Calvert Library Celebrates Inspiring African American Men (press release)

 

Calvert Library Celebrates Inspiring African American Men of Calvert County

 

December 11, 2018

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

 

Calvert Library Prince Frederick is celebrating the release of a new book Inspiring African American Men of Calvert County on Wednesday, December 19 at 6:30pm.  In 2017, Darlene Harrod, a remarkable woman herself, spent many hours compiling biographies for a book published by Calvert Library entitled Inspiring African American Women of Calvert County. When she was asked whether she would re-create the feat for African American men of Calvert County, she didn’t hesitate. Executive Director Carrie Willson-Plymire said, “Calvert Library is very grateful for Ms. Harrod’s dedication to helping Calvert County’s African American community tell its story and celebrate its successes.”  While Harrod did much of the compiling of names and chasing down of contact and research information, she shares the credit, “I was happy to be asked and I was happy to have help from Shirley Knight who provided invaluable assistance with the editing work and offered outstanding input for the project.”

 

The library’s goal in creating the first book was to provide a resource and inspiration to young people, especially young women. According to Willson-Plymire, “Our most recent library tagline is ‘Inspiring Possibility’ and the women and men featured in these books are a perfect model of this.”  At the December 19 event, young members of the community will be introducing the featured men and talking about what inspired them about the men they have met through the book.

 

There are 39 men featured in the book.  Most are from our fairly recent history, but Charles Ball was a hero of the early 1800’s and William Sampson Brooks was active in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. According to Robyn Truslow who coordinated the project on behalf of the library, “We did not include every inspiring man in this book but we did include some blank pages to encourage people to add the stories of others that inspire them.”

 

The first printing of the book was sponsored by Friends of Calvert Library and they are also hosting the reception at the release event.  Friends President Martha Grahame said, “We are so excited about this project and proud to be supporting it. The Friends are strong believers in making a difference in one’s community and there are many African American men who have contributed to the building and improvement of our county, its people and the world beyond. We are pleased to celebrate them with this book!” Each man featured in the book will receive a copy courtesy of the Friends.  Additional copies will be available for sale at the event for $5.  They are also available on Amazon and of course, to check out or read digitally from the library.

 

The recurring theme in these collected stories is perseverance through unfair challenges, a commitment to finding opportunity despite obstacles and a dedication to making the world a better place for the next generation. Calvert Library has been a partner in the Big Conversation: Dismantling Racism and it was this group that encouraged Truslow to move forward on this book project.  Truslow said, “As a library, we know the power of a story. We want to help people tell theirs.”

 

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

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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)

CalvertLibrary.info

 

Update on Calvert Library Twin Beaches Site Selection Process (press release)

October 30, 2018

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

 

Calvert Library shared an update on the Twin Beaches site selection process. The Town of Chesapeake Beach asked for more time to submit their proposal. Presentations will now be made at the regularly scheduled November 13, Board of Library Trustees meeting at 2:30pm at Calvert Library Fairview Branch.  For more information, call Robyn Truslow at 410-535-0291.

 

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Robyn Truslow

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

CalvertLibrary.info

 

Calvert Library Adds Film Streaming Service Kanopy (press release)

CALVERT LIBRARY ADDS FILM STREAMING SERVICE, KANOPY

 

October 25, 2018
Contact: Robyn Truslow
410-535-0291

 

With Kanopy, Calvert Library Customers Will Have Access to more than 30,000 Films, For Free

 

The popular on-demand film streaming service Kanopy is now available for free at Calvert Library. Library card holders can access Kanopy and sign up to start streaming films instantly by visiting http://calvert.kanopy.com. Films can be streamed from any computer, television, mobile device or platform by downloading the Kanopy app for iOS, Android, AppleTV, Chromecast or Roku.

 

Offering what the New York Times calls “a garden of cinematic delights,” Kanopy showcases more than 30,000 of the world’s best films, including award-winning documentaries, rare and hard-to-find titles, film festival favorites, indie and classic films, and world cinema with collections from Kino Lorber, Music Box Films, Samuel Goldwyn, The Orchard, The Great Courses, PBS and thousands of independent filmmakers.

 

With the motto of "thoughtful entertainment," Kanopy provides Calvert Library customers with access to films of unique social and cultural value; films that are often difficult or impossible to access elsewhere, and programming that features diversity, with a wide array of foreign language films and films on race, and current affairs.

