Garden Smarter at Calvert Library (press release)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

December 15, 2017                                                                                                                                                                                                  Robyn Truslow

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    410-535-0291

 

Garden Smarter at Calvert Library

 

The Master Gardeners and Calvert Library have been offering free classes for many years.  According to Master Gardener coordinator Denise Moroney, “More and more people are deciding to grow their own vegetables, host bees or simply make the most of their natural surroundings through butterfly gardens, native plantings, environmentally-smart fertilizing. The Master Gardeners love sharing what they’ve learned from their own experiences and classes.”  Between the Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists and other volunteers that embrace nature, there will be 25 classes and a May 5 plant sale in 2018.  You can find the complete list on the Calvert Library website (calvertlibrary.info).  Most are taught on Saturdays from 10am to 11:30am at Calvert Library Prince Frederick, but at least one event will be hosted at each library branch as well as at the Community Resources Building, 30 Duke Street, Prince Frederick. 

 

The series kicks off with the very popular Seed Exchange on Saturday, January 20, at Calvert Library Prince Frederick. Registration begins at 9:30am. Gardeners can bring their unused or saved seeds from the last five years to trade and learn from fellow gardeners.  There are always plenty of seeds and many interesting varieties to try so come even if you only have a few to share. The exchange does not accept PVP, GMO or chemically treated seeds. Check out Calvert County Master Gardener Facebook page for a few other guidelines. 

 

Some of the other topics being offered this year include companion planting, attracting pollinators, understanding your plants’ needs (Did Your Plant Die or Did You Kill It?), healing gardens, container gardening, pesticide use, birding, invasive plant ID, herb spiral, designing with bulbs and more.

 

A couple of special evening events in the series will be held at Calvert Library Prince Frederick. On Thursday, February 22, at 6:30pm, MNCPPC Naturalist Greg Kearns will share his beautiful photos of ospreys and discuss their biology, nesting, migration and other interesting facts about this “unique species of raptor.”  On May 9, Greg Bowen, American Chestnut Land Trust Executive Director, will talk about the work land trusts do to save rural landscapes and the Bay.

 

If you are growing your own food, you are probably a foodie and possibly a locavore so you might be interested in joining Calvert Eats Local. You can join free by contacting Robyn Truslow at Calvert Library Prince Frederick at 410-535-0291. The winter potluck is Monday, January 22 at 7:00pm at Chesapeake’s Bounty in North Beach. Bring your plate, utensils, cup and napkin for a truly “green” experience!

 

For details, call Robyn Truslow at 410-535-0291 or 301-855-1862.

 

###

 

 

Robyn Truslow

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

Calvert Library…Your Source for Awesome!

 

Calvert Library Reports and Re-Challenges (press release)

December 11, 2017

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Robyn Truslow

410-535-0291

 

Summer is the time for relaxation, vacations and warm days at the beach, but at Calvert Library, summer is also the time for reading!  In June 2017, Calvert Library unveiled its brand new reading initiative, #calvertREADS.  The idea was simple—to participate, all you had to do was read!  Throughout the summer, Calvert County residents were encouraged to read and then log their books on the library’s website.  Participants were also encouraged to create their own personal reading goal for the summer and to share this personal challenge via the library’s website and social media.

 

The response was overwhelming!  The Calvert County Schools helped students get registered and encouraged them to read over the summer.  Many adults challenged themselves to a summer reading goal. The overall ambition was for Calvert Library customers to read and log 30,000 books in June, July and August.  By summer’s end, readers had logged an amazing 42,469 books!  Participation came in all age groups from babies to octogenarians and from all over the county. 

 

“We have always encouraged kids to read over the summer, but #calvertREADS represented our first county-wide, all-ages reading initiative—a challenge where all Calvert County residents were encouraged to engage in their community and share a love of reading,”  reports Melissa DeCesaris, team leader of the #calvertREADS team for Calvert Library.

