News & Press Releases [Archived] – Charles County Public Library

Charles County Receives Nearly $500K In Federal Funding For Community Projects

raymond — Thu, 27 Nov 2025 15:01:53 +0000

Jessica Jennings

November 27, 2025

Charles County Receives Nearly $500K In Federal Funding For Community Projects

CHARLES COUNTY, Md. — Two Charles County community projects will receive a combined $495,000 in federal funding through the fiscal year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Related Agencies appropriations bill, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks announced Tuesday, Nov. 25.

The Foxie G Foundation | Amazing Alex is one of the sanctuary horses at The Foxie G Foundation who will help veterans, first responders and at-risk youth at the new equine-assisted therapy center, scheduled to open in 2026.

The funds will support STEM learning and mental health access through two separate initiatives:

The Foxie G Foundation’s “Horses Helping People” Center: The nonprofit will receive $428,000 to support the construction and development of an equine-assisted therapy center providing mental health services to veterans, first responders, dementia patients and caregivers, and at-risk youth.

La Plata Library STEM Makerspace: The Charles County Public Library will receive $67,000 to equip a new makerspace at the upcoming La Plata branch. The space will include STEM-focused equipment, such as 3D printers and laser cutters, to support educational programs and local entrepreneurship.

“These projects reflect the priorities of our communities — expanding access to technology and providing creative approaches to wellness and recovery,” said Van Hollen. “We’re proud to support local organizations making a difference.”

“These investments help strengthen our communities and ensure families and individuals in Charles County have the resources they need to grow and heal,” said Alsobrooks.

Charles Library Hosts Magic Fundraiser in Waldorf

raymond — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 14:34:07 +0000

David M. Higgins II, Publisher/Editor

11/20/2025

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Charles Library Hosts Magic Fundraiser in Waldorf

Charles County Public Library will host A Magical Evening at the Library, a fundraising event featuring magician and mentalist Brian Curry, on April 17, 2026, at the Waldorf West branch in Waldorf.

The after-hours celebration starts at 7:30 p.m., with VIP entry at 6:30 p.m. for a cocktail hour including strolling magic. Attendees can expect performances by Curry, known professionally as The Good Liar, along with food, music from a guest DJ, and other entertainment focused on imagination and community.

“A Magical Evening at the Library reflects what we believe a library can be: inspiring, welcoming, and full of possibility,” said KennethWayne Thompson, executive director of Charles County Public Library. “This event celebrates the library’s role as a trusted community anchor and supports the programs and services that help our residents learn, grow, and thrive.”

Tickets go on sale in late January 2026, with pricing and tiers to be announced. Residents can sign up for the library’s enewsletter to receive alerts on sales and updates https://ccplonline.org/newsletter/. The official event page provides additional details https://ccplonline.org/ccpl-magic/.

All proceeds will fund library programs, services, and collections that promote learning and creativity countywide. The webpage highlights patron testimonials illustrating the library’s impact, such as one from an immigrant who discovered borrowing books after moving to the area, and another praising staff for creating a space that fosters growth and connection.

Brian Curry, a Waldorf-based performer with a long-running show in Washington, D.C., specializes in mentalism involving audience participation, predictions, and humor. His act, The Good Liar, runs at venues near the White House and has drawn praise for engaging crowds through mind-reading effects and interactive elements.

For sponsorships or inquiries, contact Development Manager Shannon Bland at fundraising@ccplonline.org.

Fundraisers like this support enhancements beyond county funding, including summer reading challenges, STEAM programs, digital resources, and outreach efforts. The library maintains fine-free status and provides services such as interlibrary loans, virtual reference, and mobile stops at parks and schools.

This event marks a signature gala-style effort for Charles County Public Library, building on past community initiatives to sustain free access to educational and recreational resources for residents.

Charles County Public Library Announces “A Magical Evening At The Library” Fundraising Event

raymond — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 15:24:49 +0000

Charles County Public Library
November 19, 2025

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LA PLATA, Md. – The Charles County Public Library (CCPL) is thrilled to announce A Magical Evening at the Library, an after-hours fundraising celebration of imagination, creativity, and community.

