My Place to Learn, Discover, Relax!                                                         July 1, 2017
News at a Glance Top
Did you know... DidYouKnow
St. Mary's County Library has FREE Professional Performances! 

Join us on Mondays through July 31 for performances and fun for all ages!
Charlotte Hall
10 a.m. at Margaret Brent Middle School, 29675 Point Lookout Rd., Helen, MD 20635
Leonardtown
12:30 p.m. at Leonardtown Elementary School, 22885 Duke St., Leonardtown, MD 20650
Lexington Park
3 p.m. at Lexington Park Library

July 3: Scales and Tales
Meet real, live birds of prey, snakes, turtles, and other native animals of Maryland, and the rangers from the Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary who care for them.

July 10: Mr. Jon & Friends
Join musician Mr. Jon and his friend George the Monkey for a high-energy concert, and come ready to DANCE!

July 17: Taiko: The Art of Japanese Drumming
Japanese-American performer Mark Rooney will perform traditional and modern songs on the massive Taiko drums, and teach members of the audience to drum too! Note- Taiko drums can be very loud, so this performance is best for children 5 and older, and who enjoy loud music.

July 24: Chris Fascione, Storyteller
Chris Fascione tells amazing, interactive stories based on world folktales. He'll need the help of everyone in the audience, so come ready to clap, stomp, yell, whisper, and laugh along.

July 31:Tall Tales of the Wild West
Saddle up for this hilarious romp through American folklore and meet heroes like Pecos Bill, Paul Bunyan, and the fearless Annie Christmas as they overcome impossible obstacles in their own uniqe and silly ways.
    
Summer Reading for Everyone!  SummerReading
St. Mary's County Library has Summer Reading programs for all ages from birth to adult!

Come to any branch of the St. Mary's County Library or go  online  to sign up! 

Read to Me is for children who aren't quite ready to read alone,  Build a Better World is for children and teens who are independent readers, and an  adult program just for adults. 

Every child or teen who signs up gets to choose a free book to start reading right away! Those who finish the program will receive a finisher medal and be entered to win a grand prize kindle fire.

To learn more or sign upclick here
Do You Want to Work for the Library?  Jobs
Each branch of the St. Mary's County Library is hiring!  

Do you love the library? Join our team! We have job opportunities available at all three branches. 

 
Click Here to learn more about the job opportunities currently available. 

Library Closed for Independence Day   Independence
All three branches of the St. Mary's County Library will be closed for Independence Day

In celebration of Independence Day, all three branches will be closed on Tuesday, July 4. All three branches will be open for regular business hours on Wednesday, July 5. 

Our digital content and online resources are always available! Check out Overdrive, Hoopla or RB Digital for your holiday weekend! 

Harry Potter Birthday Party  HPBday
It's Harry Potter's Birthday! 

Happy Birthday, Harry Potter! Join us on Tuesday, July 25 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Lexington Park Library as we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Fun for Potter lovers young and old. Activities aimed at ages 10 and up, though all are welcome. Registration recommended on www.stmalib.org

Science of Flight  ASEC
In partnership with ASEC

Join us on Friday, July 21 at 2 p.m. at Lexington Park Library. Learn about the basic facts of aviation through the study of Aeronautics. Put together balsa wood planes to see how planes fly and participate in a question and answer session. Recommended for ages 7 to 10. Registration required; opens 2 weeks before program on www.stmalib.org

Kids Programs
Kids
Storytimes 
Storytimes are back! 
June 1 - August 31
Check www.stmalib.org for times

Summer Professional Performances
Join us on Mondays, June 26 - July 31, for performances and fun for all ages!
Charlotte Hall
10 a.m. at Margaret Brent Middle School, 29675 Point Lookout Rd., Helen, MD 20635

Leonardtown
12:30 p.m. at Leonardtown Elementary School, 22885 Duke St., Leonardtown, MD 20650

Lexington Park
3 p.m. at Lexington Park Library

July 3: Scales and Tales
Meet real, live birds of prey, snakes, turtles, and other native animals of Maryland, and the rangers from the Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary who care for them.

July 10: Mr. Jon & Friends
Join musician Mr. Jon and his friend George the Monkey for a high-energy concert, and come ready to DANCE!

July 17: Taiko: The Art of Japanese Drumming
Japanese-American performer Mark Rooney will perform traditional and modern songs on the massive Taiko drums, and teach members of the audience to drum too! Note- Taiko drums can be very loud, so this performance is best for children 5 and older, and who enjoy loud music.

July 24: Chris Fascione, Storyteller
Chris Fascione tells amazing, interactive stories based on world folktales. He'll need the help of everyone in the audience, so come ready to clap, stomp, yell, whisper, and laugh along.

July 31: Tall Tales of the Wild West
Saddle up for this hilarious romp through American folklore and meet heroes like Pecos Bill, Paul Bunyan, and the fearless Annie Christmas as they overcome impossible obstacles in their own uniqe and silly ways.

