Andrews went on to work at Columbia Pictures and MGM, where he was responsible for overseeing all network television production and distribution. He also served as Production Consultant on the Civil War epic, Glory, starring Denzel Washington (in his first Oscar-winning role), Matthew Broderick, and Morgan Freeman.

He is the founder and former director of the Warner Bros. Writers’ Workshop (formerly the WB Women and Minority Writers’ Workshop), the longest running and most successful workshop for writers in Hollywood history. He has been an Adjunct Professor of Drama at Yale University and the University of Southern California and has been a Guest Lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard University, and the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada. He was educated at the University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business and Yale Drama school.

Andrews remains dedicated to opening doors in the entertainment industry to historically underrepresented groups. He is currently working with college professor and producer Justin Brewer on the Television Immersion Program—which will give a diverse group of students the opportunity to intern on a TV series, shadow the practitioner of a “below the line” production role, learn their craft, receive their first screen credit in that discipline before the end of the season, and ultimately put them on the path to IATSE membership.

He is finishing his first novel, a murder mystery entitled Harlem’s Chosen Crew. All TCFL programs are free and open to the public. For more information, call (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, digital devices, free Wi-Fi, public computers, exhibits, and programs for both children and adults. Many of the Talbot County Free Library’s programs are made possible by the generous support of the local community. 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 wants the community’s input for the St. Michaels Branch renovation on Thursday, May 4 at 6:00 p.m.

It will take place in the St. Michaels Branch with wine and refreshments.  The new design will preserve the park-like setting in which the St. Michaels Library Branch Manager Shauna Beulah said is something in demand by the public.

“Comments from our community have been very positive.  They are excited about the proposed new spaces, the larger meeting room and quiet study rooms,” said Beulah.

The new library will feature an expanded teen and children’s areas, a larger meeting room, the addition of two study rooms, and added space for new library materials. The project will also correct the deteriorating infrastructure and outdated mechanical and lighting systems.

“Residents and visitors of St. Michaels and the Bay Hundred can look forward to a newly renovated and expanded 21st century library that will be an amazing place that focuses on exploration and innovation,” said Dana Newman, Talbot County Free Library Director. “Library staff and the architect team are eager to capture the community’s input in order to create spaces that really capture what patrons want and need from the St. Michaels Library.”

The capital campaign for the St. Michaels expansion began in 2022. The year 2023 includes developing the design for the new library including holding several meetings with the public to capture their feedback in the next few months.

In 2025, the grand opening for the newly renovated and expanded St. Michaels branch will take place, in time for TCFL’s 100^th anniversary. Construction is expected to begin in 2024.

The Friends of the Talbot County Free Library and the Talbot County Free Library Foundation are both currently raising funds for new library materials, furnishings, and technology upgrades for the expansion of the St. Michaels Branch.

All library programs are free and open to the public. For more information on the St. Michaels branch expansion or to donate online, visit www.tcfl.org, or call (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. Many of the Talbot County Free Library’s programs are made possible by the generous support of the local community.  For more information, please visit www.tcfl.org. Be sure to like the library on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @Talbotcountyfreelibrary.

Chef Jordan Lloyd

Chef Jordan Lloyd will be the guest speaker for the May Lunch & Learn series at the St. Michaels branch on Monday, May 1^st at noon.

Lloyd will be speaking about his history and passion for his native region, Talbot County. Coming from a family of watermen and the farms, the foundational passion for his surroundings began in his youth and pushed him to become a community food leader.

After training with the best chefs and hospitality professionals in the country, Lloyd decided to come home and make a difference in the community. The chef is currently the owner of Hambleton House Events & Catering with Alice his wife of 21 years.

In addition, he is the President of the St. Michaels’s Farmers Market and the culinary consultant for the St. Michaels Community Center. Lloyd is committed to curing food insecurity in our region and believes leading is best handled by supporting others in their success.

The Lunch & Learn Speakers series is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Coffee and dessert will be provided. For more information, visit www.tcfl.org  or call 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. Many of the Talbot County Free Library’s programs are made possible by the generous support of the local community.  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 (TCFL) patrons can now officially check out iPads at Easton and St. Michaels Library for a 14-day period.

All one has to do is bring in their library card, and check out the device that comes with a USB cord. There are currently seven iPads in Easton and three in St. Michaels that check out on a first-come, first-served basis.

“The iPads were paid for with funding that was awarded to the library from the Maryland State Library Agency competitive grant.  Public libraries throughout Maryland apply for these funds on a yearly basis by filling out an application which details the project for which they need funding,” said Dana Newman, Talbot County Free Library Director. “Funds are limited so all libraries applying may not get funded.  The funding for this grant comes from federal funding provided to libraries through the Library Services Technology Act.”

Wi-Fi will be required for internet use, and if one does not have access to Wi-Fi, the library offers Kajeet Wi-Fi hot spots for checkout if available.

For almost three years, TCFL has expanded its digital collection and sees a promising future where all digital resources will be available for checkout, including laptops as well.

“We believe that adding iPads to circulation is an essential offering to our patrons. They need the opportunity to have a resource that will enhance their access to apply for a job, do school work and research, and to have access to our eResources,” said Newman. “In the future, the library hopes to expand its collection with more digital devices so that our patrons can have options when it comes to doing their daily tasks.”

For more information about the iPads, 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. Many of the Talbot County Free Library’s programs are made possible by the generous support of the local community.  For more information, please visit www.tcfl.org. Be sure to like the library on Facebook and follow us on Instagram @Talbotcountyfreelibrary.