 

Calvert Library Director Carrie Plymire said, “One goal of our current strategic plan is to enlarge our ‘virtual branch’ and Kanopy does this by providing thought-provoking media our customers can view from their personal devices, here in the library or wherever they can access the internet. Kanopy also gives the library public performance rights so we can show these films for discussion and engagement at the library. We’re excited about this addition to our virtual collection.”

The Kanopy collection includes indie hits like Hunt For the Wilderpeople and 2 Days in Paris, classic masterpieces like Aguirre, the Wrath of God and Seven Samurai, and award-winning documentaries like the 2017 Oscar®-nominated I Am Not Your Negro and Sundance Film Festival winner Mother of George.

 

Kanopy was founded in 2008 by CEO Olivia Humphrey as an educational tool for colleges and universities. More than 5 million Kanopy users stream the most acclaimed movies and documentaries from award-winning filmmakers, and experience the best in independent, classic film, and world cinema.

http://calvert.kanopy.com

 

 

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Robyn Truslow

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

CalvertLibrary.info

 

Calvert Library Honors WWI Veterans on November 10 (press release)

 

Calvert Library Honors WWI Veterans

October 25, 2018

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

 

Calvert Library Prince Frederick will be commemorating the 100^th anniversary of the end of the “war to end all wars” on Saturday, November 10, 11 am to noon. We will honor the lives of the eighteen men of Calvert County who fought and lost their lives as a result of WWI.  Their names are engraved on the 1920 monument on the Calvert County Court House lawn.  Family members of the following patriots, who answered the call for liberty and humanity, are invited to attend:

George Armiger, Solomon Barnes, Alonza Brown, James Butler, Wallace Curtis, William T. Dorsey, Thornton Gormon, John Gross, Joseph S. Jones, Benjamin Kent, Arick L. Lore, William N. Marquess, Thomas J. Osborne, Reuben Pitcher, Murray A. Sherbert, Irving R. Stallings, Harry Sunderland, Charles W. Tongue.  The Naval Academy Brass Quintet will play an historical, musical tribute beginning at 10:45 am.

 

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

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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)

CalvertLibrary.info

 

New Calvert Library Twin Beaches Branch Process Reopened (press release)

 

October 17, 2018

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

 

The site selection process for the new Calvert Library Twin Beaches Branch will reopen because North Beach is not able to deliver the land offered in their approved proposal. The offer and acceptance were contingent on North Beach gaining ownership of the 3^rd Street property that they would then transfer to the county.  To date, no action has been taken nor funds expended in anticipation of the land transfer. 

 

Library Director Carrie Plymire has communicated to both North Beach and Chesapeake Beach that site selection has been reopened.  According to Plymire, “The BOLT [Board of Library Trustees] has added a preference for non-contingent offers and we’ve asked for proposals by October 31 in order to keep the process moving and to preserve the option of the state grant. However, I have asked Chesapeake Beach to let me know if they need more time.”  BOLT President Martha Grahame noted, “The Twin Beaches area deserves a new library in an accessible location…the sooner the better. But we will not rush the process and risk ending up with a less than ideal location. We want the best possible solution for the community.”

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

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Robyn Truslow

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

CalvertLibrary.info

 

Meet Political Thriller Author Doug Norton (press release)

 

Calvert Library Hosting Political Thriller Author Doug Norton

October 17, 2018

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

As a warship captain during the Cold War, Doug Norton held launch codes for nuclear weapons and was prepared to use them. He also participated in international negotiations to reduce their numbers and the chance of nuclear war between the United States and the Soviet Union.

 

On Monday, November 19, Mr. Norton will visit Calvert Library Prince Frederick at 7pm to present “American Presidents, North Korean Dictators, and the Elephants in the Room,” which relates the fictional plots of his Code Word thrillers to current developments in East Asia.

 

Mr. Norton’s political thrillers Code Word: Paternity and its sequel Code Word: Pandora feature the stand-off between the United States and North Korea. Drawing on his 25 years of military and diplomatic experience, Doug Norton’s thrillers mix American security, North Korean aggressiveness, and Chinese power in a cauldron of politics, technology, and risk that will keep you up at night, even after you’ve finished reading.