 

After the success of the summer program, Calvert Library decided to participate in a nationwide Winter Reading Challenge from January 1 to January 31.  Billionaire investor and Shark Tank personality Mark Cuban has announced his sponsorship of the inaugural Beanstack Winter Reading Challenge in support of local libraries. Cuban has challenged close to 100 libraries all over the country to meet a collective goal of reading at least 1.3 million minutes and 55,000 books during the month of January. If achieved, Cuban pledges to donate $25,000 to First Book, a nonprofit social enterprise that provides new books, learning materials and other essentials to children in need.  He will also give $10,000 for the top-performing libraries to use for their community programs. 

 

How can you help? Join library customers across the country to transform lives with the gift of reading.  If you have students in the school system, you may have already heard about the Winter Challenge.  Calvert County students and adults are urged to read and log a total of 5,000 books for the month of January as our part of the national challenge.  “We are very excited to be a part of the Beanstack Winter Reading Challenge,” says Calvert Library Director Carrie Plymire.  “Participating is a win-win-win for our customers.  You get the pleasure of reading a book, the library gets the chance to win money to support our classes and events, and nationally First Book gets a donation to provide books to low-income students."

 

Calvert Library will use Beanstack, an innovative software that facilitates reading programs for schools and libraries, to make it easy to track the number of books read. "After doing a storytime for my local library, Dallas Public Library, I became increasingly inspired by the work libraries do for their communities," says Cuban. "Growing up, my mom used to give me a quarter for every book I read. Through reading programs libraries run with Beanstack, they are providing these kinds of incentives for readers throughout the community. I love the idea that we will encourage readers through a shared, ambitious goal, and that the prize for everyone will be to pay it forward to an awesome organization focused on literacy and access to books."

 

Since its founding in 1992, First Book has distributed more than 170 million books and educational resources to programs and schools serving children from low-income families.

"I believe that the most powerful force in the world is empathy," says First Book's president, co-founder and CEO Kyle Zimmer. "It is truly an honor to be selected by libraries and to have the reward for participants' reading be to collectively given to First Book—bringing the joy of reading through books and resources to so many more children. What a wonderful way to build empathy and community. First Book is an ardent supporter of libraries, and we are thrilled to be part of this program. We will absolutely put that $25,000 to work, serving kids in need."

 

To participate in the #calvertREADS Winter Reading Challenge from January 1 to January 31, summer readers need only to sign in to their #calvertREADS account on the library’s website at www.calvertlibrary.info and click on the 2018 Winter Challenge program to participate. Readers can expect some exciting new additions to the library’s online program including the ability to add book titles by ISBN numbers and the opportunity to add picture reviews of the titles they have logged.  Yes, you can add animated gifs!  Missed out on the summer reading fun in 2017? New participants can sign up for an account on the library’s website.  More information is available at every Calvert Library location.

 

So get ready to read Calvert County and join the #calvertREADS Winter Reading Challenge—after reading more than 40,000 books in the summer, 5,000 will be a breeze!

###

 

Robyn Truslow

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

Calvert Library…Your Source for Awesome!

 

Yes, You Need to Talk to Your Children about Drugs (press release)

November 21, 2017

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

 

You can’t open the newspaper or listen to the radio without hearing something about the drug abuse epidemic here in Calvert County and across the nation.  No matter how protective we are of our children, there is still the chance that they or their friends will encounter drugs.  Calvert Alliance Against Substance Abuse, Calvert Library, Calvert County Public Schools and Calvert County Health Department are teaming up to help parents learn how to talk to their children about drugs.  On Thursday, November 30 at 6:30pm at Calvert Library Prince Frederick, they will show Chasing the Dragon: Life of an Opiate Addict where you’ll learn that addiction can strike any family.  The film will be followed up by a conversation with experts about how to give your children the tools to be safe and successful out in the world beyond home.

