Get guidance from experts on a wide spectrum of business and job advancement topics as well as help in navigating everyday life while pursuing career goals during Maryland Public Libraries' Career Success Month (Jan 17-Feb 17). Find the full list of programs here: bit.ly/mdcareersuccess

February 1-March 2. For all ages. Fall in love with reading. Read and log your reading progress on Beanstack for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card. Visit tcfl.beanstack.org to start. Winners announced shortly after March 2, 2023.

Working Artist Forum Exhibit

December-January

Easton Library

The Working Artist Forum, a local group of professional artists, will be exhibiting paintings from December 1, 2022 through January 30, 2023 in the Main Meeting room.

Book Discussion: "Anxious People" by Fredrik Backman

Monday, January 23, 6:30 p.m.

Easton Library

The Easton Book Group (open to all). Any questions, contact Mary Wilson at eastonbookclub@tcfl.org

(EASTON) – In a unanimous vote, Talbot County Council members approved the award of architectural design for the St. Michaels Library Expansion project on Tuesday, January 10.

“I am deeply grateful for the support of the Talbot County Council, staff, board members, Friends of the Library, the Library Foundation, and the community,” said Dana Newman, Talbot County Free Library director, “The St. Michaels Branch not only serves St. Michaels but the entire surrounding community. The current building is in need of upgrades and repairs and is too small to meet the needs and expectations of its patrons. The library is a vital resource to the community and we hope to continue to grow with the community and its needs.”  

The county council awarded the design of the St. Michaels Library expansion to Davis, Bowen, & Friedel, Inc., a local firm that provides architecture, engineering, planning, and surveying services for governmental, commercial, and residential clientele and that has experience with the design of libraries.

The County Council approved partial funding of $160,000 for the design of the St. Michaels Library. These funds come from the County, the Maryland Library Capital Grant program, and federal earmark funding through Senator Ben Cardin's office.

The total design for the St. Michaels Library expansion will cost $306,200. The library will request additional funding to complete the design and begin construction during the FY24 capital budget process and has also applied for matching funding through the state's capital grant program. 

The Library Foundation and the Friends of the Library are also raising funds for new books and furniture for the planned expansion. More information about donating towards the purchase of library materials or naming opportunities can be found at tcfl.org.  

“I just want to thank you and the library staff and the board for all you are doing in the community. [You are] an integral part in education and educating the students here in Talbot County and the partnerships that you establish,” said Talbot County Council Member Keasha Haythe.

For more information, visit www.tcfl.org.

A young girl proclaimed “I LOVE my library!!" at the Easton Library, and a young boy named James excitedly clapped with joy when he was handed his first library card at the St. Michaels Branch. 

While young children remain some of our most exuberant patrons, nearly 28,000 Talbot County residents of all ages have a library card that opens the doors to a future of discovery. 

Our libraries aim to be a welcoming space where children are on the path to learning to read; and your neighbors access a variety of literature, information, and technology. The uses of public computers and study rooms, or attending one of our numerous events, like the annual Chesapeake Children’s Book Festival, are also some of the many ways our patrons expand their horizons. 

Over the last year, the Talbot County Free Library (TCFL) has worked tirelessly to keep our community connected and engaged at every level. The best part is that all of the resources and programs offered to the public are free of charge. By donating today, you are helping us to raise $50,000 this giving season to support the library to serve our community!

In 2023, TCFL will be:

•     Working on the design phase of the St. Michaels Library expansion which will include adding larger spaces for our children and teens, study rooms, an expanded meeting room, and more, all to meet our community needs.
•        Creating a Community Wi-Fi Center in Trappe, MD with a FREE little library.
•          Offering a wide variety of art, STEM, music, and cultural programming for all ages.
•        And much more to come with your valued support!

By clicking on the button below, TCFL will have the resources it needs to play an important role in education and access for people of every age and background in our community. Thank you for your generosity.

Sincerely,

Gov. Larry Hogan recently announced 14 economic development projects in Talbot County are included in funding for Maryland’s rural counties through the $50 million Rural Maryland Economic Development Fund.

The grant fund, which is overseen by the Maryland Department of Commerce and administered by the five rural regional councils, was announced by Gov. Hogan in 2022 to boost economic development activity, stimulate private sector investment, and create jobs in the state’s rural regions.

Under the program, the five rural regional councils — representing the Upper, Mid, and Lower Eastern Shore, Southern Maryland, and Western Maryland — each received $10 million each to fund key projects in their respective counties. Talbot County is part of the Mid-Shore Regional Council along with Caroline and Dorchester counties.

In September, the Talbot County Council submitted applications for review by Maryland Commerce, with 14 projects receiving approval. The $3.2 million in funding was vetted and allocated by the Council at both a public meeting and through a publicly accessible, open application process.

“These grants and the projects they support will have lasting, transformative impacts in Talbot County,” said Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism Director Cassandra Vanhooser. “These investments will boost our economic development activities while stimulating private-sector investments and creating jobs in Talbot County.”

Economic development projects receiving funding in Talbot County include:

• Chesapeake College’s Future Workforce Training
• Maryland Broadband Cooperative, Inc.’s Mid-Shore Optimal Broadband Network Upgrade
• Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center, Inc’s Talbot County Agbiotech Manufacturing Project
• The Town of Trappe’s ENR Wastewater Treatment Plan Upgrade
• Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s New Visitor Center
• Talbot County Free Library Association’s Building Digital Literacy and Employment Skills
• Building African American Minds, Inc.’s Workforce Development Program
• Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s Inclusive Ventures Program
• Talbot County Department of Parks and Recreation’s Frederick Douglass Park on the Tuckahoe Phase II Planning and Implementation
• Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism’s Strategic Plan
• Talbot County Government’s Goldsborough Neck Culvert Improvement
• Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s Talbot County Visitors Center Feasibility Study
• Oxford Community Center’s Work Hub; and
• Classic Motor Museum of St. Michaels, Inc.’s Automotive Technician Apprenticeship Program

The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s mission is to enhance and promote a business-friendly environment for current and prospective enterprises and to advocate for policies that support and strengthen the economic vitality of Talbot County. The department’s vision for Talbot County is built on the principles of strong communities, empowered businesses, and innovative solutions.

Business owners and managers are encouraged to receive the department’s Talbot Works newsletter and breaking business news by subscribing at www.talbotworks.org. The department can also be reached at 410-770-8058 or by visiting their office at 11. S. Harrison Street, Easton, Md.