 

The author has many years of navy and defense department experience including nuclear deterrence, tense White House meetings, and high-stakes diplomacy in Geneva, Brussels, London, and Washington. He brings deep knowledge and authenticity to this presentation ranging from the strategic situation in Korea to the demands and costs of duty and the question of whether evil can be overcome without resorting to evil methods.

 

The talk will be followed by Q&A and a book signing. Register for the event for a chance to win a copy of your choice. 

 

To register or for more information about this and other upcoming programs, visit calvertlibrary.info or contact Robyn Truslow at 410-535-0291.

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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)

CalvertLibrary.info

 

In the Executioner's Shadow (press release)

Calvert Library Hosting Viewing and Discussion of Documentary:

In the Executioner’s Shadow: A Story of Justice, Injustice

and the Death Penalty

 

October 17, 2018

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

 

As the culminating event for a successful 2018 One Maryland One Book celebration, Calvert Library Prince Frederick will host a screening of the new documentary In the Executioner’s Shadow: A Story of Justice, Injustice and the Death Penalty on Tuesday, October 30 at 7pm.  Film co-producer and author Rick Stack will be on hand to answer questions and provide in-depth information.

 

This year’s book is Bloodsworth: The True Story of the First Death Row Inmate Exonerated by DNA Evidence by Tim Junkin. Kirk Bloodsworth was an innocent man on death row in Maryland before the death penalty was abolished here. From the title, it’s clear that he was ultimately freed rather than executed, and his story was instrumental in abolishing Maryland’s capital punishment.  However, capital punishment is still part of the justice process in other states, and there are many conflicting opinions about it.

 

In the Executioner’s Shadow shares three powerful perspectives on the issue—a former state executioner, a Boston Marathon bombing victim, and the parents of a murder victim who chose to fight for the life of their daughter’s killer.  The theme of One Maryland One Book this year is “justice.” Participants will talk about what this documentary says about justice and what their own views are.  We won’t all agree and we will probably all learn something. The film is under an hour so there will be 30-45 minutes for discussion.

 

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

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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)

CalvertLibrary.info

 

Press Release for FRVW Art Opening & Reception

 

Fridays Creek Fine Arts and Crafts Group Art Show at Calvert Library Fairview Branch

 

Fridays Creek Fine Arts and Crafts presents a group exhibition of work at Calvert Library Fairview Branch with a meet the artists opening reception on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 from 7 - 8 p.m. in the library. The reception will also feature an artist talk and demonstration by Nancy Bateman, fiber artist.

Fifteen Fridays Creek artists will be featured in the show: Selena Andersen, Julie Allinson, Nancy Bateman, Nevin Bossart, Barbara Boward, Priscilla Catterton, Jane Connor, Maureen Curtis, Iris Hall-Willey, John Hanna, Pat Morrison, Jackie Niles, Denise Phelps, Elaine Strong, and Carol Wade. Works include watercolors, oils, and acrylic paintings, mixed media, fiber arts, and photography.

Fridays Creek Fine Art and Crafts is an artist co-op located in a beautiful 1920s restored tobacco barn at Fridays Creek Winery, just 2 miles down the Chaneyville Road from the Fairview Branch. Next time you're at the library, take a short ride down a country road to the winery where you can enjoy a glass of local wine, shop for a gift, and sit and chat with friends.

The "Fridays Creek Show" will run through November 30, 2018. Artists will be present at the opening reception Tuesday, October 16 from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. You can follow the artist co-op on Facebook at "Fridays Creek Winery Artist Page." To learn more about the Fridays Creek Winery, go to www.fridayscreek.com. Calvert Library invites professional, emerging and student artists to exhibit.  Individual artists as well as groups of artists may participate. For more information about the library's Art in the Stacks program, go to www.calvertlibrary.info or call your local Calvert Library.

Calvert Library and Calvert County Students Team Up

 

October 3, 2018

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

Calvert Library announced today that it has been selected to create a project for the Smithsonian’s Stories from Main Street: Youth Engagement Skill-building Program (Stories: YES). The program is a collaboration between youth, the library and other community resources to develop local stories around the theme of the Smithsonian Museum on Main Street exhibition “Water/Ways,” which Calvert Library was selected to host in January, 2020. A sneak peek of “Water/Ways” can be accessed at http://bit.ly/WaterWaysPeek.