 

According to Scientific American, the “Just Say No” campaign didn’t work because it didn’t teach kids how to handle peer pressure and it didn’t give them a chance to practice refusing drugs.  The other criticism of the “Just Say No” campaign was that it made kids think that drug use was the norm and that saying “no” made them “not cool,” when in fact, most kids do not use drugs.  That doesn’t mean that most kids are not offered drugs.  A study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry found that 81% of teens say that they had the opportunity to use illicit substances.  We all need a little help parenting. We can help children understand the impact drugs and alcohol can have on a developing brain.  We can go an extra step and role-play so that children have a script they can easily recall if they are approached with an offer of drugs or alcohol.  To learn more about how to keep your child safe and to share strategies with other parents, please come to this workshop.  Registration is requested but not required.

 

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

###                                               

 

 

Robyn Truslow

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

Calvert Library…Your Source for Awesome!

 

Calvert Library Challenges Readers to Try Digital (press release)

November 9, 2017

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

 

Calvert Library and Maryland’s Digital eLibrary Consortium is on a mission: Get more people to try digital reading! While they have offered eBooks and digital audiobooks to the community through their partnership with OverDrive for more than 13 years, they know that many people are still surprised to learn their library card gives them access to 24,000+ free digital titles.

Throughout the rest of this calendar year, the library is participating in OverDrive’s “Digital Dash” contest. If the state hits 2,796,255 digital checkouts by the end of the year, it will be eligible to win funds to buy more eBooks and audiobooks for the OverDrive collection. The state is at just over 80% of that goal now.

“We would love to expand our digital collection with new materials and cut down on hold times by buying more copies of our most popular titles,” said Carrie Plymire, Calvert Library Director.

The library’s digital books are free for anyone with a valid library card. Current popular titles include Dan Brown’s Origin, John Grisham’s The Rooster Bar, and this year’s One Maryland One Book winner Purple Hibiscus. Users can borrow bestsellers, classic eBooks and digital audiobooks to enjoy on smart phones, tablets, Kindles and other eReaders, MP3 players and computers. Maryland’s Digital eLibrary Consortium website also offers a dedicated space for younger readers, with a variety of juvenile and young adult titles, including a collection of STEM and homework help titles. There are never late fees with digital titles, as they return automatically at the end of the lending period.

Readers can access the library’s digital collection 24/7 by visiting https://maryland.overdrive.com/maryland-southernmarylandregional/content or by downloading the Libby app from their device’s app store. For more information, call Robyn Truslow at 410-535-0291.

 

About OverDrive
OverDrive is the leading digital reading platform for libraries and schools.  It is dedicated to “a world enlightened by reading” by delivering the industry’s largest catalog of eBooks, audiobooks and other digital media to a growing network of 36,000 libraries and schools in 63 countries worldwide.  Founded in 1986, OverDrive is based in Cleveland, Ohio, and owned by Tokyo-based Rakuten.  www.overdrive.com

###                                               

 

 

Robyn Truslow

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

Calvert Library…Your Source for Awesome!

 

Author of Family Comedy Series at Calvert Library (press release)

 

Author of Family Comedy Series at Calvert Library

November 6, 2017

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

‘Tis the season for family gatherings and all the love, angst and drama they include.  Come to Calvert Library Prince Frederick on Monday, November 20, at 7pm to lighten your spirits, share your family stories and hear from author Shelton Johnson. 

Johnson, a native of Norfolk, VA, now resides in Southern Maryland with his wife and two children. Although he grew up playing multiple sports and was afforded the opportunity to play football at James Madison University, writing has always been a part of his life. Before writing his first published project, Thankful for My Family, Johnson had written two plays, multiple short stories, and a children's book that his brother illustrated. When asked about becoming a published author of a book with heavy doses of comedy, Johnson answered, "Writing wasn't something that I took seriously. I really just did it for fun. It's always been easy for me to play out situations or scenarios in my mind that would make people laugh. I decided to finish this book (Thankful for My Family) and publish it for multiple reasons. The biggest reason, though, came one day in the mall while waiting for my wife to finish shopping. I walked in the bookstore and I couldn't find anything that really grabbed my attention. That's when I decided to not only publish this book, but make it appealing to people like me who like to laugh." Johnson also made mention that Thankful for My Family is the first installment of a three-part series, that he refers to as the "Family Comedy Trilogy." 

