Important Library & Community Resources
Monday and Thursday: 10 a.m. – noon & 3 – 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 9 a.m. - noon & 2 – 5 p.m.
Closed mid-day for cleaning
Easton: 410-822-1626 | St. Michaels: 410-745-5877
Talbot County Free Library | www.tcfl.org
In honor of Memorial Day, both branches
will be closed Monday, May 31, 2021.
Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country
can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude.
America will never forget their sacrifices.” – President Harry S. Truman
EXPANDED ACCESS COMING SOON!
New Extended Hours & Capacity Beginning June 1
On June 1, both library locations will be extending their walk-in building hours as follows:
Monday and Thursday: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Tuesday and Wednesday:  9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday:  9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Both branches will remain closed on Saturday.
The library will no longer be closed mid-day for cleaning.
 
  • Building capacity limits will also be increased to 60 at the Easton library and 30 at the St. Michaels branch.

  • Computer limits will be extended to 4 hours.

  • As of May 24, the one-hour limitation on library use will be lifted.

  • Quarantining of library materials will end May 24.

  • Newspapers will be put out for circulation.

  • Reservations for the meeting room can now be made for the months of July, August, and September. Meeting room capacity will be 25 for Easton and 15 for St. Michaels.

  • Please continue to return materials to the book drop in both locations. Materials at the St. Michaels branch can be returned to the external drive-up book drop or to the blue tote inside at the greeter's station.

  • PATRONS ARE STILL REQUIRED TO WEAR AN APPROPRIATE MASK OVER THEIR NOSE AND MOUTH AND TO MAINTAIN A SOCIAL DISTANCE OF 6 FEET FROM OTHERS AND TO HELP THEIR CHILDREN DO THE SAME.
Update on St. Michaels Library Expansion

We are pleased to report that thanks to your outpouring of support for the expansion of the St. Michaels Library, the Talbot County Council has voted in favor of sending a letter of support indicating their intent to fund matching dollars for the project. This letter is required as part of the grant application process for capital funding from the Maryland Library Capital Grant Program. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who took the time to send a letter to the County Council or sign a petition expressing support for expansion of the St. Michaels Library.
Click here to view a sneak preview and
recorded messages from the authors!
Summer Reading Challenge Begins June 1
Register Now!

Tails and Tales is the theme of the Talbot County Free Library’s Summer Reading Challenge, which runs June 1 – July 31. Children ages birth – 18 are encouraged to pre-register at tcfl.beanstack.org, or by downloading the app on a device.

Get started today by creating an account on Beanstack. Log the days you read. The more days you read and log, the more chances you have to win fun prizes and gift certificates. Winners will be notified after July 31, 2021. Children and teens who register for the Summer Reading Challenge will receive a voucher valued at $20 for a free book redeemable at Flying Cloud Books, while supplies last. For questions about the library’s Summer Reading Challenge, visit tcfl.beanstack.org, call 410-822-1626, or email askus@tcfl.org.
Shakespeare Graphic Novels
Donated to Teen Section

Friends Council member Suzanne Sanders recently made a donation to the library for the purchase of a variety of Shakespeare graphic novels in memory of her mother Gloria Kennell Sanders. “Mom got me started with Shakespeare, and I wanted to thank her,” Suzanne says. “When she gave me the chance to enjoy Shakespeare, she gave me a gift that will last my whole life long."
During quarantine, Suzanne built a replica of the Globe Theatre out of Legos which is now on display in the children’s section of the Easton library. Macbeth is in progress on stage, Queen Elizabeth I is in the balcony, and hundreds of spectators are caught up in the show. You can peek backstage and see Shakespeare and friends. Stop by and see how many characters you can find in the audience from Darth Vader, Santa Clause, Justin Tucker, and Professor Dumbledore, to a sailor, cheerleader, policeman, a judge, and many more!
ADULT PROGRAMMING
Sharing Our Memories
2nd & 4th Mondays, 10:30 a.m. – noon (ongoing)

If you have been thinking about writing your memoirs but don't know how or where to get started, this Zoom class is for you! During sessions, each participant will share their 500-word essay assigned during the prior session. Writing takes place at home, and stories will be read and discussed during class time. This ongoing course meets the second and fourth Monday of the month, 10:30 a.m. - noon. To register, call the library at 410-822-1626. Upon registration you will receive a Zoom invitation and a writing assignment which will be read and discussed during the next session.
Easton Sounds of Summer Music Series
Saturdays through June 26, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
In front of the Tidewater Inn
Presented by Easton Economic Development Corporation

UPCOMING ACTS:
Saturday, May 29: James Byrne
Saturday, June 5: Jonathan Marvel
Saturday, June 12: EHS Jazz band
Saturday, June 19:  Alison Thomas
Saturday, June 26:  Brent Schraffenberger
Dr. Erika Lee: The Making of Asian America
Wednesday, May 26, 7 p.m.
A Howard County Library System Program
 
Dr. Erika Lee discusses her acclaimed book The Making of Asian-America. An epic history of global journeys and new beginnings, this book shows how generations of Asian immigrants and their American-born descendants have made and remade Asian American life in the United States: sailors who came on the first trans-Pacific ships in the 1500s; indentured “coolies” who worked alongside African slaves in the Caribbean; and Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Korean, and South Asian immigrants who were recruited to work in the United States only to face massive racial discrimination, Asian exclusion laws, and for Japanese Americans, incarceration during World War II. Over the past fifty years, a new Asian America has emerged out of community activism and the arrival of new immigrants and refugees. No longer a “despised minority,” Asian Americans are now held up as America’s “model minorities” in ways that reveal the complicated role that race still plays in the United States. Copies of The Making of Asian America are available to borrow here.
CHILDREN'S PROGRAMMING
Preschool Story Time via Zoom
Tuesday, May 25, June 8 - 10 a.m.
Register here.

