Do you have a burning question about Kent County Public Library? Executive Director Arnessa Dowell has answers! You'll leave this information-packed hour knowing what KCPL is planning for the summer (hint: there will be prizes, events, and more for all ages babies through adults!) and with a better understanding of the library's role in the… Continue Reading 7 Questions with KCPL's Executive Director

Do you have a burning question about Kent County Public Library? Executive Director Arnessa Dowell has answers! You'll leave this information-packed hour knowing what KCPL is planning for the fall and with a better understanding of the library's role in the community. We look forward to hearing your questions and are excited to give you… Continue Reading 7 Questions with KCPL's Executive Director

The 2022 One Maryland One Book, What's Mine and Yours by Naima Coster, features fraught relationships that allow the reader to explore the depth and complexities of love. "Love Maps" is an opportunity to explore your relationships with significant others and learn ways to make them less fraught and more loving and supportive. Through this… Continue Reading Love Maps: Knowing your Partner's Inner World – One Maryland One Book

Join us for books and fun! Preschool Storytime runs from 10 AM to 11 AM on Tuesdays, and Baby and Toddler Storytime runs from 11 AM to 11:30 AM on Tuesdays.

Craft and create your very own spooky charm! Into vampires? Prefer zombies? Mad science in your future? We'll have supplies for making all sorts of spooky swag for the season. And, of course, there will be pizza! Ages 13-17 Space is limited. Please register!

Polish your culinary skills just in time for baking season! At this baking-themed event, you'll learn how to create a tasty pumpkin tart. All supplies will be provided. Ages 13-17 Space is limited. Please register!

Have you ever wondered what kids around the world snack on? Join us to find out – and to try a variety of snacks! At this global snacking showdown we'll explore treats, share fun facts, and bring the rest of the world closer to home one tasty bite at a time. Please note: Due to… Continue Reading Snack Around the World Club: Try snacks from around the globe!

It's an all-ages apple extravaganza! Join us for caramel apples, apple-scented potpourri and decorations, apple crafts for kids, apple pottery pinch pots, cider making, apple smoothies, goodie bags, and so much more! All ages are welcome at this family-friendly festival! Presented in partnership with Lockbriar Farms and Kent County 4-H.

Why wear your costume only once when you can wear it twice! Get dressed up and stop by any KCPL location for a special trick-or-treat dress rehearsal at KCPL's after-hours candy giveaway!

Happiness Hour is a time for grown-ups to explore their powers of creativity. Join us to try your hand at something new and leave a little happier than you arrived! Featured Project: Autumn Wreaths All supplies will be provided, though you are welcome to bring additional materials to add to your craft. Space is limited… Continue Reading Happiness Hour: Creative Time for Grown-Ups – Autumn Wreaths

STEM Fest is back with a whole new lineup of activities focused on the online experience! Join us for "social media" poster making sessions for kids, play a game of match that meme, and learn about protecting your identity online. While you're here, you can visit the Malware Museum to take a trip down virus… Continue Reading Maryland STEM Festival: Robot Bugs, Match That Meme, and More

We're filling the library with games! Join us to enjoy a mix of old favorites, new games, GIANT games, and more – whether you enjoy storytelling, multi-layered strategy, collaborative problem-solving, or fast-paced competition, there’s a game for you! Gamers of all ages and all experience levels are welcome at this casual evening of board games.… Continue Reading Out of the Box: After Hours Board Game Night

Share an evening by the "campfire" as we snuggle in for a special family evening storytime! Enjoy stories, crafts and a snack with your favorite children's librarians. Ages 2-7

Interested in getting started with D&D character making? Want to learn how to fill out a character sheet? Join KCPL's Teen Services Clerk for a casual D&D character making session and get pro tips on characters and how to play the game from a D&D Dungeon Master. Free gaming dice available while supplies last! Ages… Continue Reading Dungeons & Dragons: Character Creation

Have you ever wondered what kids around the world snack on? Join us to find out – and to try a variety of snacks! At this global snacking showdown we'll explore treats, share fun facts, and bring the rest of the world closer to home one tasty bite at a time. Please note: Due to… Continue Reading Snack Around the World Club: Try snacks from around the globe!