Stories: YES participants weave national narratives from the exhibition into the history of their own community by conducting research and interviews to create a documentary highlighting their community’s relationship to water. The program engages teens with regional history and contemporary local issues, while providing an opportunity to use professional equipment and learn real-world skills. Youth projects will be displayed locally and their digital stories will be shared on Museum on Main Street’s website at https://museumonmainstreet.org/. Calvert Library will keep the equipment purchased through the program and continue to make it available for student access.

Calvert Library will host several events and workshops to support the students’ work.  Interested teens are encouraged to visit the library website or call to register for the first event, “Step 1 to Creating a Documentary,” a class and resource fair at Calvert Library Prince Frederick on Saturday, October 27, 2:30-4:30pm.  There will be a short workshop on developing your question and beginning your research followed by an opportunity to meet with representatives from water-related subject-matter experts from Jefferson Patterson Park, Calvert Marine Museum, American Chestnut Land Trust, Chesapeake Biological Lab and Bayside History Museum.  Rachelle Green, acting Director of Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum said, “We are excited to partner with Calvert Library and MD Humanities for the Maryland H2O initiative which includes the Smithsonian H2O Today exhibit at the Park.  In addition to the exhibit through 2020, we have 2.5 miles of shoreline along the Patuxent River and primary research opportunities at the MAC Lab as well as local and regional scholarly works on-site - perfect for documentary research and video footage!  We look forward to working with students on their documentary projects!"  

Michelle Stover, English Core Lead at Calvert High School, has already committed one of her classes to the project.  Public Relations Coordinator for Calvert Library Robyn Truslow said, “Calvert County Public Schools have been excellent partners for high return-on-investment projects such as student library cards, statewide read projects that bring big authors to the schools, and early literacy initiatives to improve Kindergarten readiness. Kim Watts, Jen Sturge, Cecilia Lewis, Steve Van Rees, and Mrs. Stover have all seen the tie-in to the curriculum and the excellent opportunity for students. Their enthusiasm is contagious!”  Kim Watts, Supervisor of Secondary English Language Arts and coordinator of the Calvert Writes! initiative said, “The student-driven inquiry and diversified writing attached to this project, coupled with the digital art integration, provide a real-world writing and publishing experience that is completely aligned to the mission and vision of Calvert Writes!  What an exciting opportunity to engage even more of our innovative, creative students!”

Calvert Library Director said, “Getting the exhibition was a coup and it’s even more gratifying to offer the opportunity to Calvert students to gain media production skills and help us connect exhibition visitors to our local water story.  Imagine being a teen who contributed to a Smithsonian exhibit! What a great story for a college entrance essay!”

A second class is scheduled for Tuesday, November 27, 6:30pm at Calvert Library Prince Frederick to give the students some tips on crafting their story and creating a storyboard. Students will work on their projects so should bring their research and story ideas.  Funding for Stories: YES is generously provided to Museum on Main Street (MoMS) with internal Smithsonian Institution support from the Smithsonian Youth Access Grants Program. MoMS is a partnership between the Smithsonian institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) and state humanities councils. It was created to serve museums, libraries and historical societies in rural areas, where one-fifth of all Americans live. SITES has been sharing the wealth of Smithsonian collections and research programs with millions of people outside Washington, D.C., for over 65 years. It connects Americans to their shared cultural heritage through a wide range of exhibitions about art, science and history, which are shown wherever people live, work and play.

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

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Robyn Truslow

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

CalvertLibrary.info

 

Explore Western Maryland by Railroad with Calvert Library’s ‘On the Go’ (press release)

 

July 26, 2018

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

 

Explore Western Maryland by Railroad with Calvert Library's 'On the Go'

 

All aboard Saturday, November 3 as we travel together to Cumberland, Maryland by motor coach and hop aboard the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad for a trip back in time. This 3-hour train ride takes passengers from Cumberland through the Allegheny Mountains to Frostburg and back. Lunch and dessert will be served on the train. A narrator will also be on board to provide you interesting historical facts. Calvert Library 'On the Go' is excited to offer our community this unique experience.

 

We will depart from the Sunderland Park 'n Ride at 7:30am and arrive in Cumberland by 10:30am. Train departs for Frostburg at 11:30am and returns to Cumberland at 2:30pm. Upon return, we will head home with an expected arrival time at the Sunderland Park 'n Ride around 6:30pm. Ticket prices are $85 and must be paid in person at any Calvert Library location starting August 17. Tickets are nonrefundable, but they are transferable. Sorry, no credit cards.