Johnson will bring to the event his first two comedy books (Thankful and Merry with My Family) as well as his new novel, Mr. Wilder, a novel about a white teacher at the predominantly black Booker T. Washington High School during a time of heated racial trouble.  Books will be available for sale and signing.  And the mic will be open for your stories.  For more information, call Robyn Truslow at 410-535-0291.

###                                               

 

Related Links

Link to full flyer image 

 

 

Robyn Truslow

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 Fax

rtruslow@somd.lib.md.us  

 

 

Human Library featured at Calvert Library Prince Frederick on Oct. 28 (press release)

Calvert Library Hosted Interns This Summer

October 18, 2017

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

 

Calvert Library participated in a connected learning internship program this summer sponsored by the Public Library Association (PLA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA). Through its Inclusive Internship Initiative (III), PLA sponsored paid, mentored public library internships for 50 high school juniors and seniors from diverse backgrounds. With individual guidance from a mentor, each intern engaged in multiple facets of library life, from administration to programming to user services.

Calvert Library selected Le’Andre Campbell and Robin Freedland as interns for summer 2017. Mr. Campbell is a junior at Calvert High School this fall and Ms. Freeland is a senior at Huntingtown High School. The selections were made based on the students’ academic standing, application essay, letter of recommendation and an interview. Primary library mentors were Circulation Supervisor Megan Jones and Public Services Librarian Tiffany Sutherland. Campbell, Freeland and Jones traveled to Washington, D.C., for III’s summer kick-off event.

Over the course of the summer, interns and mentors developed a project to benefit the community.  Both interns have a passion for social justice and a belief in the importance of dialogue, and their projects reflect that.  Mr. Campbell developed an event called “Unity for the Community Speed Discussion for Teens” that was held September 26 at Calvert Library Prince Frederick.  Teens viewed short video clips on various social issues and then discussed one-on-one in a casual “speed networking” format.  Ms. Freeland is developing a small Human Library modeled on The Human Library ™ project, an initiative “designed to build a positive framework for conversations that can challenge stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue…real people are on loan to readers…difficult questions are expected, appreciated and answered.”  Ms. Freeland’s “books” will be available for in-house checkout on Saturday, October 28, from 1-4pm at Calvert Library Prince Frederick.  She is recruiting “human books” with a variety of experiences and backgrounds who are willing to talk to strangers about themselves.  Please register on the library website (www.calvertlibrary.info) or call 410-535-0291, if you are interested in checking out a human book.

When Ms. Freeland was asked what she had gained from her experience at the library, she said, “I didn’t realize how busy librarians are. They do just about everything and then more! Being an intern doesn’t just let me see what a librarian’s day is like; it also gave me some life skills that I can use beyond the library like leadership skills and a good work ethic.  I have really high hopes that my project can make a difference in people’s lives for the better and change the mindset of how we perceive others. I believe with one human library at a time, we can all learn to get along and not be afraid to talk to one another just because we think we’re different.”

Mr. Campbell agreed that the library was a busier place than he expected and he added, “The library has been a great resource. I plan to be a teacher because I want to be a role model for other African American young people.  I met someone at a library event whose organization is working to increase the number of Black teachers in Calvert County and he has asked that we work together towards that goal.”

The internship program was funded by PLA with support from a pre-professional Laura Bush 21^st Century Librarian Program Grant (grant RE-00-17-0129-17) from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Additional information about the Inclusive Internship Initiative can be found at https://apply.ala.org/plinterns.

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

###                                               

 

 Link to flyer

 

Robyn Truslow

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

Calvert Library…Your Source for Awesome!