Make different kinds of holiday cookies to enjoy or give away as gifts! All supplies provided. Ages 13-17 Space is limited. Please register!

Gumdrops, candycanes, and frosting await as we build "gingerbread" houses at the library. This event is designed for creative builders of all ages and we will be using graham crackers rather than real gingerbread. All Ages. Registration Required. This event is being held at all three KCPL locations. Please be sure you are registering for… Continue Reading Gingerbread Houses

From January 1-31, Kent County Public Library is participating in “All the Feels,” a Winter Reading Challenge. We challenge our community to collectively read at least 100,000 minutes during the month of January and track their reading on our Beanstack site or using the Beanstack mobile app. Thousands of other libraries across the nation are… Continue Reading Winter Reading Challenge 2023: All the Feels

The Mobile Wellness Team (MWT) from Shore Medical Center Chestertown, University of Maryland Shore Regional Health will be visiting KCPL. Stop by for free health screenings and information about local health resources!

Make mochi and learn about Japanese New Year traditions! Pizza will be provided. Ages 13-17 Space is limited. Please register!

Looking to get rid of leftover art supplies cluttering up your creative space? Searching for supplies for a new project? Come to KCPL's Community art supply swap! Refresh your art supplies, pick up something new-to-you, and share the creative wealth with the community. We're going through our craft closets to find items that are ready… Continue Reading Art Supply Swap

Will it be easy or difficult? Will you be hot or cold? Find out at this here-and-there, up-and-down, back-and-forth scavenger hunt all around the library as we celebrate National Opposite Day! When you complete the hunt, choose a prize from the the Mystery Prize Box.

February 1st is the beginning of Love Your Library month! Visit KCPL during Love Your Library Month and pick up a custom-made Love Your Library punch card! Each time you visit any library branch during February, you can get your card punched. After 6 visits, turn in your filled punch card and choose a small… Continue Reading Visit KCPL During Love Your Library Month!

Happiness Hour is a time for grown-ups to explore their powers of creativity. Join us to try your hand at something new and leave a little happier than you arrived! Featured Project: Valentines Show your love for friends, family, and anyone who's special to you by making them a handmade valentine! Enjoy delicious cookies from… Continue Reading Happiness Hour: Creative Time for Grown-Ups – Cookies & Cards

We've turned some of our favorite stories into crafts full of love! Share your love of picture books and create a unique Valentine for someone special. All ages welcome.

Let's make fudge! Join us for a special chocolatey treat at the library. Ages 13-17 Space is limited. Please register! Pizza and Make a Thing is a program series for teens where we eat pizza and make a thing.

Join us at Sumner Hall for a community celebration of African-American authors! The National African-American Read-In is the nation’s oldest event dedicated to diversity in literature. This interactive, multigenerational program that will celebrate black authors, literacy, reading, and diversity in literature through readings from a wide variety of authors shared by members of the community.… Continue Reading African-American Read-In: Community Celebration of African-American Authors

Have you ever wondered what kids around the world snack on? Join us to find out – and to try a variety of snacks! At this global snacking showdown we'll explore treats, share fun facts, and bring the rest of the world closer to home one tasty bite at a time. Please note: Due to… Continue Reading Snack Around the World Club: Try snacks from around the globe!

Maren Gimpel, Field Ecologist and Outreach Coordinator at Foreman's Branch Bird Observatory, shares the basics of backyard birding and answers your bird-related questions! You'll leave this program ready to explore your own backyard (just in time for the Great Backyard Bird Count, which takes place Feb 17-20) and with lots of new information, including FBBO's… Continue Reading Early Birds & Ducks in Water: An Intro to Birding & Avian Research

Do you need seeds for your garden? Do you have seeds you could share? Join us for a Seed Swap in celebration of gardening and growing things. If you didn't save seeds last year, you are still welcome to attend! You do not have to bring seeds in order to receive seeds. If you do… Continue Reading Seed Swap

The library is not a standalone organization, it's a vital part of the community! KCPL Cares is a monthly free giveaway initiative that lets us connect with and support the community in a variety of ways. This month, our giveaway features items to help you get ready for spring gardening. Care packs are available during… Continue Reading KCPL Cares Giveaway – Garden Prep!

