Library Card Sign-up Month is a time when the American Library Association and libraries across the country remind parents that a library card is the most important school supply of all. Libraries play an essential role in the education and development of children. Research shows that children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifelong learning.

The Talbot County Free Library, along with libraries everywhere, continues to adapt and expand services to meet the evolving needs of our community and level the playing field for all who seek information and access to technologies. To sign up for a library card or to learn more about the library’s resources and programs, click here.

As part of its efforts in support of Talbot Goes Purple, the library will offer purple library cards in September to all new applicants while supplies last. As always, there is no charge for getting your first library card. It is absolutely free.

Library of Congress National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Jason Reynolds joins PGCMLS CEO Roberta Phillips in conversation on September 1, 2020 at 7 p.m. Reynolds is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, a Newbery Award Honoree, a Printz Award Honoree, a two-time National Book Award finalist, a Kirkus Award winner, a two-time Walter Dean Myers Award winner, an NAACP Image Award Winner, and the recipient of multiple Coretta Scott King honors. His many books include When I Was the Greatest, The Boy in the Black Suit, All American Boys (cowritten with Brendan Kiely), As Brave as You, For Every One, the Track series (Ghost, Patina, Sunny, and Lu), Look Both Ways, and Long Way Down, which received a Newbery Honor, a Printz Honor, and a Coretta Scott King Honor. He lives in Washington, DC and grew up in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

Click here for the live youtube broadcast link.

The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See

This year's One Maryland One Book selection The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See is now available to check out from both the Easton and St. Michaels branches. One Maryland One Book is Maryland’s only statewide community reading program—like one big book club. It’s an opportunity for people to read a good book, then come together for thoughtful discussion. Reserve your copy now!

If you would like to participate in one of these discussions, email Bill at mcpeak@tcfl.org with the date you would like to attend. You will receive a Zoom invitation to the program a few days before the event.

As part of our programming for the state’s largest reading and discussion program, 2020 One Maryland One Book author Lisa See will visit us virtually to discuss her book The Island of Sea Women. This tour event is free, but you must register here to receive the virtual event link. Event registrants will be entered into a drawing to win a set of teas and snacks from Jeju Island.

Unlimited copies of the Book of the Little Axe will be available to borrowers through Libby during the reading period September 14-28, 2020, which makes it a great pick for a book club!

"We chose Book of the Little Axe by Lauren Francis-Sharma because it is a strikingly original and richly compelling historical novel which illuminates the roots of America’s dire systemic racism. Francis-Sharma’s profoundly relevant saga will surely inspire meaningful discussions. Book of the Little Axe is also exquisitely well-written, and features a strong and fascinating woman protagonist.”

Participant receive an award of completion with passing score. The next session of courses begins September 16th. Click here to view offerings!

How Does the Census Impact Our Community? The results of the 2020 Census will help determine how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funding flow into communities every year for the next decade. That funding shapes many different aspects of every community, no matter the size, no matter the location.

Census results help determine how money is allocated for the Head Start program and for grants that support teachers and special education. Census results affect planning and funding for infrastructure—including programs for highway planning and construction, Section 8 housing, public transit, community development, and rural water and waste disposal systems. Census data helps communities respond to natural disasters and secure funding for hospitals and fire departments.The list goes on, including programs to support rural areas, to restore wildlife, to prevent child abuse, to prepare for wildfires, and to provide housing assistance for older adults.

The 2020 Census is for everyone. GET STARTED HERE.

To sign up as an individual volunteer, click here. To sign up a group to volunteer, email Jan Willis at Talbotlct@talbotcountymd.gov.