 

Friends of Calvert Library Hosting Their Fall Pub Quiz (press release)

October 17, 2017

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

 

It’s time for the Friends of Calvert Library Fall Pub Quiz!  On Friday, November 3, at 6:30pm, the doors will open for a night of fun and trivia.  For one night only, the library won’t help you find the answers. The Quizmaster is Chamber of Commerce CEO Bob Carpenter and he reminds us that “The Quizmaster is always right!”  You must have a picture ID verifying that you are 21 or older to enter. Teams of up to six people can be registered through the Calvert Library’s online calendar at www.calvertlibrary.info. However, participation is first-paid, first-served, so come to any Calvert Library location with a clever team name and pay your stake so that your team will be ensured a spot in the competition.  The fee is $60 per team and sells out every event so register quickly.  There are three chances to win plus a 50/50 raffle!  The first place team will win $120, second place wins $60 and third place wins $30. There is only space for 16 teams and 20 spectators.  Spectators 21 and older can purchase their space ahead of time for $5.  It promises to be a highly entertaining evening complete with free snacks and a cash bar.  Donations are welcome.  There are lots of rules, some may even be made up on the spot(!), and the format is detailed on the Calvert Library website (www.CalvertLibrary.info/pubquiz.html).  For more information, call Robyn Truslow at 410-535-0291 or 301-855-1862.

###                                               

 

Related Links

Link to full flyer image 

 

 

 

Robyn Truslow

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

Calvert Library…Your Source for Awesome!

 

Calvert Community Makes the 2017 Library Gala Art Auction a Success! (press release)

October 12, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Robyn Truslow

410-535-0291

 

 

Thanks to hundreds of Calvert County people who gave generously of their time, talent and finances, and by their attendance, the 2017 Calvert Library Foundation Art Auction on October 7^th, at St. Paul’s Church Hall, Prince Frederick, raised over $20,000 for the betterment of all locations of Calvert Library! Dedicated Committee Members from around the County worked for months to bring it all together, creating a striking evening of music, art and entertainment, featuring local artists’ creations as well as a professionally curated collection of world-recognized art.

 

 

Scott Deacon, President of the Foundation, said, “Particular thanks go to the sponsors whose significant financial support ensured the success of the event: Community Bank of the Chesapeake; Dr. Sheldon Seidel, Orthodontist; Pickett & Oliverio, Attorneys at Law; Kip and Patti At Lee; Ms. Martha Grahame, Dr. Lucinda Keller, in honor of Gloria and Russell Costley; and, the American Legion, Stalling-Williams Post 206.” 

 

In addition, many community businesses and individuals purchased advertising in the evening’s program, twenty local restaurants and caterers provided their specialties for a lavish “Tastes of the Region” buffet for the evening’s reception, and dozens of businesses and individuals provided works of art and beautiful gifts that were auctioned. The Calvert Library Foundation asks that you refer to Facebook and their website, for detailed information concerning these generous donors, noting that your thanks and patronage would be most welcome expressions of appreciation for their commitment to Calvert Library’s service to our community.

 

Link to Sponsors Appreciation Page

Link to Reception Donors Appreciation page

Link to Silent and Live Auction Donors Appreciation page

 

###

 

 

Robyn Truslow

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

Calvert Library…Your Source for Awesome!

 

Library Gala Art Auction (press release)

October 2, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Robyn Truslow

410-535-0291

 

It’s Time!  This Saturday.  The Best Time in the County!

This Saturday, October 7th, the doors will open at 6:30 PM on the great party that is the Library Gala Art Auction.  Tickets available at the door.  For only $20, you will receive an extravagant pre-auction “Taste of the Region” reception featuring specialties of restaurants throughout the County, live jazz, free wine tasting and a cash bar.  Door prizes will be given, including a beautifully framed work of art valued at $150.  Works by local artists will be auctioned in addition to a professionally curated collection of beautifully framed art, including the works of many prominent international artists, as well as sports and music memorabilia.  In addition, a wide array of travel, sports and dining opportunities as well as jewelry will be auctioned off.  You will be entertained by a professional auctioneer out of New York, who’s knowledgeable and humorous presentation turns art auctioning into performance art.  Auction prices will cover a wide range to accommodate every budget.  No obligation to buy.