Calling all plant enthusiasts and newbies to start this year's growing season with your very own seedling. We will have flower seeds and all the supplies needed to make sure your seedling gets a great growing start! Beth Hill from Kent County 4-H will offer care instructions and share all sorts of information about the… Continue Reading Plant a Seedling with Beth Hill from 4-H!

Join us to paint terracotta pots with paint pens! If time permits, we'll also create origami flowers to fill them up. All supplies will be provided, just bring your creativity! Ages 13-17 Space is limited. Please register!

Stop by KCPL's Chestertown Branch to visit with a representative from the People's Insurance Counsel Division (PICD) of the Office of the Attorney General of Maryland, and ask all your questions about your rights as a consumer of homeowner's insurance.

Do you have a burning question about Kent County Public Library? Executive Director Arnessa Dowell has answers! You'll leave this information-packed hour knowing more about what's upcoming for KCPL and with a better understanding of the library's role in the community. We look forward to hearing your questions and are excited to give you answers!

Happiness Hour is a time for grown-ups to explore their powers of creativity. Join us to try your hand at something new and leave a little happier than you arrived! Featured Project: Origami Flowers Learn how to fold several different styles of origami flowers and create a gorgeous bouquet. All supplies will be provided. You… Continue Reading Origami Flowers – Happiness Hour: Creative Time for Grown-Ups

Practice your modge podge skills and create a one-of-a-kind picture frame! All supplies provided. Space is limited. Please register. Ages 5+

Have you ever wondered what kids around the world snack on? Join us to find out – and to try a variety of snacks! At this global snacking showdown we'll explore treats, share fun facts, and bring the rest of the world closer to home one tasty bite at a time. Please note: Due to… Continue Reading Snack Around the World Club: Try snacks from around the globe!

Create fantastic florals while learning the basics of still-life watercolors! Explore a garden of pictures to find reference images of your favorite spring flowers and bring them to life with watercolor techniques and your unique creativity. Ages 13-17 Space is limited. Please register! Pizza and Make a Thing is a program series for teens where… Continue Reading Pizza & Make a Thing: Floral Watercolor Art

Kent County Public Library is marking a momentous transition. After 45 years of dedicated service to KCPL, Jeanne Geibel, Director of Branch Services, is retiring in April 2023. During the week leading up to Jeanne's retirement, KCPL is pulling out all the stops and celebrating with three events (one at each KCPL location) to give… Continue Reading Celebrating 45 Years of Service

It's time for LEGO fun! Drop in with your big ideas and join us for an afternoon of building. Ages 5+

If you're getting ready for a new baby, Ready to Hatch is for you! All expectant parents are welcome at this interactive early literacy program. Learn about your baby-to-be and join us online for great prizes for expectant parents. Registration is required. A kit for the workshop, including free books, calendar, and song sheets, will… Continue Reading Virtual Ready To Hatch: Get ready for baby!

Happiness Hour is a time for grown-ups to explore their powers of creativity. Join us to try your hand at something new and leave a little happier than you arrived! Featured Project: Creating Spice Blends with Mariam Satchell, owner of The Spicerie Come, let us journey together and visit lands of delicious spices and aromas.… Continue Reading Let's Get Spicy – Happiness Hour: Creative Time for Grown-Ups

Join us to learn tips and tricks for staying organized when you're managing your own health or the health of a loved one. Questions are welcome and we'll cover topics that include: communicating with your health providers what preventative care and screenings should be done and when health journaling advance directives medication management use of… Continue Reading Organize Your Health – Presented by University of Maryland Shore Medical Center's Shore Community Outreach Team

Stop by and celebrate National Library Week, April 23-29, 2023! This year's theme is There's More to the Story, so it's the perfect opportunity to discover the wide and growing assortment of resources KCPL provides for the community. Throughout National Library Week, visit KCPL locations to engage with drop-in activities, learn more about the variety… Continue Reading Celebrate National Library Week – There's More to the Story!