Stories, songs, and rhymes for families with young children.
Outdoor Preschool Story Time
Wednesdays, June 9 and 23, 10:30 a.m. (St Michaels Branch Garden)
Tuesdays, June 15 and 29, 10 a.m. (Easton Library, Children's Garden)

Stories, songs and rhymes recommended for children birth – 5 years (with parent or caregiver). Bring your own blanket. In case of inclement weather, event will be cancelled. Registration is limited and required: http://www.tcfl.org/child/programreg/
Teen Journaling
June 2 & 16, 1 p.m.
Meets via Zoom every 1st & 3rd Wednesday - 1 p.m.

Join Ms. Laura for talking and writing fun! Inspired by the book, Journal Sparks by Emily Neuburger. Register here.
Mindful Start Kids Yoga
Monday, June 7, 10 a.m.

Mindful movement for young children on Facebook. Recommended for families with children ages birth -7 years. Past programs can be found here!
Ukulele Family Fun Series Part I and II
Thursdays, June 17 and 24, 11 a.m.
Easton Library's Main Entrance
Registration is limited and required: http://www.tcfl.org/child/programreg/ 

Learn to Play the Ukulele! Join Suzanne Sanders and Jonathan Williams for this engaging music lesson for pairs: child and adult. In person, outdoor event for ages 6-16 (with an adult). Ukuleles provided. In the event of inclement weather, this event will be cancelled.
Turtles and Snakes! Via Zoom
Wednesday, June 23, 11 a.m.
A Pickering Creek Program

Join Pickering Creek's Ms. Sammi for stories and crafts. Recommended for children ages 4-8 years.
Nature Fun!
Wednesday, June 30, 3:30 p.m.
Easton Library Children's Garden
Registration is limited and required: http://www.tcfl.org/child/programreg/ 

Listen to Naturalist and Educator Bryan Gomes read Wind and the Oyster Jack by Marcia Moore and learned what is involved in "working the waters" for a local oyster harvester and his skipjack. Afterwards, be ready to get on the "boat" and tong for oysters the way watermen still do in the Chesapeake Bay today. For children ages 5-10 accompanied by an adult. In case of rain, event is cancelled.
TCFL Chess Academy: The Fastest Checkmate

Many of Mr. Labala's students are familiar with the 3 move checkmate, however is there a quicker way to get checkmate? Is it possible to get checkmate in 2 moves? Click here to find the next instructional chess video, a chess riddle, and the next chess puzzle. For prior lessons, click here.
Spring Art Sale

Come check out the library's spring art sale! Affordable art for your home or as a gift available for $5, $10, and $15.
On display in the lobby at the Easton branch.
Nikki Giovanni Speaks to Maryland Education Community
Sunday, June 6, 1 p.m.
FREE! Registration required!

Presented by The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and Arts Education in Maryland Schools (AEMS)

The Maryland educational community is invited for a keynote presentation from one of America's foremost poets, poet Nikki Giovanni. Giovanni talks about the role of art and education in social justice and shares her reflection of the Black Arts Movement. Giovanni’s presentation sets the stage for the MSDE summer 2021 professional learning season which includes offerings to foster educational equity in local school systems. 
American Association of University Women
Easton Branch
 2021 Mature Woman’s Grant
 
The Easton Branch of the American Association of University Women has announced the opportunity for a Mature Woman’s Grant to females age 25 and over who are residents of one of the following Maryland counties: Kent, Queen Anne’s, Caroline, Talbot, or Dorchester. The intention of this grant is to assist women who are returning to complete their college education, who are pursuing further graduate studies, or who are applying for a certificate program to enter a new career path and would benefit from some extra financial assistance in accomplishing their goal. Applications for the AAUW 2021 Mature Woman’s Grant can be found at local libraries in the five county region, Chesapeake College, Salisbury University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Wicomico Community College, Washington College, or electronically by request at aauwgrant@goeaston.net. The deadline for submission, postmarked or emailed, is June 7. Applicants will be notified during July and August. The grants will be awarded officially at the September Easton Branch meeting of the AAUW.
Federal Communications Commission Announces Start Date of
Emergency Broadband Benefit Program

As of May 12, 2021, eligible households will be able to enroll in the Program to receive a monthly discount off the cost of broadband service from an approved provider. Eligible households can enroll through an approved provider or by visiting https://getemergencybroadband.org.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program will provide eligible households with discounts of up to $50 a month for broadband service, and up to $75 a month if the household is on Tribal lands. It also will provide a one-time discount of up to $100 on a computer or tablet for eligible households.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is open to households that participate in an existing low-income or pandemic relief program offered by a broadband provider; Lifeline subscribers, including those that are on Medicaid or accept SNAP benefits; households with kids receiving free and reduced-price lunch or school breakfast; Pell grant recipients; and those who have lost jobs and seen their income reduced in the last year.

For more information about the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, please visit