Calvert Library "In the News"

Thursday, January 8, 2026

Calvert Library Seeks Performers, Exhibitors, Vendors and Cultural Organizations for "The American Tapestry: A Festival of Cultures"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Calvert Library Seeks Performers, Exhibitors, Food Vendors, and Cultural Organizations for "The American Tapestry: A Festival of Cultures"

Prince Frederick, MD — Calvert Library invites performers, exhibitors, food vendors, and cultural organizations to participate in The American Tapestry: A Festival of Cultures, a vibrant community celebration honoring the many traditions that have shaped—and continue to shape—American life.

The family-friendly festival will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Calvert High School in Prince Frederick, Maryland. The event will feature live cultural performances, interactive exhibits, art, hands-on activities, and diverse food offerings, creating an immersive experience that reflects the rich heritage of Southern Maryland and beyond.

Calvert Library welcomes participation from:

Performers: musicians, dancers, drummers, storytellers, spoken-word artists, and folkloric ensembles
Exhibitors: artists, artisans, educators, historians, nonprofit groups, and community organizations with cultural displays or activities
Food Participants: food trucks, restaurants, caterers, and culinary entrepreneurs offering culturally representative cuisine
Cultural Organizations: groups dedicated to preserving, celebrating, or educating others about cultural traditions and histories

Performances, exhibits, and food offerings should reflect cultural heritage, regional history, or contemporary cultural expression and be appropriate for audiences of all ages.

Participating in The American Tapestry offers an opportunity to:

Share cultural traditions, stories, and cuisine with the community
Celebrate the diversity of Southern Maryland
Engage families through the arts, education, and food
Contribute to a meaningful community event honoring America's 250th anniversary

Interested performers, exhibitors, food vendors, and organizations please complete the application form by February 20, 2026.

Full participation details and application information are available at:
https://calvertlibrary.info/the-american-tapestry-a-festival-of-cultures/

For questions, contact:
Tonia Williams or Robyn Truslow
tonia.williams@calvertlibrary.info or robyn.truslow@calvertlibrary.info
410-535-0291

Join us as we celebrate the voices, rhythms, flavors, and stories that make our community—and our nation—extraordinary.

Robyn Truslow

She/Her/Hers

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD 20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

CalvertLibrary.info

Book time to meet with me

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Two-Dog Night Performance at Calvert Library Twin Beaches Branch on Saturday, Nov 15

Two-Dog Night Performance

October 28, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Robyn Truslow
410-535-0291

Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 1pm, Calvert Library Twin Beaches Branch will host Two-Dog Night: a group of canine and human volunteers whose goal is to delight their audiences through music, song and dance.

The group offers a lively, upbeat program featuring dancing dogs as well as human dancers, singers and musicians. Designed to be educational as well as entertaining, the show features three poodles and a dachshund leaping, twirling and bouncing in choreographed dances with their human partners. The dachshund even rides a skateboard. The numerous well-known songs always bring smiles and laughter.

The highlight of the show for both children and adults is their 15-minute showcase production "Poodles in Oz." This light-hearted re-imagining of Frank L. Baum's classic books always delights as it brings such characters as Dorothy, Scarecrow, Flying Monkeys, Auntie Em and The Wizard to life through song and dance. Two poodles bring their fun antics and original dances to the play.

Joan Rose and Lynn Franklin, the founders of Two-Dog Night, have been training dogs and teaching dog dancing for more than 30 years. With their long-haired dachshund and standard poodle, they won numerous awards, including the 2009 International Dog Dancing Pairs Competition. They've received worldwide recognition for their creative choreography and invitations to conduct dog dance training seminars abroad.

They have performed at the National Theatre in Washington, DC, and at theaters, libraries, expos, schools and various service or business organizations throughout the East Coast. They've been featured in newspapers and magazines, including Reader's Digest and The Washington Post.

As for the four-legged members, they are first and foremost beloved family members. They love performing and delight in audience applause. If you would like more information, please contact Robyn Truslow at 410-535-0291.