It's Free Comic Book Day at the library! Stop by and pick up a free comic book while supplies last. You can also create your very own comic book and decorate a superhero mask while you're here. We'll also have an amazing collection of graphic novels on display that you can check out with your… Continue Reading Free Comic Book Day Giveaway

If you're getting ready for a new baby, Ready to Hatch is for you! All expectant parents are welcome at this interactive early literacy program. Learn about your baby-to-be through songs and fun, brain-building activities. FREE books, calendars, and song sheet for attendees, along with a catered lunch and raffle prizes for expectant parents. Space… Continue Reading Ready To Hatch: Get Ready for Baby!

If you're getting ready for a new baby, Ready to Hatch is for you! All expectant parents are welcome at this interactive early literacy program where you'll learn about your baby-to-be fun, brain-building activities. Join us online for great prizes for expectant parents including a prenatal massage certificate, gift cards for local businesses and more,… Continue Reading Virtual Ready To Hatch: Get ready for baby!

Celebrate the start of the 2023 All Together Now Summer Reading program! Join Wildlife Adventures to learn about and visit with rabbits, reptiles, and other creatures at this interactive get-together with friends from the animal kingdom. All ages from babies to adults are welcome! Sign up for the 2023 Summer Reading Program All Together Now… Continue Reading 2023 All Together Now Summer Reading Kickoff with Wildlife Adventures

Are you ready for the wilderness? This rapid-fire hands-on Camping 101 experience covers how to build a campfire and create a survival water filter, as well as learning some dos and don’ts for interacting with the natural world. And, yes, there will be tasty s’more treats! Ages 13-17 Registration encouraged (it helps us make sure… Continue Reading S’mores and the Great Outdoors

Meet a local community hero, learn about being a firefighter, and maybe even see a fire truck up close! Help us say “Thank you, firefighters!” by visiting the card creation station and making a card for our local fire volunteers.

Join Wayne Gilchrest, founder of the Sassafras Environmental Education Center, to learn how to start and maintain a wildflower meadow from soil to bloom. Your questions are welcome and encouraged at this interactive discussion. Take home free wildflower seeds and see your knowledge grow! Ages 18+ Registration required. Presented in partnership with University of Maryland… Continue Reading Wildflowers from the Ground Up

Puzzles, prizes, and more await as you work together with your team to escape! Whether you're working to escape the Werewolf Experiment or rushing to build an Amulet that will keep you safe, get ready for a fun-filled challenge that tests your knowledge and skills. Ages 13-17 Registration encouraged (it helps us make sure we… Continue Reading Escape Rooms!

Bring your creativity as we deconstruct and recreate a work of art into a unique creation full of color and powered by teamwork! Each person will create a small work of art and all the pieces will be assembled into a one-of-a-kind multi-media mural that will be displayed at the library. All ages welcome! Registration… Continue Reading One-of-a-Kind Community Mural

Learn how to connect the power of breath with gentle movement at this beginner-friendly session of yoga with Aundra. Beach towels will be provided or you may bring your own yoga mat or beach towel. Ages 18+ Registration required.

Create a community art show with the Kent Cultural Alliance and Kent County Public Library! Join one of 6 art creation sessions to create a unique piece of artwork that will become a part of the All Together Now Community Art Show. An art educator will be on hand for each session to help you… Continue Reading All Together Now: Create a Community Art Show

Create a community art show with the Kent Cultural Alliance and Kent County Public Library! Join one of 6 art creation sessions to create a unique piece of artwork that will become a part of the All Together Now Community Art Show. An art educator will be on hand for each session to help you… Continue Reading All Together Now: Create a Community Art Show

All week, in all corners of Kent County, people of all ages have been creating amazing artwork! Join us to celebrate and enjoy what everyone has contributed to the All Together Now: Community Art Show. After the reception, all artwork from the show will be on display at KCPL's three library locations through the end… Continue Reading All Together Now: Community Art Show Opening Reception

Craft your very own plush friends to take home, give to your friends, or donate! Choose from several different designs suited for any level of sewing experience. Ages 13-17 Registration encouraged (it helps us make sure we have enough supplies), but walk-ins welcome.