Minecraft Challenges!
Can you think on your feet, team up, use creativity, and complete the challenge? Come play Minecraft with us and find out! Must be able to use a mouse and keyboard commands, and be familiar with how to play Minecraft (we will not use the tutorial). Ages 8 - 11. Registration opens 2 weeks before each program.
Lexington Park         Thursday, July 13              2 - 3:30 p.m.       Register
Lexington Park         Thursday, July 27              2 - 3:30 p.m.        Register

Storytime at Greenwell State Park
This program takes place at Greenwell State Park (25420 Rosedale Manor Ln., Hollywood, MD 20636).
Stories, rhymes, songs, and activities for children ages 2 - 5 with their adult caregivers (and siblings)! Since the barn will be open to guests, be sure to check out all the friendly horses and goats after the program. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch in case you get hungry!  No registration.
Greenwell State Park         Saturday, August 5           10 a.m.

Pokémon Trainers Club!
Do you have what it takes to be the very best? Bring your games and/or your cards and prepare to battle against other Pokémon trainers! You can also make some Pokémon buttons to take home, take turns playing a retro Pokémon game, and maybe make some friends (or rivals....) along the way. All ages.
Leonardtown               Monday, July 3           5 - 6 p.m.

Crafternoons
Drop in for open-ended crafting fun. Try one of our sample crafts, or create your own design! All supplies provided. Recommended for children ages 3+. No registration.
Lexington Park              Wednesday, July 12 and July 26         2 - 4 p.m.
Charlotte Hall                Thursdays, July 13 and July 27           2 - 4 p.m.
Leonardtown                 Tuesday, July 18                                   1 - 4 p.m.

LEGO Fun
We supply the "bricks," you bring the imagination! Come and build something amazing with our thousands of LEGO and Duplo pieces. All ages. No registration.
Lexington Park              Wednesday, July 5 and July 19         2 - 4 p.m.
Charlotte Hall                Thursdays, July 6 and July 20           2 - 4 p.m.
Leonardtown                 Tuesday, July 11 and July 25             1 - 4 p.m.

Mini Monet
Come join us on a messy adventure as we explore the world of art in its various forms. A new experience at your library for our youngest customers and their caregivers. Please expect and prepare for a messy good time! Ages 6 months - 4 years. Registration begins 2 weeks before each program.
Lexington Park               Friday, July 21                 9:30 a.m.         Register

Preschool Patriotic Explorers
This land was made for you and me! Celebrate the US of A with stories, songs, crafts, and activities for ages 3 - 6. Registration begins 2 weeks before each program.
Charlotte Hall               Wednesday, July 5               10:30 a.m.      Register

Life Sized Games
Get your game on by playing some larger than life games at your library! Participate in giant versions of your favorite games such as Kerplunk, Jenga, Hi-Ho Cherry-Oh and others. Classic "normal sized" board games will also be available to play. All ages welcome. No registration.
Lexington Park           Friday, July 14                       2:30 p.m.
Charlotte Hall             Wednesday, July 19              10:30 a.m.
Leonardtown              Friday, July 28                       10:30 a.m.

Science of Flight
Learn about the basic facts of aviation through the study of Aeronautics. Put together balsa wood planes to see how planes fly and participate in a question and answer session. Recommended for ages 7 to 10. In partnership with ASEC. Registration opens two weeks before the program.
Lexington Park            Friday, July 21                      2 p.m.            Register

Project Earth
Explore the world we live in with Project Earth! From soil to water, come prepared to get a little dirty while we learn about our Earth and how we can make it better. A hands-on experience designed for kiddos ages 7 to 10. Registration begins 2 weeks before the program.
Lexington Park              Friday, July 28                    2:30 p.m.      Register


Teen Programs Teens

Teen Tech Space
Open computer lab use for Teens and Tweens ages 11 - 18. Play Minecraft, Wii, games, computers, and make crafts. Hang out and bring your friends!
Lexington Park           Tuesdays      4 - 6 p.m.



Adult Programs adult
 
Mobile Career Center
Charlotte Hall       Thursday, July 6               9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Leonardtown        Tuesday, July 11                 1 - 4 p.m.
Lexington Park     Wednesday, July 26         9 a.m. - 1 p.m.


Master Gardeners Plant Clinics
Have questions about growing vegetables, soil conditions, mystery insects, invasive weeds, or heirloom plants? Ask a Master Gardener at this free plant clinic. Stop by the table in the library lobby with your plant samples and questions.
Lexington Park Library          
1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 11 a.m. -1 p.m. 
Leonardtown Library              2nd and 4th Tuesdays from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 
Charlotte Hall Library             1st and 3rd Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. 

Common Thread
Whether you have been stitching for years, or you just want to  learn, join fellow crafters who love all things fabric and fiber. Open to knitters, crocheters, quilters, embroiderers, cross-stitchers, and any other kind of needleworkers. Bring your current project, mingle with like-minded makers, and swap patterns, ideas, and tips. Basic supplies available, if needed. All skill levels welcome. No registration required.
Lexington Park         2nd and 4th Tuesdays        6 - 7:30 p.m.

