Letter to Editor: I Didn’t Know I Could Do That At The Library

by Spy Desk

Do you know what else Kent County Public Library has to offer?

• Three library locations: Chestertown, Galena, and Rock Hall, plus a computer lab at the Kent County Community Center in Worton
• 28 public computers and 5 Early Literacy Stations to facilitate access to technology and technology literacy for all ages
• Wi-Fi connection at all three library locations
• Multiple copies of the books on Kent County Public School’s K-12 summer reading lists
• 24/7 access to the catalog and premium online resources
• Downloadable audio books, eBooks, and electronic editions of 180+ magazines for computer, tablets, and smart phones
• Regularly scheduled Baby & Toddler Story Time and Preschool Story Time programs, as well as off-site programs in partnership with the Judy Center, Hebbe’s Garden at the Chestertown Farmers Market, and other local organizations
• One-on-one appointments for basic technology training and small group Introduction to Computer classes
• Rich selection of “Maryland Collection” books, including local history and genealogy resources, as well as rare titles related to Kent County, the Eastern Shore and the state of Maryland
• Online access to Transparent Language, an award-winning language learning program with over 90 languages to choose from
• Online access to premium electronic resources ranging from auto repair to genealogy to homework help, as well as many general research resources
• Sponsors 4 monthly book groups, provides assistance to over 10 community book groups, and is always interested in helping new book groups get started
• Inter-library loan allows for materials not available in KCPL’s collection to be borrowed from other libraries in Maryland and around the country
• “Mailbox Library” allows patrons who are homebound, disabled, ill, or find it difficult to get to the library during regular hours to borrow library materials
• Online access to study materials and practice tests for GED, SAT, ASVAB, civil service, and professional exams via the Testing & Education Reference Center
• Year-round programming for all ages, including author visits, movie matinees, concerts, art receptions, lectures, and educational programs with a special focus on life-long learning for adults and developmentally-appropriate learning and recreational programs for children and teens
• Meeting spaces for community use
• Features regular exhibits of local artwork with artist-hosted receptions as part of Chestertown’s monthly First Friday events
• The Richard Kent Kindle Lending Program gives patrons an opportunity to check out one of 6 preloaded Kindle eReaders–Classics, Mystery, Suspense, Romance, Inspiration, or Nonfiction–and borrow it for three weeks to try out the eReader experience
• Online access to one-on-one live “homework help” tutors via Brainfuse
• Partnerships with nonprofits, civic and governmental organizations, schools, and other organizations help support goals of community connection, education, life-long learning, and 21st century literacies.

M Richard Kalter
Kent County Public Library Board
President

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