Magician Mike Rose presents impossible magic tricks and off-the-wall comedy all themed around friendship and kindness. All ages welcome!

Enjoy a tasty ice cream creation while swapping recipes! Bring a favorite recipe and a favorite friend to KCPL’s Adults-Only Ice Cream Snack Bar & Recipe Swap for snacks and social time. While you’re here, check out cookbooks from KCPL’s collection, exchange recipes, and make new friends. Adults Registration required.

Choose from a wide variety of supplies to craft an itsy-bitsy piece of art for the Teen-y Tiny Art Show! You can paint a tiny canvas, make a miniature sculpture, sketch a little landscape, and more. The list of possibilities is larger than the art itself! All supplies will be provided. Artwork created at this… Continue Reading Teen-y Tiny Art Show

With a little paint, a lot of imagination, and a sense of fun, you can turn a rock into a creative creature! Once your creation is completed, it's up to you to find a home for it somewhere in your community. Tips and best practices for safely releasing your creations into the wild will be… Continue Reading Rock Painting: Our Community Rocks!

Cats, dogs, gerbils, rabbits – no matter what fluffy creatures you love best, join us to celebrate them! At this hands-on program, you'll be able to make a toy for your own fluffy friend and create a tie-border blanket to donate to a fluffy friend at the Animal Care Shelter for Kent County. Spend time… Continue Reading All the Feels for Fluffy Friends

Fight against the forces of La Dame Fatale and her fast fashion empire as you channel the power of Commander Earth to save the day! This fast-paced tabletop role playing game (TTRPG) session is an adventure that blends fashion, environmental justice, and teamwork. Enjoy being a part of creating a story together while also learning… Continue Reading Adventure with Commander Earth: An Environmental TTRPG

Join Kent County Extension's 4-H educator Beth Hill and her students for tips on being kind to and building relationships with animals! Meet small animals being cared for by 4-H students and learn how to be a good ally to your animal friends. Ages 5+

Embark on a delicious adventure with Shane Brill, Master Gardener and the Interim Director of Sustainability and Regenerative Living at Washington College! Discover amazing edible plants that grow wild right around the library and learn how to create a mouth-watering pesto that celebrates the natural bounty of our region. Learn details about edible plants and… Continue Reading Foraging for Flavor: Exploring Edible Plants in our Area

Bring your creativity to the teens-only end of summer reading ice cream party! Choose your ice cream and toppings to construct a fantastic cone or cup of deliciousness. Enjoy your tasty creation, along with other refreshments, while hanging out with friends and using your sense of style to decorate a bookend for KCPL to use… Continue Reading Ice Cream Party! Teen Summer Reading Finale

Complete your summer reading challenge by logging at least 48 hours of reading and you'll be eligible for a ticket to this evening of friendly competition! The more minutes you read, the more BINGO cards you'll get at the door for this special one-night-only summer reading spectacular. Registration required. Adults ages 18+

We've made it to the end of our summer reading adventure and we're celebrating with hands-on science, free giveaways, and more. Hang out with friends, tell us what you loved about summer reading, and visit the Liquid Nitrogen Station to discover what it feels like to breathe like a dragon! There will be snacks, including… Continue Reading Chestertown – All Together Now Summer Reading Finale 2023 – Featuring the Talewise Liquid Nitrogen Station

This month, our giveaway is Back-to-School Goodies on the Go. Snag a pencil case, pens, sticky notes and more at this back to school giveaway! Care packs are available during normal hours of operation. No registration, first-come, first-served, while supplies last! This month's giveaway will be held at all three locations: North County Branch Friday,… Continue Reading KCPL Cares Giveaway – Back-to-School Goodies on the Go

Make and take a unique-to-you planner for the new school year! Learn ways to manage your time and decrease stress for success with school, work, and life in general. Ages 13-17 Space is limited. Please register! Pizza and Make a Thing is a program series for teens where we eat pizza and make a thing.

Have you ever wondered what kids around the world snack on? Join us to find out – and to try a variety of snacks! At this global snacking showdown we'll explore treats, share fun facts, and bring the rest of the world closer to home one tasty bite at a time. Ages 5+ Please register.… Continue Reading Snack Around the World Club