 

For more information on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad please visit:

https://www.wmsr.com/

 

For more information about the trip, please contact Heather Malcomson at 410-257-2411.

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Related Links

Link to Western MD Scenic Railroad

 

 

Robyn Truslow

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

CalvertLibrary.info

 

Southern Maryland Acoustic Music Assembly at Annmarie Garden June 9 (press releases)

 

3^rd Annual Southern Maryland
Acoustic Music Assembly

Saturday, June 9, 2018
1:00 - 9:00pm

Co-presented by: Annmarie Garden and Calvert Library

Event Location:  Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center
13470 Dowell Road, Dowell (Solomons), MD 20629
www.annmariegarden.org   info@annmariegarden.org  t. 410-326-4640

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     

Contact:  Joann Foltz, marketing@annmariegarden.org

Photos attached

Song Circles during the Southern Maryland Acoustic Music Assembly will fill Annmarie Garden June 9.

Contra dancing at the Southern Maryland Acoustic Music Assembly.

Southern Maryland Acoustic Music Assembly

Acoustic music event returns to Annmarie Garden, Saturday, June 9, 2018, 1:00-9:00pm

May 25, 2018, SOLOMONS, MD—The public is invited to the 3^rd Annual Southern Maryland Acoustic Music Assembly (SMAMA) to take place Saturday, June 9 from 1:00-9:00pm at Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center in Solomons, Maryland.  The music-filled event will begin with afternoon song circles and acoustic jamming from 1:00-4:30pm throughout the Garden.  All abilities and musical genres are welcome, so bring your preferred instruments and/or your favorite songs to share – or just come to listen.  The day continues with a lasagna dinner and a concert jam featuring three bands – Sarah & Lauren Brenzo, Recycled Bluegrass, and Robby Wilson & Friends.  After the concert, stay for contra dancing led by caller Slim Harrison & The Bushwood Mill Band.  SMAMA is an opportunity to play, sing, dance, and enjoy different kinds of music – and to meet other musicians from Southern Maryland and beyond.  Come for part – or all day! Attendees will have the chance to win an Austin Electric Guitar and amplifier, courtesy of Sacchetti Music, along with other exciting door prizes.

 

SMAMA is family-friendly, and is open to all ages, abilities, and acoustic genres.  Activities will be held inside and outside taking full advantage of the beautiful venue.  In the event of rain, all activities will be moved indoors. Light snacks, drinks, wine, and beer will be available throughout the day. A lasagna dinner will be served in the evening; please call 410-326-4640 to make a reservation.  Event admission, good for all day, is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors & military, $3 for youth; kids 5 & under are free.  The event is co-hosted by Annmarie Garden and Calvert Library.  For additional information call 410-326-4640.

 

What's in store for the day:

 
1:00-4:30pm - Song Circles & Jamming
*On-going Jamming - for those who want to continue jamming past the scheduled time, there are plenty of rooms!

 

 

4:30-5:30pm - Dinner service

Order your lasagna dinner (meat or veggie option) in advance to ensure your place - and enjoy a discount on dinner and admission!  Visit www.annmariegarden.org to learn more about the dinner.

 

5:00-7:00pm - Evening Concert featuring:

Sarah & Lauren Brenzo

Recycled Bluegrass

Robby Wilson & Friends

 

7:00-9:00pm - Contra Dance

With caller Slim Harrison and the Bushwood Mill Band 

 

SMAMA is presented by Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center and Calvert Library.  The event is open to all ages, abilities, and acoustic genres, and is family-friendly.  For additional information, email jruff@calvertlibrary.info or call 410-326-4640. 

 

 

         

 

 

 

Directions to Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center
From Washington DC (about a 60 minute drive): take Route 4 South to Capital Beltway Exit 11 (to Prince Frederick). Continue on 4 South, following signs to Solomons. Left on Dowell Road at Hilton Garden Inn.  Annmarie is less than 1/4 mile on left.  From Baltimore (Beltway I-695):  take I-97 (Annapolis) to Route 301 South (Bowie). Continue on 301 to Route 4 and follow signs to Solomons. Left on Dowell Road at Hilton Garden Inn.  Annmarie is less than 1/4 mile on left.  From Annapolis: follow Route 2 South towards Prince Frederick/Solomons. Left (South) onto Route 2/4 at Sunderland light. Left on Dowell Road at Hilton Garden Inn.  Annmarie is less than 1/4 mile on left.

