Kent County Public Library Newsfeed

CHESTERTOWN, MD (January 28, 2008) -- Kent County Public Library in Maryland has selected Evergreen as their next-generation library automation system. Equinox Software and Alpha-G Consulting have partnered to provide migration, on-going support, and consulting services.

A library automation system serves as the technological backbone of the library, facilitating circulation and cataloging of library materials as well as letting patrons search for items online. The Evergreen system was originally created by the Georgia Public Library Service for use in its libraries and has been made available to the libraries worldwide through an open-source license.

Kent County Public Library will become the first Evergreen-powered library in Maryland. As one of the smaller library systems in the state, there is plenty of freedom to try out new ideas. Director Jerry Keiser first came across the idea of an open-source library automation system, and presented it as a challenge to his staff. They became enthusiastic supporters after experimenting with Evergreen. Their goal now is to be up and running on their new system this May.

"We've chosen Evergreen because we believe it's our best option to improve services to patrons while getting the best bang for the taxpayer's buck, and at the same time, it lays the groundwork for collaboration with other library systems in the state. It's a win-win situation," said Keiser.

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Click Here to Read the Full Press Release

Posted by Karen at 01:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

What better time than the weekend before Valentine's Day to explore our love of chocolate through a presentation and yummy workshop!

1:30 PM, Saturday, February 9 at the Chestertown Branch of the Kent County Public Library, in the Yellow Building meeting room. Please register by Saturday, February 2 to participate in the workshop, so Ellen knows how much chocolate to bring.

Why do we love Chocolate? Ellen DeCaro will take us on a journey from cocoa bean to your favorite deep dark chocolate. Discover the plant source, history and health benefits of your favorite dessert. Free of charge.

Posted by Karen at 08:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The 2008 Caldecott & Newbery Medal winners have been announced and are coming to a library bookshelf near you! And the winners are...

The Invention of Hugo Cabret: a novel in Words and Pictures by Brian Selznick 2008 Caldecott Medal Winner The Invention of Hugo Cabret, is a 550 page novel in words and pictures. But unlike most novels, the images in my new book don't just illustrate the story. Imagine Paris in the 1930's, a thief, a broken machine, a strange girl, a mean old man, and the secrets that tie them all together... Welcome to The Invention of Hugo Cabret.

Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! written by Laura Amy Schlitz and illustrated by Robert Byrd 2008 Newbery Medal Winner Laura Amy Schlitz wrote these 22 brief monologues to be performed by students at Park School where she is a librarian. In stunning atmospheric watercolors, they bring to life a prototypical English village in 1255. The first-person character sketches build upon each other to create a finer understanding of medieval life. The book is recommended for children age 10 and up.

To see this year's Honor Books and past years' winners or for more information about these awards and their significance, visit the official Caldecott and Newbery medal pages.

Posted by Karen at 04:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Join us for the latest in our First Friday Independent Film series at the library. The film will show at 2:30 PM in the main meeting room at the Chestertown Branch. Attendance and popcorn are both free of charge.

This month's film, Dreams of Dust is about a Nigerian peasant who goes looking for work in a gold mine. 86 minutes with English subtitles.

Posted by Karen at 03:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Kent County Public Library book group will be having a discussion of The River of Doubt by Candice Millard on Wednesday, January 30 at 5:30 PM in the yellow building behind the library. If you've read the book, whether or not you're a current member of the group, you would be welcome to join us for the discussion. Or call the library to get on our email list to be notified of upcoming books and available copies.

Posted by Karen at 03:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Kent County Public Library now has a brand new, complete set of the highly illustrated and informative Eyewitness Books, loved by children and adults alike. Many are featured prominently on display in the Chestertown branch, but some are distributed throughout the branches. You can also browse the titles in our online catalog. These books were paid for by the Friends of the Library, from money raised through their seasonal used book sales, so a special thank you is due to the Friends and to everyone who has donated or purchased the books at these sales.

Posted by Karen at 01:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Along with our Web site's new look comes some new information. Check out especially the new Services page (Click "Services" in the blue sidebar on the left of the main page.) This page lists, describes, and tells you how to access the numerous services we offer, some of which you may never have thought we'd have. From research databases and community information to online renewals, free WiFi, and in-library events, we have a lot to offer you. Please take a moment to find out what you may have been missing, and let your friends and neighbors know too.

Posted by Karen at 01:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The latest book by this popular author of Legal Thrillers is coming out January 29th, and the waiting list is already growing. If this is the kind of book you like to read, place your hold today! You can do this through our online catalog from the page for The Appeal by clicking "Request Item" and entering your information. Or call us at the library and we'd be happy to place a hold for you. 410-778-3636.

Posted by Karen at 11:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Creative Writing for Beginners Identity Workshop featuring Native Son & The Dri Fish, who are described by Urbanite Magazine as "...super heroes with a hip-hop beat and poet's tongue." For more information, see January's blog posting in the Young Adult Blog, and be sure to check back regularly to stay in the know on cool programs and other up to date info.

Posted by Karen at 11:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bring the entire family to a Winnie-the-Pooh Birthday celebration in honor of author A.A. Milne's Birthday. The event will be held at the Chestertown Branch on Wednesday, January 16 at 6:00 PM, and will feature balloons, a visit from Pooh, music, a puppet show, and more! The event will be repeated at the North County branch in Galena at 10:30 in the morning on January 17. Remember to RSVP by calling 410-778-3636.

Posted by Karen at 11:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Our newly designed and updated Web site is now live online at www.kentcountylibrary.org. Changes include bringing newsletter features to the front page and reorganizing the information throughout the site so it should be easier to find. We hope you'll take a moment to explore our new and improved site. If you need any help or have any feedback to offer, please let us know.

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