The event will take place on Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Waldorf West branch, located at 10405 O’Donnell Place, Waldorf, MD. Guests will enjoy an exciting night beginning at 7:30 PM, filled with mind-bending entertainment, delicious food, and joyful surprises.

This signature event will feature Brian Curry, the nationally recognized magician and mentalist known as The Good Liar. Curry has delighted audiences across the region with clever humor, impossible predictions, and performances that keep people talking long after the show ends. The evening also includes savory bites and lively music provided by a guest DJ.

“A Magical Evening at the Library reflects what we believe a library can be: inspiring, welcoming, and full of possibility,” said KennethWayne Thompson, Executive Director of CCPL. “This event celebrates the library’s role as a trusted community anchor and supports the programs and services that help our residents learn, grow, and thrive.”

Tickets will be available in late January 2026. Community members are encouraged to sign up for the library’s newsletter at https://ccplonline.org/newsletter/ to stay informed about ticket sales, event updates, and other announcements.

Proceeds from A Magical Evening at the Library will support library programs, services, and collections that fuel learning and creativity throughout Charles County. Patron stories included on the event webpage reflect the remarkable and personal impact the library has on residents of all ages and backgrounds. From first-time library users to lifelong readers, many have shared how CCPL has inspired growth, connection, and new opportunities.

For sponsorship opportunities or questions about the event, please contact Shannon Bland, Development Manager, at fundraising@ccplonline.org.

To learn more, visit: https://ccplonline.org/ccpl-magic/.

About Charles County Public Library

CCPL has over 80 full- and part-time employees. Our branches house over 200,000 volumes of printed materials, audiobooks, films, and other documents. We also have an online branch at www.ccplonline.org, where we regularly add new resources. Currently, over 75,000 county residents hold library cards, and this number continues to grow daily.

About Brian Curry

Brian Curry is a magician, mentalist, and award-winning performer based in Washington, DC. Known to audiences as The Good Liar, Curry has built a reputation for quick wit, sharp improvisation, and mind-bending illusions that create an unforgettable experience for every crowd.

He has entertained guests across the region with a blend of humor, charm, and impossible feats that leave people amazed and delighted. Learn more at https://www.agoodliar.com/.

CCPL Enhances Mobile App for Easier Access

marianne — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 12:00:10 +0000

David M. Higgins II
November 4, 2025

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The Charles County Public Library unveiled improvements to its mobile app this week, enabling users to manage accounts, check out materials and reserve spaces directly from smartphones and tablets.

The updates, available immediately for Apple and Android devices, build on the app’s core functions to streamline services for the library’s 50,000 cardholders across Charles County. Users can now handle multiple library cards within a single profile, add digital versions to Apple or Google Wallet for quick scans at checkouts, and initiate self-checkouts by scanning item ISBNs on the go. These changes address common requests from families and frequent borrowers who juggle holds across branches like La Plata and Potomac.

The app connects patrons to essential tools without requiring a branch visit. Account holders view checkouts, holds and reading history, request personalized recommendations based on past borrows, and adjust pickup locations between the system’s five outlets: La Plata headquarters on Garrett Avenue, Potomac in Newburg, Nanjemoy on Port Tobacco Road, Hughesville on Leonardtown Road, and Waldorf West on O’Donnell Place. Self-checkout covers physical items such as books, DVDs and video games, while ISBN scans confirm availability before trips. Additional tabs link to the library’s social media feeds, blog posts on local events, meeting room bookings at facilities equipped for groups up to 100, and event registrations for programs ranging from story times to adult workshops.

For those with auto-updates enabled, the enhancements download seamlessly; manual updaters may need to re-enter card numbers and PINs upon first launch. Developers integrated these features through a partnership with Communico, the app’s platform provider, ensuring compatibility with iOS 14 and later or Android 8.0 equivalents. The free download appears under “Charles County Public Library” in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

These refinements support the library’s push toward digital equity in Southern Maryland, where rural stretches from Nanjemoy to Indian Head limit access for some residents. Charles County, with its mix of farmland and growing suburbs around Waldorf, relies on such tools to extend reach. The app facilitates passport applications — a service processed at La Plata and Potomac branches, with 285 forms accepted in a recent month at similar regional libraries — and job search databases that draw from federal resources like USAJOBS.

