More Than You Can Imagine

Calvert Library wants to be your destination for imagination, information and inspiration.  Please visit our locations – the main library in Prince Frederick, and three branches, Fairview in Owings, Southern in Lusby, and Twin Beaches in Chesapeake Beach.  You will find libraries where you are welcome and appreciated.   Our customers are very important to us!   Our outreach service visits the home bound and licensed day cares.

The library provides materials, information, computers, and special events for our customers. Reference librarians are always available to assist with a question. We answer questions in person, by phone, by e-mail, by text and by live online chat reference.   Last year, staff answered about 120,000 questions and we would love to answer a question from you!   Each library has computers for public use.  Our computer use in FY 10 was about 145,000.  You may bring your laptop to the library and use our wireless network, available at each location.

Storytime classes for children (from newborn through five years old) introduce young children to wonderful children's books and stories. Children enjoy books, music, finger plays, flannel boards, and crafts during story time. The classes teach elements of early literacy, such as letter recognition and vocabulary.  The librarians model an engaging way to read a book for the parents.  Children learn group behavior skills.   Attendance at storytime helps children enter preschool or kindergarten ready to learn. Children and parents make new friends while attending these popular classes.   Check out a Storytime-to-Go backpack.   Early literacy computers are loved by children and are available with English and Spanish language programs.  Spend some time in the library and watch your children learn!

The library invites young people to the library with special events planned just for them.  Events for older children on a variety of topics from book discussions to creating gingerbread houses are conducted during the year. Tweens and teens are invited to attend special events during the year.

Book discussions, musical programs, and educational classes that appeal to adults and families are scheduled throughout the year. A monthly book discussion is held at each library location.  Improve your writing with Poets’ Corner or Creative Memoirs.  It is always worthwhile to bring your friends and family to an event at the library.

Calvert librarians visit first, fourth, sixth, and eighth grade classes as part of the CLASS Partnership (Calvert Library Assists School Success.)  Children learn about the library and how we can help with their homework, research, and recreational needs.  Summer reading programs are offered for all children from babies through teens.  Research has shown that children who do not read over the summer fall three months behind their reading peers.  Library summer reading programs inspire children to maintain their skills while on summer vacation.

Books, movies, audio books, music cd's and video games for all ages and interests are available to check out. (In fact, customers may choose from about 250,000 items owned by Calvert Library!)  Public libraries in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's counties share materials requested by customers via a daily delivery. The three counties share a database of all items owned, thereby increasing the number of titles available to all.  MARINA is the interlibrary loan system currently used to locate materials beyond the libraries in Southern Maryland.   Calvert Library’s circulation in FY 2009 was over a million – 1,154,634, to be exact! 

Movies on Blu Ray will be new to the collection in FY 11.  Each year, more and more digital items are available, such as digital books and digital audio books.  All for free.  E-books are available from the library website.

Last year, our 55 staff members assisted over 600,000 customers. About 59,000 Calvert County residents have library cards. Everyone is welcome in the library.