Be at St. Paul’s Church hall, 25 Church Street, Prince Frederick, Maryland, this Saturday to enjoy it all and support your great Library and its fantastic Library staff!

 

###

 

Robyn Truslow

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

Calvert Library…Your Source for Awesome!

 

Calvert Library Foundation Gala Art Auction is a Great Date Night! (press release)

September 18, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Robyn Truslow

410-535-0291

 

Calvert Library Foundation Gala Art Auction

 

On Saturday, October 7, 2017, the Calvert Library Foundation will host the fourth Gala Art Auction to benefit all Calvert Library locations.  Whether you are into art or not, this is an outstanding “date night.”  The event will be held at St. Paul’s Church Hall in Prince Frederick.  It will kick off at 6:30pm with an extravagant pre-auction “Taste of the Region” reception, with live musicians, and a review of the collection of art to be sold.  The auction will start at 7:30pm.  The professionally curated collection of beautifully framed art, including the works of many prominent international artists, as well as sports and music memorabilia, will be auctioned by an entertaining, professional auctioneer out of New York.  Art values will accommodate a broad range of budgets, many not expensive.  Door prizes, including a beautiful, framed work of art valued at not less than $150 will be given.

 

Thanks to the generosity of Calvert County individuals and businesses – in addition to the beautiful, framed art, sports memorabilia and music memorabilia from New York -- the live auction and the associated Silent Auction on October 7 will feature:  weekend and week-long beach and skiing condo get-aways, professional sports ticket packages with rare seating opportunities, fine jewelry, beautiful works of art by regional artists, antiques, food specialties delivered to your home, gifts from local businesses, and Chesapeake Bay excursions!  A hundred percent of the successful bids on these amazing items will go to Calvert Library and all its branches!  You must be present at the Auction to bid.

 

Tickets for this event are just $20 and can be purchased from any Calvert Library location.  There will be a cash bar.  Even if you are not able to attend, you can still support the event by purchasing auction tickets to be given to others and 50/50 raffle tickets at any Calvert Library location.  There are also a variety of sponsorship opportunities available.  Tickets will be available at the event.  The raffle ticket winner does not need to be present to win.  Email LibraryArtAuction@comcast.net for details or check www.calvertlibraryfoundation.com.

 

###

 

Robyn Truslow

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

Calvert Library…Your Source for Awesome!

 

Calvert Library Hosting Maryland Sesquicentennial 1864 Slave Emancipation Quilt (press release) + link to photo

 

Calvert Library Hosting Maryland Sesquicentennial 1864 Slave Emancipation Quilt

September 1, 2017

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

 

Until September 28, Calvert Library Prince Frederick is hosting the Maryland Sesquicentennial 1865 Slave Emancipation Quilt that was coordinated and designed by Dr. Joan M. E. Gaither in conjunction with the Maryland Commission on African American History and Culture.  Each county plus Baltimore City designed their quilt block in response to direction to reflect stories of people, places and events in their areas at the time of Emancipation.  Visit the library to see this masterpiece in person.

 

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

###                                               

 

Photo:

http://calvert.lib.md.us/images/GaitherandQuilt.jpg

Dr. Joan Gaither pictured with the quilt at Calvert Library Prince Frederick

 

 

Robyn Truslow

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

Calvert Library…Your Source for Awesome!

 

Dining in the Field back for 2017! (press release)

August 21, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Robyn Truslow at 410-474-3160

Described as "the social event of the year," the Dining in the Field inaugural event in 2016 raised $4,647 for the Young Farmers Scholarship Fund. This year's event aims to double that. Tickets are already selling for the Thursday, October 12 event set to take place on gorgeous Briscoe Farms on the Patuxent River.  Cocktails at 4:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:00 p.m., rain or shine.  Early bird tickets are $150 online through Dining Eats Local on Facebook and the Calvert County Farm Bureau site until September 15.  Dropping a check or cash off at the Farm Bureau will save you $5/ticket.  There are only 200 spots so committing early is recommended.