The library tracks usage through an interactive dashboard updated monthly, showing year-to-date circulation exceeding 500,000 items in fiscal 2025 so far, alongside program attendance topping 10,000 participants. Digital checkouts, including e-books via platforms like Libby, account for 30 percent of total loans, per state reports on Maryland public libraries. While specific app metrics remain internal, the updates coincide with a 15 percent rise in mobile logins since 2024, reflecting broader trends in Southern Maryland where smartphone penetration nears 85 percent among adults.

Services extend beyond borrowing to community anchors. Branches host free Wi-Fi hotspots, public computers with printing at 10 cents per page, and notary services for $5. The Imagination Library mails monthly books to children under 5, reaching 2,500 households. Recent fiscal year data highlights engagement: 1,280 participants in the 2023 Winter Learning Challenge tracked reading goals online, while the 2024 Summer edition drew 2,178 across virtual and in-person activities focused on themes like ocean conservation tied to the Potomac River watershed.

In Southern Maryland, the library collaborates with the College of Southern Maryland for the Southern Maryland Studies Center, offering archives on regional tobacco farming and Civil War sites near Port Tobacco. Events via the app include virtual author talks and teen gaming nights, with sign-ups peaking during school breaks. For passport needs, users reserve slots online, submitting photos and forms during 15-minute appointments; processing times average six weeks for first-time books.

The app’s blog section spotlights these ties, with posts on local history like the 1634 founding of Maryland at nearby St. Clement’s Island. Social channels on Facebook and Instagram share updates, such as the Mobile Library’s monthly stops at community centers in Bryans Road and Marbury, where it delivers holds to underserved areas.

These enhancements align with Maryland’s public library standards, mandating accessible tech under the State Library Resource Center. Users report fewer barriers, as one fiscal review noted a 20 percent drop in in-person checkout lines post-digital rollout. For assistance, call 301-934-9001 or visit branches during hours: Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. More details appear at https://ccplonline.org/ccpl-app/.

Youth Build Robots at CCPL’s New November Series SOMD Chronicle

marianne — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 11:00:53 +0000

David M. Higgins II
October 29, 2025

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The Charles County Public Library system begins two new technology-focused programs Nov. 6 in collaboration with RoboMasterminds, targeting students in grades 4-8 with sessions on robotics and online safety. Held at the Potomac Branch in Indian Head, the initiatives aim to foster skills in coding, engineering and digital protection through interactive workshops over three consecutive Thursdays.

Robot Ready, Set, Go! runs from 2 to 4 p.m. each Thursday, allowing participants to construct and code autonomous robots for challenge-based activities. The Cybersecurity series follows from 6 to 7 p.m., focusing on topics such as password management, threat identification and data privacy for grades 6-8. Registration covers the full three-week series, with spots secured upon signing up for the initial session; each child registers separately. Openings remain available as of Oct. 29.

KennethWayne Thompson, executive director of Charles County Public Library, highlighted the partnership’s value. “Collaborations like this help the library strengthen connections within the community and expand access to innovative educational experiences,” Thompson said. “By partnering with organizations like RoboMasterminds that share our mission to inspire curiosity and learning, CCPL continues to help prepare the next generation for success in an increasingly technology-driven world.”

The Potomac Branch, located at 3225 Ruth B. Swann Drive in Indian Head, serves as the venue for both series. Opened in November 1996 after merging two prior facilities, the 20,000-square-foot site includes dedicated spaces for youth programming, such as a children’s area with technology stations and group activity rooms. It draws families from southern Charles County communities, including Nanjemoy and Ironsides, where access to specialized STEM resources can be limited by distance to larger urban centers like Waldorf or La Plata. The branch logs more than 50,000 annual visits, supporting the library system’s broader goal of equitable education outreach.

RoboMasterminds, the partnering organization, operates under funding from the National Defense Education Program, a federal initiative established in 1958 to bolster U.S. competitiveness in science and math. Jointly developed by the Army Research Laboratory in Adelphi, the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Indian Head and the Energetics Technology Center in Beltsville, the program delivers after-school, summer and internship opportunities for ages 8-18, plus college undergraduates. Participants engage in small-group projects emphasizing robotics, programming and engineering, often guided by near-peer mentors.

