Beginning Monday, February 8th, patrons who do not have easy computer or internet access can make an appointment to use a computer at the Easton branch to complete a pre-registration survey for the COVID-19 vaccine.  Computer appointments can be made by calling the Easton library at 410-822-1626. At this time, patrons will only have access to the Health Department website to complete the Vaccination Surveys for the following four categories:

At this time, no other uses of the computer will be allowed, and patrons will only have access to the meeting room and the bathroom during their visit. Appointment times are for an hour in length on the following days:

Effective January 18, 2021 we are in Vaccination Phase 1B.  This phase includes those aged 75 and older, those in education (K-12) and child care, those in congregate housing facilities, those in continuity of government.

Due to inadequate vaccine doses allocated to Talbot County Health Department this week by the state government, we will be unable to proceed to Phase 1C this week as originally planned. We will continue to prioritize Phase 1B recipients for the time being. Please note the health department is only given 1-2 days notice of its vaccine allocation for the upcoming week.

Click here for COVID-19 Vaccination Pre-Registration for Talbot Child Care Workers 

Click here for COVID-19 Vaccine Pre-Registration for Talbot Residents Aged 65-74 Years Old. Talbot County residents aged 65-74 years old who are interested in receiving a COVID vaccine are invited to complete this form. Please complete this form so the Health Department can contact you with instructions on how to register for a vaccine clinic when vaccine is available. Please complete a separate form for each person who is interested in receiving the vaccine and is 65-74 years old. ​

Talbot County is currently vaccinating healthcare workers who qualify for Phase 1A. Healthcare workers are defined as anyone who is licensed, certified, or registered with a healthcare professional board overseen by the Maryland Department of Health (https://health.maryland.gov/Pages/boards.ASPX). If you are a healthcare provider, please complete the form as soon as possible, and you will be emailed a link to register for an appointment.

Join the Talbot County COVID19 private sector conference call on the second

Register here: https://aacpl.librarycalendar.com/events/drumbeat-change 

Throughout history, kids have been agents of change. Author Kelly Starling Lyons shares her picture books, One Million Men and Me and Sing a Song: How Lift Every Voice & Sing Inspired Generations, that celebrate their roles in making a difference. During the program, she'll discuss her journey to write for children, offer insight into the process of turning an idea into a finished book and discuss her other books that tie into that theme. The session will conclude with a reading of her poem, Drumbeat for Change, included in the acclaimed anthology, We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices. Registration is required to receive the Zoom webinar link for this virtual event, or you can visit https://www.facebook.com/aacpl for the livestream. 

If you have a computer with a camera, you can use Zoom to hold meetings, speak with friends, and get together with family – all face-to-face on-camera – from the safety of your home or office and without any risk from COVID. On Friday afternoon, February 5, 2 p.m., Bill Peak, Talbot County’s Library Guy, will again offer his popular session on how to use Zoom. Join Peak for this 20-minute interactive lesson for beginners by clicking on the link below and typing in the passcode 778760. https://marylandlibraries.zoom.us/j/92350361739 

Join certified Therapeutic Herbalist Michaela Eggers for an exploration in plant medicine. Learn how to turn your kitchen into a space of healing for common ailments and preventive care using the ancient wisdom of medicinal herbs. Register here: https://worcesterlibrary.libcal.com/

This fun illustrated lecture by historian Leslie Goddard, Ph.D., looks at how Betty Crocker was invented, why the cookbook has endured, and what makes the idea of Betty Crocker so iconic. Created in 1921 by a flour company, “Betty Crocker” became the most famous and most trusted advisor to American cooks. In 1950, this fictional character’s brand-new Picture Cook Book hit shelves, with sales that rivaled that of another big book, "The Bible," and, to date, it has sold more than 75 million copies. This event will be presented virtually on ZOOM. Registration is free and required. Secure your spot today by clicking here. A valid email address is needed at registration and once registered, you will receive a confirmation email from ZOOM containing the link and your unique password to this event.