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Robyn Truslow

She/Her/Hers

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD 20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

CalvertLibrary.info

Book time to meet with me

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Calvert Library Twin Beaches Branch Celebrates New Mural

  Calvert Library Twin Beaches Branch Celebrates New Mural 

  October 8, 2025 

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
  Contact: Robyn Truslow 
  410-535-0291 

  Calvert Library Twin Beaches Branch is unveiling a vibrant new addition to its exterior—a ceramic tile mural that celebrates the community's deep connection to the Chesapeake Bay. Titled  "The World is Our Oyster, and the Oyster is Our World," the mural spans the west and south sides of the library exterior along Chesapeake Avenue and 5th Street, offering a colorful and tactile experience for visitors.  The community is invited to the   dedication, which will be held on Tuesday, October 28, at 2:30pm and you can register  here.   (https://calvertlibrary.libnet.info/event/14689602)    

  The mural was designed and handcrafted by local ceramic artist Parran Collery, using a relief-sculpting process that adds texture and dimension to the bay creatures featured. This creative approach ensures both sighted and low-vision visitors can engage with   the artwork.   

  "This mural is more than decoration—it's a celebration of our environment, our community, and our shared story," said  Carrie Willson, Executive Director of Calvert Library. "We saw how beloved the mural at our Prince Frederick location became, and we knew the Twin Beaches community would embrace this meaningful public art. It's beautiful, yes—but it's also educational   and interactive." 

  The project was made possible through a Public Art Across Maryland grant from the Maryland State Arts Council, with additional support from the Calvert Library Foundation, Friends of Calvert Library, the Town of Chesapeake Beach (through the Green Team and   Chesapeake Beach Oyster Cultivation Society), and the Town of North Beach. Scott Deacon, President of the Calvert Library Foundation, shared, "The community was incredibly generous in supporting the creation of this library, and we're proud to help wrap this   gift in something so striking and symbolic." 
   

  To deepen the educational impact, the library will offer an interactive activity pamphlet that invites visitors to explore the mural and details more closely. 
   

  The community was not only involved in funding this art but also participated in "Oyster Day: Sustainable Maryland" which featured tile-making workshops, oyster shell painting, a live oyster tank and an oyster talk by local environmentalist Ryan St. Laurent.   Branch Manager Melissa Gray said, "This project is a powerful reflection of our community's deep connection to the Chesapeake Bay. We're proud to showcase such a beautiful reminder of its significance and the role it plays in our lives." 

  Artist Parran Collery is known for her public art throughout the Maryland-DC-Virginia region, including mosaic murals for the DC H Street Revitalization Project, the Calvert Animal Welfare League, Caroline County Council of Arts and the Annmarie Arts Center.   Her work also includes sculptures in Leonardtown and Frederick, as well as the mural at Calvert Library Prince Frederick. 

  For more information, contact Robyn Truslow, Public Relations Coordinator for Calvert Library at 410-535-0291 or  robyn.truslow@calvertlibrary.info.  

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  Related Links: 

  Link to register for Dedication: https://calvertlibrary.libnet.info/event/14689602   

Robyn Truslow

She/Her/Hers

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD 20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

CalvertLibrary.info

Book time to meet with me

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Chat with an Astronaut

Chat with an Astronaut

October 1, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Robyn Truslow
410-535-0291

Meet astronaut Col. Frederick D. Gregory--pilot, space pioneer and the first African American to command a Space Shuttle--on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Calvert Library Twin Beaches Branch at 6:30pm. Hear his story of courage, leadership and breaking barriers.

Over the course of three missions commanding the Space Shuttle, he brought bold thinking, technical skill, and calm leadership to one of the most challenging roles on Earth—or beyond it.

But his legacy didn't stop when he landed. As a senior NASA leader, including service as Deputy Administrator, Col. Gregory helped guide the direction of U.S. space exploration, inspiring generations of explorers and engineers.

This is more than a talk—it's a chance to hear firsthand from someone who's pushed the boundaries of possibility. Whether you're passionate about space, aviation, science or leadership, Col. Gregory's story will leave you thinking bigger about your own future.

Come with questions. Leave with purpose.

Calvert Library strives to make our events accessible to all. For access questions or requests, call 410-535-0291.