These November programs build on established CCPL offerings, including monthly maker spaces at the La Plata headquarters and virtual coding clubs accessible via the system’s online portal. For families in Charles County, where public schools integrate STEM through initiatives like Project Lead the Way pathways for middle graders, library sessions provide low-barrier entry points without tuition costs. The robotics track, for instance, introduces basic circuits and algorithms using affordable kits, mirroring tools in local high school electives at schools such as La Plata High. Cybersecurity content draws from federal guidelines, teaching recognition of phishing attempts and safe social media use—skills vital as 85 percent of county teens report daily online activity.

The National Defense Education Program traces its roots to post-Sputnik efforts, evolving to support modern threats like cyber vulnerabilities in defense sectors. In Maryland, it funds targeted expansions, such as RoboMasterminds’ summer camps at the College of Southern Maryland’s Velocity Center in Indian Head, where 50 students annually dissect propulsion systems or simulate drone operations. These experiences prepare participants for internships at facilities like the naval center, which offers paid roles in engineering for high school seniors.

Beyond immediate skill-building, the series supports long-term workforce readiness in Southern Maryland, a region anchored by federal installations and growing tech firms. Charles County’s economy, with defense contracts exceeding $1 billion annually, demands proficiency in areas covered here, from autonomous systems to secure networks. By embedding such training in public spaces, CCPL reinforces its century-old commitment to free access, echoing expansions like the 2015 renovation of the Potomac Branch that added interactive whiteboards.

Interested families can visit ccplonline.org for sign-ups or call the Potomac Branch at 301-375-7375. Email inquiries go to potomacref@ccplonline.org. Both programs conclude Nov. 20, leaving room for holiday-themed follow-ups in December.

Fall Book Sales Return To Charles And St. Mary’s Counties

raymond — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 20:08:46 +0000

Fall Book Sales Return To Charles And St. Mary’s Counties

Author: Jessica Jennings
Oct. 22, 2025

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Credit: Canva

SOUTHERN MARYLAND — Fall book sales are happening across Southern Maryland, and now’s the time to take advantage. The Charles County Fall Book Bazaar is already underway, and St. Mary’s County’s is just around the corner — offering thousands of gently used books at great prices, all while supporting local library programs that serve the community year-round.

Whether you’re building your home library, hunting for hidden gems, or picking up a few cozy reads for the colder months ahead, these volunteer-run sales are a book lover’s favorite tradition — and a great way to give back while you browse.

Charles County: Oct. 18–25 At La Plata Branch

The Fall Book Bazaar hosted by the Citizens for the Charles County Public Library is underway at the La Plata Branch (2 Garrett Ave., La Plata). The sale runs through Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, with hours Monday–Thursday 10 a.m.–6 p.m. and Friday–Saturday 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Bag Days: Oct. 24–25 — fill a grocery-sized bag for $3 (larger bags charged more).

Proceeds benefit programs and outreach initiatives of the Charles County Public Library system, helping expand educational access and resources for local residents.

More information: ccplonline.org

Credit: CCPL

Next Up: St. Mary’s County Fall Book Sale Nov. 8

The Friends of the St. Mary’s County Library will host their Fall 2025 Book Sale on Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Leonardtown Library (23630 Hayden Farm Lane, Leonardtown).

Hours are 10 a.m.–3 p.m., with members-only shopping from 10 a.m.–noon and public hours from noon–3 p.m. Memberships can be purchased in advance or at the door. Cash, checks, and credit cards will be accepted.

Organizers encourage families to stock up on affordable reads and gift books while supporting library programs countywide.

Learn more: folstmalib.wildapricot.org/join-us

Credit: Friends Of The St. Mary’s County Library Facebook Event

Buy Used Books Year-Round in Southern Maryland

Book lovers who can’t make it to the fall sales can still find great reads and support local libraries year-round.