Thursdays, February 11, 18, and 25, 2 p.m. via Zoom

Register here: https://worcesterlibrary.libcal.com/

Love, Jane Austen

Valentine's Day during the time of Covid is much like a Jane Austen novel. As we lead our quiet, domestic lives, we inquire regularly on each other's health and we take brisk walks followed by a cup of tea! Sound familiar? If you are a Jane Austen fan, or want to be, join in for a fun discussion of her works and her lasting impact. Book and movie recommendations will be included. Register here: https://calvertlibrary.libnet.info/event/4777750

The Water Dancer, Ta-Nehisi Coates

Join the Easton Book Group for a discussion of The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates via Zoom. Open to all! To register, email Susan Sherman at susancs@goeaston.net.

Hygge Happy Hour with Meik Wiking (For Teens and Adults)

Registration for this event will open February 3, 9 a.m., 4 p.m.: https://aacpl.librarycalendar.com/events/hygge-happy-hour-meik-wiking 

The Little Book of Hygge - The Danish Way to Live Well introduced the world to hygge. Hygge has been described as, "the pursuit of everyday pleasures," "cozy togetherness," and "the absence of annoyance." Meik Wiking's books have sold over a million copies and have been translated in 38 languages. He is the CEO of the Happiness Research Center and an acclaimed international speaker. Find a cozy spot and a warm blanket and settle in for a conversation about all things happiness with the expert. Please submit questions for consideration to programming@aacpl.net. Registration is required to receive the Zoom webinar link for this virtual event, or you can visit https://www.facebook.com/aacpl for the livestream. 

Registration for this event will open February 4, 9 a.m.: https://aacpl.librarycalendar.com/events/generations-music-and-black-family-concert 

Registration is required to receive the Zoom webinar link for this virtual event, or you can visit https://www.facebook.com/aacpl for the livestream. 

Registration for this event will be open from February 6, 2021 @ 9:00a.m.: https://aacpl.librarycalendar.com/events/black-representation-matters

Are you looking for ways to celebrate Black authors and their books during Black History Month and year-round? This session will explore why Black representation in books matters, share tips for having courageous conversations about race with young children, and offer recommendations of board books, picture books, and early chapter books.

Mikeala will also answer questions regarding the Talbot County Free Seed Library, a community resource in partnership with the Talbot County Free Library. Through our seed library, we offer additional programs, information, and a free source of seeds for home gardens. This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Only 200 participants. Register here: https://go.umd.edu/seedfilm

Register here.

Join us for a warm, winter Cooking Demo with Chef John, an absolute Harford County favorite, chef, author, television personality, and owner of the celebrated Gertrude's Restaurant at the Baltimore Museum of Art. He'll prepare two dishes - Alva Crockett's Tangier Island 50 Clam Chowder (from Chesapeake Bay Cooking with John Shields) and an Apple Crepe Cake (from The New Chesapeake Kitchen). John is often called "The Culinary Ambassador of the Chesapeake Bay," and he has written four popular cookbooks on the cuisine of the region. You won't want to miss out on this fun and engaging evening! Recipes for this free event will be included in the registration confirmation email.

Registration for this event will open February 13, 9 a.m.: https://aacpl.librarycalendar.com/events/how-be-childrens-book-author-and-illustrator-one-artists-journey 

Author and illustrator Don Tate hasn't always been a lover of words. As a child, he struggled with reading. Books didn't hold his attention. In this session, Don will discuss his journey from shy, reluctant reader to celebrated author and illustrator of more than 80 books for young readers. The session will also include drawing and a Q&A. Registration is required to receive the Zoom webinar link for this virtual event, or you can visit https://www.facebook.com/aacpl for the livestream. 

If you're ready to get started sprouting seeds for your garden, you're in luck! A variety of seed packets from our Seed Library are available at the front entrance of the Easton branch. First come, first served. Available while supplies last.

February 4th, 10 a.m. (1st Thursday of the month)

Mindful movement for young children on Facebook. Recommended for families with children under age 5.