 

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Importance of Early Library Use (press release)

May 23, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Robyn Truslow

410-535-0291

 

 

A baby forms 700 new neural connections per second in the first years of life according to Dr. Jack Shonkoff, director of the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University.  Dr. Shonkoff said, “This process of building the architecture of the brain is dramatically influenced by life experiences. It is not genetically hardwired. Literally our environment shapes the architecture of our brain in the first year of life."  In recognition of this and in support of the goal to prepare children for Kindergarten, Calvert Library will make all children’s picture books fine-free beginning June 4.

 

Exposure to rich learning experiences in those first years is critical. Calvert Library is an excellent source for these. To bring that idea forward in new parents’ minds, Calvert Library, Calvert Library Foundation, Friends of Calvert Library, Optimist Club of Calvert and PNC Bank partnered to give every baby born at Calvert Health a board book, a cloth bag and information about the importance of reading, playing, talking, singing and writing with your baby starting at birth. Calvert Library Director Carrie Plymire said, “The research tells us that the positive impact of quality and quantity shared book-reading with infants is still obvious years later when they start school. Reading is enriched by the interactivity of the reading…taking on the emotions of the characters, responding to your babies’ emotions, labeling pictures, choosing developmentally-appropriate books. Our amazing librarians help with all that.”

 

Calvert Library offers twenty-six (26) Storytimes a week. "Storytime" is Calvert Library's welcoming word for early learning classes. Babies and children up to school age gain language and early literacy skills, phonological awareness, narrative skills, letter knowledge and listening skills.  Themes and activities are chosen to introduce age-appropriate literature, math, science and social studies concepts through books, interactive activities, calendars, felt boards, fingerplays, music and art.  Through Storytime classes, children learn to associate books with a fun, social activity instilling a love of reading and learning.

 

Parents are a child’s first and best teacher and in Storytime, parents can learn great tips for building their babies’ brains and bright future. Talking to your baby about what you are doing increases the number of words he/she is exposed to. Read out loud what you are reading for yourself to expose your baby to more vocabulary. Using your finger to track your reading teaches your child how text runs left to right. Encourage language development by using simple signs and speaking at the same time. Babies’ brains aren’t developed enough until 18-24 months to make use of any content on a screen and, in fact, there is evidence that it has a negative impact on language development, short term memory and reading skills. Singing, talking and playing with your baby, making eye contact and showing your positive emotions builds critical interaction skills and a sense of safety which is what baby brains are primed to learn at this stage. Every week in storytime there are simple techniques presented that parents can use at home.

 

Participation in Storytime also makes it easy to complete 500 by Five, a library initiative to read 500 books by five years old.  It is excellent bonding time for children and their caregiver, which plays an important role in a child's future happiness and success.  

 

Storytime offers an opportunity for adults to bond with others who are in similar life stages.  We know storytime parents who still get together on a regular basis even though their children are now in college!

 

Baby brain building activities don’t stop with Storytime at the library.  Much of what librarians teach their young customers in Storytime, are also part of the experiences in other library classes and opportunities. They offer weekly Monday Morning Fun, Shake It Out Music and Movement, and of course, books, music and more. The Calvert Library Foundation has also funded Imagination Stations at each branch with learning toys and a wide variety of manipulatives to provide learning opportunities at different developmental stages and to develop imaginative play skills. Youth Coordinator Beverly Allyn Izzi describes the importance of play for childhood development, “Play is how children learn.  Hands-on, imaginative play is the best way for children to understand the world around them. They develop creative thinking and problem-solving skills and more importantly, they engage their imagination in ways that structured play cannot.” There are opportunities to learn sorting, recognize colors and letters, practice counting and weighing, learn vocabulary, develop motor skills, all the while strengthening their relationship with the caregiver they are playing with. All these resources for free and accessible 61 hours a week at Calvert Library locations.  

 

Even when the library is closed, parents can check out online resources like Tumblebooks, a terrific collection of children’s ebooks with interactive activities aimed at children ages two and up. Follow the library on Facebook for periodic early learning tips.

 

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

 

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Robyn Truslow

Public Relations Coordinator

Calvert Library

850 Costley Way

Prince Frederick, MD  20678

410-535-0291

410-535-3022 (fax)

CalvertLibrary.info