Calvert County: The Friends of Calvert Library operate a year-round used book store inside the Prince Frederick Branch, 850 Costley Way, Prince Frederick, MD 20678. Books are available for purchase any day the library is open. Learn more at folcalvert.org/store-2

Charles County: The Citizens for the Charles County Public Library manage a used book shop in the lower level of the La Plata Branch, 2 Garrett Ave., La Plata, MD 20646. It is open every Saturday the library is open. Learn more at ccplonline.org

St. Mary’s County: The Friends of the St. Mary’s County Library list more than 8,000 items online, with pickup orders and donations accepted Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. behind the Board of Elections building, 23250 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Learn more at folstmarys.com

Proceeds from each group support library programs, community outreach and literacy initiatives across Southern Maryland.

Charles County Library To Host Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai For Virtual Event

raymond — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 15:41:18 +0000

LA PLATA, Md. — Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai will appear in a live virtual talk hosted by the Charles County Public Library on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, at 7 p.m. The session will feature her reflections on her evolving identity, advocacy and new memoir “Finding My Way.”

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Yousafzai, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 for her global efforts promoting girls’ access to education, will take questions from registered attendees submitted in advance. The library is making this event available free of charge to the public, with advance registration required.

She rose to worldwide prominence after surviving an assassination attempt in 2012 by the Taliban in Pakistan, where she was targeted for speaking out on girls’ rights to education. At age 17, she became the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Over time, she has continued her advocacy through public speaking, policy engagement and leadership of the Malala Fund, an international nonprofit supporting girls’ education.

Credit: Malala.org

Her earlier works include “I Am Malala,” “Malala’s Magic Pencil” and “We Are Displaced.” Her nonprofit, Malala Fund, aims to ensure that girls everywhere can complete 12 years of free, safe, quality education.

Upcoming Behind The Story Author Talks

The community can also register for other upcoming free virtual events in the series:

“Nuestra América: Stories of 30 Inspiring Latinas/Latinos Who Have Shaped the United States” with Smithsonian Educators | Thursday, Oct. 2 | 2 p.m. EDT
“10 Years of Daring Heists and Lovable Outcasts in YA Fantasy” with Leigh Bardugo | Thursday, Oct. 9 | 7 p.m. EDT
“Courtly Intrigue and Whispers as Weapons” with historical-fiction author Philippa Gregory | Wednesday, Oct. 29 | 2 p.m. EDT
“Community, Power and the Search for Indigenous Identity” with award-winning journalist Joseph Lee | Wednesday, Nov. 5 | 2 p.m. EST
“The Search for Truth and the Persistence of Love Across Time” with novelist Amanda Peters | Thursday, Nov. 13 | 7 p.m. EST

Screenshot from Charles County Public Library | Upcoming Events

How To Learn More & Register

To learn more about Malala’s life and work, visit her official site at malala.org, which includes her biography, updates on the Malala Fund and resources about girls’ education.

For those interested in attending, register through the Charles County Public Library.

Virtual Author Talk with Malala Yousafzai
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 | 7 p.m. EDT
Online via Charles County Public Library

Charles County Public Library Presents Latinx Art Panel And Showcase: Celebrating Latinx Heritage And Creativity Through Art And Conversation

marianne — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 11:00:01 +0000

Charles County Public Library

September 16, 2025

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WALDORF, Md. – The Charles County Public Library (CCPL) invites the community to join us for a vibrant afternoon of art, culture, and conversation at the Latinx Art Panel and Showcase on Saturday, September 27, from 2-4 PM at the Waldorf West branch.

This special program highlights the powerful work of Maryland-based Latinx artists, each bringing their unique cultural perspectives and creative voices to the community. The afternoon will begin with an engaging panel discussion, where participants will have the opportunity to hear directly from featured artists Jainson Cedillo, Camila Leão, Catherine Rupan Mapp, and Aynex Mercado. Together, they will explore how their Latinx identity shapes their creative practice and share insights into the cultural influences woven into their work.

Following the panel, guests are invited to an open art showcase, featuring a curated selection of each artist’s work. Attendees will have the chance to view pieces up close, engage in informal conversations with the artists, and learn more about the stories behind the art.

“This showcase is an incredible opportunity to support local artists while celebrating the richness and diversity of Latinx heritage, “ said Sarah Anderson, Program & Outreach Manager, CCPL. “We hope the community will come together to experience the creativity and cultural expression of these inspirational artists.”

This event is free and open to the public. Registration is not required. For more information, please call 301-645-1395 or email westref[at]ccplonline[dot]org.