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Related Links

Frederick Drew Gregory, USAF (Ret.) bio:

Frederick Drew Gregory, Colonel, USAF (Ret.) is a former test pilot, NASA astronaut, and NASA Deputy Administrator. He was born and raised in Washington D.C., graduating from Anacostia High School. He attended the United States Air Force Academy (nominated by New York Congressman, the Reverend Adam Clayton Powell) where he received his undergraduate degree in Military Engineering. He earned his wings after helicopter school, flew in Vietnam, transitioned to fighter aircraft, attended the Navy Test Pilot School, and then conducted testing as an engineering test pilot for both the Air Force and NASA. He received a master's degree from The George Washington University in Information Systems.

During his time in the Air Force, Gregory logged approximately 7,000 hours in more than 50 types of aircraft as a helicopter, fighter and test pilot. He flew 550 combat rescue missions in Vietnam.

In 1978, Gregory applied for and was chosen as a member of the first class of Space Shuttle astronauts.

Gregory became the first American with an African lineage to pilot a space craft, the orbiter Challenger on mission STS-51B. This flight was the second flight for the laboratory developed by the European Space Agency for scientific experiments on the space shuttle. The crew also deployed the Northern Utah Satellite before landing at Edwards Air Force Base. He was then the first person ever of African lineage to command any space mission with the launch of STS-33 in 1989 on the orbiter Discovery, which carried a classified payload. He then commanded STS-44 on Atlantis which in addition to deploying a Department of Defense satellite, DPS 15, also conducted extensive studies to evaluate medical countermeasures to long duration space flight.

After he left the Astronaut Office, he assumed the roles of Associate Administrator for Safety and Mission Assurance and as the Associate Administrator for Space Flight before becoming the NASA Deputy Administrator. As the leader of the agency's human space flight program and as the Deputy Administrator, one of his biggest goals was to have humans leave low Earth orbit on a journey in which Mars was the first step.

Married to the former Barbara Archer of Washington, D.C. until her death in 2008. They had two children. Frederick, D., Jr., a former Civil Servant working in the office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (DOD) and the US Army, and a graduate of Stanford University and the University of Florida. Heather Lynn is a social worker and graduate of Sweet Briar College and the University of Maryland and works for the state of North Carolina. Fred is now married to the former Annette Becke of Washington, D.C. and together they have three children, seven grandkids and five great grandkids. The two oldest grandchildren also graduated from the United States Air Force Academy and a younger grandson was Army, Special Operations. Recreational interests include reading, boating, diving, biking, traveling and relaxing on a beach.

Robyn Truslow

She/Her/Hers

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD 20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

CalvertLibrary.info

Book time to meet with me

Monday, September 29, 2025

Board of Library Trustee applications being accepted for 2026 opening

Calvert Library Board Applications Being Accepted

September 29, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Robyn Truslow
410-535-0291

Calvert Library announces a pending vacancy on the Calvert Board of Library Trustees (BOLT). All qualified applicants are welcome and all candidates will be assessed using the same criteria. Applications are accepted through November 18, 2025.

The responsibilities of the Board of Library Trustees are established by State Code. The Board is responsible for governance and fiscal oversight; approving library policies and budget and overseeing the work of the Executive Director. The Board is comprised of 7 community members who volunteer their time and support to the library. Officers include President, Vice President and Secretary. Responsibilities include monthly meetings; the board meets at 5:30pm on third Tuesdays. Meetings are held virtually via Zoom as well as meeting once a year at each library location. In addition to regular meetings, there is an annual meeting of the Southern Maryland Regional Library Association Corporation that Board members are invited to attend and an annual Citizens for Maryland Libraries meeting generally held on a Saturday in October.

Service on the BOLT is a volunteer public office with a normal appointment term of five years. The open terms begin in January 2026 and lasts through December of 2030. While State law provides that individuals may serve more than one term (but not more than two full terms in succession), each term is separate and requires application, nomination by the Board and appointment by the Board of County Commissioners. Appointment to one term does not create an entitlement to serve more than one term. The Board appreciates that experience on the Board is a significant factor to be considered, but recognizes that other factors may also be significant including, but not limited to: the quality of past performance; current Board composition; specific current needs of the Board; and, the comparative qualifications of all applicants. Additionally, since Board membership is a privilege, all eligible County citizen should have equal access to consideration for this privilege.

Details and a link to the online application can be found at https://calvertlibrary.info/about-us/board-of-trustees/meet-the-board/.