Brain child of former delegate Sue Kullen, the event raised awareness and support for the local farming economy.  Kullen is an active member of Calvert Eats Local, a group that meets monthly at Calvert Library Prince Frederick that was started by Greg Bowen and the library from a book discussion of Barbara Kingsolver's Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. Calvert Eats Local (CEL) has over 500 members and is dedicated to the support of sustainable agriculture and community in Southern Maryland.  Kullen said that she was inspired by a statistic she heard at a CEL meeting that suggested that if everyone were to purchase just 10% of their food locally, it would add $28 million to the local economy.  The delicious, high-end meal she and other volunteers designed was sourced entirely from 30 local and regional sources.  She challenged attendees to commit to purchasing as much of their food locally as was reasonable.  The dinner which included cocktails, wine, Patuxent oysters, grilled pork chops, charcuterie & cheese board, salad, rockfish with a creamy crab sauce, and a variety of local roasted vegetables was an example of what an inspiring meal could be made from all local ingredients.

Dream Weaver owner Trish Weaver was the primary chef and caterer for the event and generously donated her time and talents for the planning and event.  She said, "I love this stuff…I love Calvert County, I love sourcing my food from my neighbors and I love building community."  Kullen recruited 17 other equally dedicated volunteers who shared their skills ranging from graphic design to washing up.  Caterer Sue Dzurec helped create a magical atmosphere with brilliant décor and signage celebrating the farms featured. She also helped in the "kitchen" along with Gwyn Novak of No Thyme to Cook.  Suzi Gibson loaned some of her splendid local flower arrangements to the event.  Jeannae Pinno with Stonesby Events helped with logistics, beauty and even helped serve the food.  Woodberry Kitchen in Baltimore accepted the freshly ground local flour and grains from Next Step Produce in Charles County and baked all the bread for free.  Farmers were purposely not asked for discounts since the purpose of the event is to support local farmers but the quantity made wholesale prices worthwhile for many. Slack Winery and Running Hare were generous with discounts for wine and beer.  The featured cocktail cooked up by Kullen was a delightful blend of local lemons (really!) and St. Mary's County Tobacco Barn Distillery honey flavored rum.

The food was amazing and it was seasoned with the most beautiful setting and sunset and a magical fellowship shared among the diners.  Did I mention that tickets are available for the October 12 event?  Reserve your seat at the table!

###

Photos attached in a powerpoint.  If you would like higher resolution of any of the photos, please contact Sue Kullen at psue@comcast.net. 

Calvert Library to Host Classes on Grassroots Engagement (press release)

 

Calvert Library to Host Classes on Grassroots Engagement

August 19, 2017

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

 

Once again Calvert Library is participating in the statewide One Maryland One Book initiative of Maryland Humanities.  This year, everyone is being encouraged to read Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.  The main character in Purple Hibiscus is selectively mute, Nigerian, fifteen-year-old Kambili who lives in a protected compound with her family.  Her father is wealthy, generous and politically active in public and repressive, abusive and fanatically religious at home.  Though it is an intense novel with themes of home, family, religion, rebellion, corruption, nature, freedom and tyranny, Purple Hibiscus is ultimately about finding your voice. 

 

With that in mind, Calvert Library is hosting a four-part class called #DoSomethingCal! to help attendees find their voice. Former delegate and current organizer and facilitator Sue Kullen will teach the skills of getting organized and involved in issues that affect your community.  When asked why the library is hosting this series, Public Relations Coordinator Robyn Truslow said, “We’ve had a lot of requests from customers to offer this training and it fits so well with an important theme in this year’s One Maryland One Book title.  It’s an important time for people to learn how to advocate for what they believe in, in a persuasive, civil way.  We might get angry about something but anger doesn’t change minds and hearts.”  When Sue Kullen was asked why she agreed to teach the free course, she said, “I believe we can change the world by listening to each other, learning to understand one another’s perspectives and communicating our own experience and beliefs with civility.  Sometimes it might seem that someone’s perspective is rooted in malevolence, but you’ll often find it’s based in fear and misunderstanding.  A grassroots effort to educate and help people past that fear or lack of knowledge can be very powerful.”  With a self-deprecating laugh she added, “Or maybe you just need to learn how to convince someone of the need for a bus stop in your neighborhood!” 

