Currently viewing the tag: "Emmitsburg Branch Library"

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by Amy Whitney, Branch Administrator, Thurmont Regional Library/Emmitsburg Branch Library

June 1 marks the beginning of our annual Summer Reading Challenge for all ages, birth to adult. This year’s theme, “Rediscover the Magic,” encourages individuals and families to explore community destinations, earn points by reading for enjoyment, and complete fun activities. All activities can be accomplished digitally at home and at a safe social distance! Summer Challenge Community Destinations are places throughout Frederick County that are supporting our Summer Challenge Program. While the public may not be able to visit like in years past, points can still be logged after visiting the participating businesses in person or online.

Summer Challenge Partners are community members and local businesses who have teamed up with FCPL to enrich our Summer Challenge. Summer Challenge Partners present and host programs (either recorded at their location or virtually) and are Summer Challenge Destinations throughout the county. Visit our website to register at https://www.fcpl.org/programs-events/summer-challenge starting June 1 or stop by the drive-thru window for more information.

Due to the popularity of our Smart Start Kits for preschool children, we’ve added more options in response to demand. Frederick County Public Libraries (FCPL) partnered with Johns Hopkins Community Physicians to expand the library’s Smart Start Kits to include STEAM-based learning and Social Emotional games and tools to promote exploration, relationship skills, self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and responsible decision-making.

“Over the past year, we’ve heard from many of our customers that their youngest children need new screen-free activities, so we created these kits in response to that need,” said Deb Spurrier, Children’s Services Supervisor at Thurmont Regional Library. “Our current kits have had a constant waitlist, and thanks to the support of Johns Hopkins Community Physicians, we now have a broader selection of STEAM-focused tools that provide high-quality early educational experiences for young children.”

Smart Start Kits are tailor-made for pre-kindergarten through fifth grade and provide all necessary tools for an afternoon of activities. Examples of activities include Magnetic vs. Non-Magnetic, Makey-Makey technology, Computer Engineering, SmartArt and Fraction Fun.

In addition, the Thurmont Regional Library is set to have rotating StoryPaths all summer long on the Library Trail to encourage families to get out and move and learn together. Activity sheets and an art station tie the story to hands-on learning for kids. We hope you have a fun-filled summer, and we look forward to seeing you all very soon! Call us for all your information needs at 301-600-7200 or visit us online at www.fcpl.org.

Courtesy Photo

Kids love learning with Smart Start Kits from the library.

your public library

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by Amy Whitney, Branch Administrator, Thurmont Regional Library/Emmitsburg Branch Library

Thurmont Regional Library Helping You Stay Connected

During November, I try to take the time to examine all the things for which I’m thankful: a loving family, good friends, a beautiful natural setting in which to live, and interesting work. This difficult year has only made me more grateful for all those things! And, while library work looks very different this year, library staff are all working hard to serve our community.

Frederick County Public Libraries (FCPL) continually update its website to include new services to meet your needs. In October, we added a live-chat service, live online tutoring for students, and a huge variety of virtual programs for all ages.

The service that our customers tell us they miss the most while our building is closed is the ability to come in and browse the collection at their leisure. They miss the serendipity of finding a great new series while they wander the shelves. Our response is to offer you the ability to see a selection of the latest arrivals, our newest books, displayed in the window next to the drive-through book-drop. Just spot a title you want to read in the window, pull up to the drive-through window, ring the bell, and we can have the book ready for you in just a moment! We hope that you’ll discover a new favorite author or series that will help you through this unusual time.

In celebration of Thanksgiving, we’re setting up a “Trail Tale” on November 16-21, along the outdoor library trail, which you can access behind the library. Bring your littles and share a story together as you walk the lovely trail through the autumn woods.

Our library staff love helping you connect with the information and materials you need. Please visit FCPL.org and use our “Contact Us” email, or call Thurmont Regional Library, Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., at 301-600-7200; and Emmitsburg Branch Library on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., at 301-600-6329. 

Curbside pickup continues—just give us a call, and we’ll be happy to choose a selection of books for you to come and pick up. While our buildings remain closed, we are grateful we can continue to connect with our community through these services.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at the Thurmont and Emmitsburg Libraries!

your public library

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by Amy Whitney, Branch Administrator, Thurmont Regional Library/Emmitsburg Branch Library

Fifty years ago this summer, my family took a vacation to Florida to watch the blast-off of Apollo 11—man’s first trip to the moon. It was a rare adventure, and I can remember standing on a hot, sandy beach watching as the rocket’s engine flared off into the great Florida sky. At that moment, even as a kid, I knew I was a witness to history!

Now half-a-century later, we’re celebrating one of our country’s most amazing achievements with all sorts of space adventures at our libraries. Here in the North County on Saturday, July 13, we’ll countdown to our two “pop-up” planetarium shows, with a space Storytime and activity at 10:05 a.m. Then at 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., kids can view the universe, including planets, stars, constellations, and the moon inside the indoor planetarium (space is limited and tickets will be available that day). On Monday, July 15, at 7:00 p.m., National Park Service Ranger Ron Harvey will share stories of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing as part of our Family Night on the Deck series.

Teens are invited to celebrate all things Star Wars at a Party on Tuesday, July 30, at 2:00 p.m.—come connect with fellow fans with a love of space adventures!

Celebrate the lunar landing at the Emmitsburg Branch on July 20 at 11:00 a.m., with a day of rocket launches, crafts, and other space-themed activities for the entire family. Then, at noon, bring a packed lunch, learn about keeping our Earth healthy, and enjoy the feature film WALL-E with the whole family.

We have several Music and Arts programs on the Deck as well. Kids, ages 3-10, are invited for Firework Painting at 7:00 p.m. on July 1; a Freeze Dance Paint Party at 7:00 p.m. on July 29 and at 2:00 p.m. on July 22; all ages are invited to an introduction to Japanese Taiko Drumming.

On July 18 at 7:00 p.m., delight your senses with the exhilarating Russian folk dancers, Barynya, who have appeared on the Today Show. And, finally, on July 28 at 2:00 p.m., hear the uplifting sounds of the Flower Hill String Band, part of our Music on the Deck series.

For a complete list of programs and services, or for answers to all your information needs, contact the library at 301-600-7212 or visit www.fcpl.org.

The following is a list of weekly programs at the Thurmont Regional Library: Mondays—Musical Storytime (ages birth & up), Thurmont, 10:15-10:45 a.m.; Tuesdays—Baby Storytime (ages birth-24 months), 10:15-10:45 a.m.; Toddler Storytime (age 2), 11-11:30 a.m.; Playgroup (ages birth-5), 11:30 a.m.-noon; Space Camp (ages 4-10), 1:00-2:00 p.m.; Wednesdays—Midweek Makers (ages 3-10), 10:15 a.m-2:00 p.m.; School Skills for Preschoolers (ages 3-5), 11:00-11:30 a.m.; Thursdays—Baby Storytime (ages birth-24 months), 10:15-10:45 a.m.; Toddler Storytime (age 2), 11-11:30 a.m.; Playgroup (ages birth-5), 11:30 a.m.-noon; Nature Sprouts (ages 3-10), 2:00-3:00 p.m.; Saturdays—Universe of Stories Storytime (ages 3-10), 10:05-10:45 a.m. www.fcpl.org.