For more information, call Robyn Truslow at 410-535-0291.

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Related Links

Link to online application

https://calvertcounty.granicus.com/boards/forms/815/apply?board_name=Board+of+Library+Trustees

Robyn Truslow

She/Her/Hers

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD 20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

CalvertLibrary.info

Book time to meet with me

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Calvert Library partners with C4, Commission for Women and Calvert NAACP Partner to Provide Financial Education for Community

  Calvert Library partners with C4, Commission for Women and Calvert NAACP Partner to Provide Financial Education for Community 

  September 17, 2025 

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
  Contact: Robyn Truslow 
  410-535-0291 

  Calvert Library has partnered with Calvert Concept Charitable Corporation (C4), Calvert County Commission for Women, Calvert NAACP and other partners to bring financial empowerment classes to Calvert County.  Topics have included spotting scams, college financial   aid, time value of money, health insurance, budgeting, social security, investing tips, credit ratings, tax information, estate planning, cost-saving value of library services and more.  On Saturday, October 4, there will be a special session sponsored by   C4 and Calvert NAACP.  The topic will be Buying   an Affordable Home and Keeping It.    This event will begin at 10am at Calvert Library Prince Frederick and also online. 

  Homeownership is often the largest purchase most people will make in their life. But there are many hidden costs associated with the cost of ownership beyond the mortgage payment. This discussion will cover what everyone needs to plan for to be able to keep   a home after buying it. C4, NAACP and Calvert Library will bring a panel of experts to share how to: 

Buy your first—or next—home with little or no down payment and other special opportunities
Understand mortgage options for all credit levels
Spot real value (not just curb appeal!)
Prepare for hidden and ongoing costs of homeownership
Budget and prepare for repairs, emergencies, and rising costs
Stay in your home through tough times

  For recorded sessions of past financial empowerment classes please visit Calvert Library's YouTube page under "Financial   Empowerment Calvert."  

  For more information, contact Robyn Truslow, Public Relations Coordinator for Calvert Library at 410-535-0291 or  robyn.truslow@calvertlibrary.info.  

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  Related Links: 

To register for Oct 4: Buying an Affordable Home & Keeping It: https://calvertlibrary.libnet.info/event/14187711
Financial Empowerment Playlist on Calvert Library's YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-Qezo7vfjE&list=PLcFrYUac3iRiZg65jjk-0ULUzbdiaLZRE
https://www.c4housing.org
https://naacpcalvert.com
https://calvertlibrary.info

Robyn Truslow

She/Her/Hers

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD 20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

CalvertLibrary.info

Book time to meet with me

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Calvert Library partners with C4, Commission for Women and Calvert NAACP Partner to Provide Financial Education for Community

Calvert Library partners with C4, Commission for Women and Calvert NAACP Partner to Provide Financial Education for Community

September 11, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Robyn Truslow
410-535-0291

Calvert Library has partnered with Calvert Concept Charitable Corporation (C4), Calvert County Commission for Women, Calvert NAACP and other partners to bring financial empowerment classes to Calvert County. Topics have included spotting scams, college financial aid, time value of money, health insurance, budgeting, social security, investing tips, credit ratings, tax information, estate planning, cost-saving value of library services and more. On Saturday, October 4, we will have a special session sponsored by C4 and Calvert NAACP. The topic will be Buying an Affordable Home and Keeping It. This event will begin at 10am at Calvert Library Prince Frederick and also online.

Homeownership is often the largest purchase most people will make in their life. But there are many hidden costs associated with the cost of ownership beyond the mortgage payment. This discussion will cover what everyone needs to plan for to be able to keep a home after buying it. C4, NAACP and Calvert Library will bring a panel of experts to share how to:

Buy your first—or next—home with little or no down payment and other special opportunities
Understand mortgage options for all credit levels
Spot real value (not just curb appeal!)
Prepare for hidden and ongoing costs of homeownership
Budget and prepare for repairs, emergencies, and rising costs
Stay in your home through tough times

For recorded sessions of past financial empowerment classes please visit Calvert Library's YouTube page under "Financial Empowerment Calvert."

For more information, contact Robyn Truslow, Public Relations Coordinator for Calvert Library at 410-535-0291 or robyn.truslow@calvertlibrary.info.

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