 

Attendees will individually come up with a topic they care about and that can be addressed as a short-term project.  They will use that issue for hands-on practice of a variety of skills such as researching the topic, assessing personal strengths, identifying needs for the project, building a team, running positive, productive meetings, influencing people, using appreciative inquiry and good listening skills, and using a bridge-to-action plan.  Each class will be from 6:30-8:30pm at Calvert Library Prince Frederick and the dates are Thursdays, September 7 and 28 and October 5 and 26. For more information, call Robyn Truslow at 410-535-0291 or check the website at http://calvert.lib.md.us/omob.html.

###                                               

 

Related Links

Link to Calvert Library’s OMOB page

 

 

Robyn Truslow

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

Calvert Library…Your Source for Awesome!

 

Calvert Library Hosting a Virtual Reality Roadshow! (press release)

July 26, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Robyn Truslow

410-535-0291

 

Calvert Library is hosting a Virtual Reality (VR) Roadshow!  Visit the library in Prince Frederick on Saturday, August 19, from 10am to 1pm to try out a variety of virtual reality platforms such as Google Cardboard, Google Daydream, HTC Vive and Oculus Rift.  Thanks to funding from the Maryland State Library Agency and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the library will receive training and be able coach you through the experience.  There will be librarians on hand to hear what your thoughts are on other VR opportunities you would like to see Calvert Library offer! Immersive learning has always been the most effective means of gaining knowledge but it hasn’t been the safest…you wouldn’t want a surgeon-in-training’s first incision to be in your abdomen…or a pilot’s first landing to be in a Boeing 747 full of passengers.  VR is allowing immersive training without putting anyone at risk. What can you see for the future of VR?  Come to the Roadshow to get your imagination revving!  For more information, call Robyn Truslow at 410-535-0291. 

                                                                                    

###

 

Robyn Truslow

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

Calvert Library…Your Source for Awesome!

 

Documentary Showing and Discussion at Calvert Library Prince Frederick

July 24, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Robyn Truslow

410-535-0291

 

In a community partnership project, Calvert Library Prince Frederick is hosting a showing and discussion of the Ava DuVernay’s documentary about race, justice and mass incarceration, 13^th.  The main event is Thursday, August 24 with the movie starting at 5:30pm and the discussion scheduled to begin at 7:15 p.m.  For those whom 5:30pm on a weeknight is too early, the library will also show the film at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 19 with the anticipation that those viewers will be able to attend the discussion at 7:15 p.m. on August 24. 

 

The film itself is a critically-acclaimed and thought-provoking film and won the Peabody award and BAFTA for Best Documentary in 2016.  The discussion promises to be rich and provocative.  Dusty Rhoades and Willetta Love from the Community Mediation Center of Calvert County will moderate.  Partners and participants include All Saints Episcopal Church, Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, Community Mediation Center of Calvert County, the Honorable E. Gregory Wells of the Calvert County Circuit Court, Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, Maryland Commission on Civil Rights, Calvert County NAACP, Point of Change Jail and Street Ministry and Remnant Center of Excellence. 

Calvert Library summer student intern and Calvert High School rising junior, Le’Andre Campbell has helped collect questions to think about prior to seeing the film, as well as questions to kick the discussion off afterwards.  When asked about his interest he said, “I saw this documentary on Netflix and I think it’s an important topic to discuss. I’m so glad to have the opportunity to get the community together to talk and I’m working on getting other teens to the library for the event.”

 

Michael Kent with the NAACP will talk about what is happening on the local level around this issue of mass incarceration.  A representative of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland will talk about related legislation at the state level.  Others involved in the legal and penal system will be available to answer questions and provide information from their own experience.  Content of the film is intense and parental guidance is encouraged.

 

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

 

###

 

Robyn Truslow

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

Calvert Library…Your Source for Awesome!