September 28, 2010
If you are one of those adults believe that a library is only for children and maybe for bibliophiles who do not have the space to store all of the books that they want to read, then prepare to be surprised. Calvert Library offers a wide range of classes, workshops and special events appealing to adults with interests ranging from gardening to ghost stories to genealogy research. While it is true that all Calvert Library locations offer traditional monthly book discussions including a special series on the classics at the Prince Frederick location; and while it is also true that Calvert Library offers various writing groups and workshops for poetry, lyrics, prose and memoir writers; most of the library events are not as book-oriented.
The Calvert Library prides itself on offering events that are transformational for individuals and for our community. As the trends present themselves, the library responds. More and more people are interested in eating “close to the earth” and the library, in partnership with the Calvert County Master Gardeners offers an annual Garden Smarter series where participants learn about edible landscaping, beekeeping, composting and more. The library has also served as the incubator for a grass roots group called Calvert Eats Local who meets (and often eats) monthly at the Calvert Library Prince Frederick.
As people begin to recognize the benefits of gaming to maintaining healthy brains, the Calvert Library has increased their weekly Brain Game events to include Mahjongg lessons, which turn out to not only be challenging for your brain but be a great opportunity to make new friends and have a darn good time as well. For those who prefer to spend their leisure time producing something tangible, there is a weekly On Pins and Needles group of folks meeting to quilt, crochet, knit or do other creative work while building their artistic networks.
Speaking of networks, it is true that the library does have an online presence on Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and other social media outlets and that they encourage online discussions of books, anime, and what’s happening in our community. But it is also true that the library buildings themselves serve as a network-building, community-gathering place for events like Open Mic nights, Cinema Café and workshops on topics like “Keeping Our Kids Safe” and “Do I Need an Attorney?” The Calvert Library is a committed community-builder, bringing people together to talk about tough issues affecting our local community like housing, education, bullying, racial issues, local economic issues, local environment, our youth and more. An upcoming discussion on the continued separation in Calvert by race of neighborhoods and churches is part of a series called “Facing Our Fences.”
These are a few of the offerings the Calvert Library has for adults. So even if you don’t have small children and even if you don’t love books, Calvert Library can be your destination for imagination, information and inspiration. For more information on these or other events, check the website at calvert.lib.md.us or call Robyn Truslow at 410-535-0291 or 301-855-1862.
