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.

February Bonus Borrows

Bonus Borrows are back! Patrons can access these audiobook, eBook, comics, and video titles from hoopla without using their borrows, and at no cost to libraries. From February 1 - 28, patrons can choose from a variety of Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Children's titles. Let your patrons know with assets from the hoopla Resource Center.

Stitching Time

Monday, February 27th, 3:00 p.m.

Easton Library

Bring your needlework projects and knit, crochet or stitch with us! We share progress, help each other problem solve (or pattern search) and enjoy working in the company of other crafters. All ages are encouraged to attend and limited instruction and supplies for beginners may be available.

Book Discussion: "The Personal Librarian" by Marie Benedict &

Victoria Christopher Murray

Monday, February 27, 6:30 p.m.

Easton Library

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

Author Carolyn Mullet's “Tours of European Gardens,”

A Talbot County Garden Club Program

Tuesday, February 28, 11 a.m.

Easton Library

In this slide illustrated talk, Carolyn Mullet draws on her recent book “Adventures in Eden,” exploring the stories behind personal havens scattered across Europe that she chose not for their pedigree, but for their owner’s passion and creativity. Carolyn Mullet is a retired award-winning garden designer who practiced in the Washington, DC metro area for over 30 years. She received her formal training in residential landscape design from George Washington University. All events are free and open to the public. Registration is not required.

Story Time with a Craft

Wednesday, February 22nd, 10:30 a.m.

St. Michaels Branch

For children ages birth-5 years accompanied by an adult. Please call 410-745-5877 to pre-register.

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,

Saturday, February 25, 10:00 a.m.

Easton Library

The public is invited to attend a presentation from experienced healthcare professionals in Easton on women’s health services. It will then be followed by a panel discussion on the current and possible future healthcare effects of the reversal of Roe v. Wade in our community. Sponsored by the Easton Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW).

Event Date & Time: February 17th - 5pm to 9pm & February 18, 12 - 9 PM

Visit Easton, MD for our 2023 Chesapeake Fire and Ice Festival! This family-friendly, free event begins Friday night with awesome ice sculpture carvings, fire juggling, live music, and free ice skating! Activities are scheduled Friday, February 17th from 5-9PM and, February 17th and Saturday, February 18, at noon. Free parking is available downtown, get here early! 

Schedule of events: 

• Self-Guided walking trail featuring over three dozen larger-than-life ice sculptures and features around historic downtown Easton, MD.
• Live sculpture carving Friday night between 5 and 9 PM. - See https://discovereaston.com/fireandice/ for specific locations
• Lyon Rum Pop-Up Bar featuring food from The Ivy, Avalon Corner, Friday 5 - 9 PM.
• Talbot Watermen's Association Fresh Shucked Oysters, Avalon Corner 
• WCEI Live Hosting & Music Friday 5 - 9 PM, 11 S. Harrison St. 
• Ice Skating - Free - Special Skates provided, Talbot County Visitor’s Center parking lot, 11 S. Harrison St. 
• Interactive graffiti carving wall, Academy Art Museum, 106 South St.
• Fire Trail Self-guided walking tour featuring food, drink, fun activities, and shopping specials throughout Easton (full listing of events on website)
• Live Music 
• Anna Burgess: Friday, 5 - 9 PM, 31 North Harrison St.
• Daphne Eckman: Friday, 5 - 9 PM, 218 North Washington St.
• Poppy Blue Eyes: Friday, 5 – 9 PM, 11 North Washington St.
• The Sagacious Traveler, 5-9 PM, Lyon Rum Pop-up Bar (Avalon Corner)
• Honey Sol: Saturday, Noon - 4 PM, 11 North Washington St.
• Jimmy Maguire: Saturday, Noon - 4 PM, 31 North Harrison St.
• Restrung: Saturday, 5 - 9 PM, 11 North Washington St.
• The Sagacious Traveler, Saturday, 5 – 9 PM, 31 North Harrison St.

• Talbot Humane Kissing Booth, Goldsborough St., Friday 5 to 7PM and Saturday Noon- 3PM
• Children’s Themed Story Times: 11-12, Talbot County Free Library; 12-1 Flying Cloud Booksellers
• Cascading Carlos, Friday, 6- 8 PM and Saturday, Noon - 4PM, Thompson Park
• Full schedule of events: https://discovereaston.com/fireandice/

Maps will be available during the festival at signature event locations or picked up at the Talbot Tourism Office, 11. S. Harrison Street, Easton MD. 

Chesapeake Fire & Ice is made possible by the generous support of signature sponsor Preston Automotive Group and Bay Security/Safehouse LLC, the Town of Easton, and the Easton Economic Development Corporation.  

The Talbot County Economic Development Commission is now accepting nominations for its 2022-2023 Community Impact Awards.

Winners will be announced at the Talbot County Business Appreciation Summit to be held on Wednesday, May 3, at 8:00 a.m. at the Tidewater Inn in Easton.

The Community Impact Awards recognize outstanding businesses, nonprofits, community projects, and individuals who have made a significant impact in Talbot County.

The Summit is hosted each year by the Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism in partnership with the Talbot County Economic Development Commission.

“Your nominations will help recognize Talbot County’s leaders and change agents over this past year,” says Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism Director Cassandra Vanhooser. “Our businesses and the people that make them work are award-worthy, and we’re grateful to recognize so many of them through this event and in the nomination process.”

Last year’s winners included Aphena Pharma Solutions, the Avalon Foundation, the Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center, and Shore United Bank. Delmarva Community Services President and CEO Santo Grande took home the individual award.

“We want to recognize the businesses and individuals in Talbot County who have made a significant impact on the community in 2022-2023,” says Vanhooser. “Each year, the EDC honors those businesses and individuals who have made a positive impact on the Talbot County economy. I’m looking forward to seeing the impressive list of winners from this year’s event.”

Nominations for the 2023-2023 awards will be accepted until Thursday, February 24 using an online submission form.

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 register to receive the Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s monthly newsletter and breaking news 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.