Past programs can be found here!

Want to try journaling, but not sure how to start? Join Ms. Laura for talking and writing fun! Inspired by the book, Journal Sparks by Emily Neuburger. Register here.

Join Mr. Labala for this next lesson in the series of chess tutorials on YouTube. For prior lessons, click here.

Looking for a fun indoors activity to keep the family busy during cold winter days? Stop by our Easton or St. Michaels location and pick up a Kid’s Winter/Valentine Art Collage Kit-to-Go! Available while supplies last.

Included in each kit are items to be collaged (paper to make cards and bookmarks, large felt & foam shapes), along with materials to be glued (various tissue papers, fiber yarns, pom-poms, small foam shapes, & stickers). A glue stick, pencils, & crayons are also included. Please use adult supervision with young children. Includes enough materials for the entire family, so one per family please.

The Maryland Day by Day Family Literacy Activity Calendar provides your family with daily activities to do together to develop a love of reading and learning. The calendar was created by the Maryland State Library with funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Click here to get started!

Join St. Michaels Police Chief Smith and fellow officers for coffee and discussion of public safety and other citizen concerns. Meetings are held virtually using Zoom. So, grab a cup of coffee and join us! You can also follow us on Facebook and the police page located on the Town of St. Michaels website.

Join meeting by computer or smart phone: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3264261778

Meeting ID: 326 426 1778

Join meeting by telephone: +1 301 715 8592

If you currently use Libby, just go to the magazine section and browse for your next new read! If you haven't tried Libby yet, it's easy...just download the Libby app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter your library card number and pin. If you need help, please call us at 410-822-1626 or email askus@tcfl.org.

hoopla's digital collection is available instantly with no holds and no waiting, including its Book Club Spotlight Selection, giving readers access to eBooks and audiobooks even if the library's physical buildings are closed. 

The Winter 2021 hoopla Book Club Spotlight is Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi. This is his debut as an author, and has become an international bestseller.

hoopla's online resources, including an exclusive Q&A with the author, are also available on the hoopla Book Club Hub site to access and share digitally. Readers can keep the discussion going virtually or in person, no matter where they are, with the hoopla Book Club.

No matter your Book Club's favorite genre, you are sure to find something with the hoopla Book Club's eight additional Recommended Reads to support the Spotlight Selection! Go to theclub.hoopladigital.com to learn more about the discussion-worthy picks hoopla is presenting for winter.

The Mid-Shore branch of the AARP Tax-Aide program, which provides free Federal and State tax-preparation services to taxpayers in Kent, Queen Anne, Talbot, and Caroline Counties, announced that it is suspending in-person tax services for the 2020 tax season, which begins on February 1, 2021.

“We are greatly saddened to take this step,” said District Coordinator Jeff Haertlein of Easton. “We know how much taxpayers on the Mid-Shore have come to rely on our services; but the current state of the Covid-19 pandemic simply will not allow us to open our tax preparation sites safely for our clients and our volunteers.”

“We wanted to make this announcement early enough that taxpayers can find other means of preparing their taxes,” Haertlein said. “AARP is still committed to providing tax-preparation assistance, but that aid will have to be online and virtual.”

Haertlein explained that there will be two forms of assistance available through the AARP website, www.aarp.org. Both methods, Contactless and Self Preparation, will be free to the taxpayer and will be available beginning in early February 2021. It is suggested you check www.aarp.org for updates on the other forms of assistance at that time.

Contactless: Taxpayers interact with Tax-Aid’s IRS-certified tax counselors online or by phone and exchange documents electronically.

Self-preparation: Tax-Aide provides taxpayers with free access to software so they can prepare their own taxes. Taxpayers can also request help from an IRS- certified counselor to coach them through the process by phone or through computer screen-sharing.

As to the future, Haertlein said that “if conditions permit a return to in-person tax preparation this year, AARP Tax-Aide will announce how and where assistance will be available and we certainly hope to be back in full swing a year from now for the 2021 tax season.”