Caring Through Crafting
Calling all crafters! Use your time and talents to make a difference in your community.  Help us make easy cat and dog toys to donate to our furry friends at the Southern Maryland Animal Welfare League. Both new and experienced crafters are welcome. All supplies provided. Adults only. Registration recommended.
Lexington Park          Saturday, July 1           10 - 11 a.m.               Register

Introduction to Fundraising Planning
Presented by Janice Rosenberg from the Washington, DC Foundation Center. Does your organization need help directing its fundraising efforts? Planning focuses your organization by setting fundraising priorities and helps give staff and board members a roadmap to success. Learn the basic steps for developing a fundraising plan, then wrap up with an optional 30-minute exercise after the in-person class. Prior attendance at Introduction to Finding Grants is strongly recommended.
Lexington Park         Wednesday, July 12        11 a.m. - 1 p.m.        Register


One-on-One Help available - call your branch to make an appointment.

Did you know that you can learn a language, do research, prepare for a school or career exam, and more online with your library card? Explore the library's online resources including Rosetta Stone, Explora, Learning Express Library, Lynda.com, and Hobbies and Crafts. Adult computer classes are limited to ages 16 and up. Registration required.
Leonardtown                       Wednesday, July 12           2 p.m.      Register

Explore several blogging platforms (Wordpress, Tumblr, and Twitter) and learn the basics of designing and writing a blog. Prerequisite: Ability to use a mouse. Adult computer classes are limited to ages 16 and up. Registration required.
Lexington Park                   Wednesday, July 19         2 p.m.       Register

Take in a short presentation on the basics of Facebook, then stay for a Q&A style discussion. Concerned about privacy? Need to know how to do one specific thing? Bring all the questions, because we've got the answers. Adult computer classes are limited to ages 16 and up. Registration required.
Lexington Park                   Wednesday, July 26          2 p.m.      Register


Book Discussions Book
Join a book discussion at your branch to talk about a good book!   

All book discussions are open to the public. Copies of selected titles are available at the hosting library.  
   
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
At the age of thirty-six, on the verge of completing a decade's worth of training as a neurosurgeon, Paul Kalanithi was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. One day he was a doctor making a living treating the dying, and the next he was a patient struggling to live. Just like that, the future he and his wife had imagined evaporated. When Breath Becomes Air, which features a Foreword by Dr. Abraham Verghese and an Epilogue by Kalanithi's wife, Lucy, chronicles Kalanithi's transformation from a naïve medical student "possessed," as he wrote, "by the question of what, given that all organisms die, makes a virtuous and meaningful life" into a young neurosurgeon at Stanford, guiding patients toward a deeper understanding of death and illness, and finally into a patient and a new father to a baby girl, confronting his own mortality.

Charlotte Hall         Monday, July 3         6:45 p.m.

From one of our most accomplished and widely admired historians-a revelatory portrait of Benjamin Franklin's youngest sister, Jane, whose obscurity and poverty were matched only by her brother's fame and wealth but who, like him, was a passionate reader, a gifted writer, and an astonishingly shrewd political commentator.
Making use of an astonishing cache of little-studied material, including documents, objects, and portraits only just discovered, Jill Lepore brings Jane Franklin to life in a way that illuminates not only this one extraordinary woman but an entire world.

Lexington Park           Monday, July 10           6 p.m. 

Constance Kopp doesn't quite fit the mold. One day a powerful silk factory owner runs down their buggy, and a dispute over damages turns into a war of bricks, bullets, and threats as he unleashes his gang on their family farm. When the sheriff enlists her help in convicting the men, Constance is forced to confront her past and defend her family - and she does it in a way that few women of 1914 would have dared.  


Leonardtown            Thursday, July 20            7 p.m.



Lexington Park Library Art Gallery ArtGallery
See artwork by Suzanne Shelden starting July 1

Suzanne Shelden grew up in the Washington, DC area and currently lives in Southern Maryland. She has been working in art for well over 40 years, achieving experience in painting, drawing, photorestoration, graphic design, and exhibit design. As a painter, she spent several years working on commission and participating in shows with local art associations in Rockville and DC. She continues to work actively, finding her career both challenging and rewarding. At this time she has several series in progress, including the following: Route 4 (paintings of views as seen from the car), Appalachian (scenes from the mountains), Washingtonian (DC perspectives). For more information, visit her website at www.sheldenstudios.com

Suzanne's work will be up in the Gallery from July 1 through August 15. 

The Lexington Park Library Art Gallery was created by artist Candy Cummings in 2005. The  St. Mary's County Arts Council took over the management of the gallery in 2014. Over the years many amateur, student, and professional artists have displayed their artwork. Contact the Arts Council at info@smcart.org or 240-309-0686 if interested in displaying your work. Exhibits change every 4-6 weeks and a reception is held to recognize each artist. The Art Gallery is funded by the St. Mary's County Arts Council.


Laura Boonchaisri | St. Mary's County Library | 301-475-2846 ext. 1007 | stmaps@stmalib.org   www.stmalib.org
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