For more information, visit ccplonline.org.

About Charles County Public Library

The Charles County Public Library creates opportunities for our community to engage, discover, and learn. CCPL consists of four library branches, a Mobile Library, the Discovery Lab, a 24-Hour Library Kiosk at the Nanjemoy Community Center, and a location inside the Charles County Detention Center. CCPL has over 80 full- and part-time employees. Our branches house over 200,000 volumes of printed materials, audiobooks, films, and other documents. We also have an online branch at www.ccplonline.org, where we regularly add new resources. Currently, over 75,000 county residents hold library cards, and this number continues to grow daily.

About the Artists

Jainson Cedillo is an Ecuadorian-American artist, born in Queens, NY, and raised for part of his life in Passaic, NJ, currently based in Baltimore, Maryland. Jainson’s body of work weaves together his Hispanic heritage and queerness, blending expressive figures, vibrant colors, and personal narratives. Through his drawings, he explores these intersecting identities using bold symbolism, rich patterning, and emotional figuration. His work ranges from joyful and celebratory to deeply reflective, often addressing present-day challenges. Learn more at https://www.jainsoncedillo.com/.

Camila Leão is a Baltimore-based multimedia artist working across illustration, murals, public art, and fine art. Also a musician, she infuses her art with the same raw spirit and dynamic movement that shape her sound, making music an essential force in her creative process. Her work explores community, empowerment, environmental awareness, and cultural identity, drawing from her Brazilian heritage and the interconnectedness of all living things. Learn more at https://camilaleao.art/.

Catherine Rupan Mapp is a Baltimore-based muralist and fiber artist whose work explores the intersections of culture, memory, music, and community. Her murals and fiber-based works reflect her Mexican, Cuban, and Guyanese heritage, and center joy, storytelling, and gathering. Mapp is currently the Lead Educator at the Baltimore Museum of Art and is committed to art as a vehicle for education, safety, and transformation in public space. Learn more at https://www.catherinemapp.com/.

Aynex Mercado is a quilter who grew up in Puerto Rico and is now living in Frederick, Maryland. She learned to sew in high school and began to quilt following a spinal cord injury she sustained in a car accident. Her quilts focus on depicting architecture, the natural world, and even abstract representations. Learn more at https://www.aynexquilts.com/.

Charles County Imagination Library Tops 100,000 Books

raymond — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 11:00:38 +0000

Charles County Imagination Library Tops 100,000 Books

David M. Higgins II

August 19, 2025

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The Charles County Public Library has reached a significant milestone in its efforts to promote early literacy, with the Imagination Library of Charles County program mailing over 100,000 free books to children under five as of July 2025.

The program, which delivers one age-appropriate book each month to enrolled children, operates in partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and the Southern Maryland Regional Library Association. It aims to build home libraries and encourage reading habits from an early age.

“This milestone is a testament to the incredible support from our community and the unwavering belief in the power of books to shape young minds,” said KennethWayne Thompson, executive director of Charles County Public Library. “The Imagination Library is a shining example of how CCPL creates opportunities for our community to engage, discover, and learn…one story at a time.”

The achievement aligns with the library’s strategic goals to expand access to early literacy resources and enhance community engagement. Since its inception, the Charles County Imagination Library has enrolled more than 5,400 children and distributed over 105,000 books, supported by contributions from the Citizens for the Charles County Public Library and various local donors.

Children in Charles County who are 4 years and 11 months old or younger qualify for the program, receiving books directly at home until they turn five. This can result in a personal collection of up to 60 books, selected for developmental suitability and including options like bilingual English-Spanish editions. Audio and Braille versions are available through collaborations with publishers. Parents or guardians handle registration, either online or via paper forms at library branches, with books arriving six to nine weeks after signup.

The Charles County Imagination Library draws from Dolly Parton’s broader initiative, started in 1995 in Tennessee to honor her father’s inability to read. Nationally, the program has mailed over 200 million books since its launch, reaching one in seven children under five in the United States by 2024. In Maryland, about 9% of eligible children statewide participate, with 33,917 enrolled as of recent data. Studies linked to similar efforts show participants enter kindergarten with stronger vocabulary and narrative skills, as analyzed in reports from Tennessee’s Governor’s Books from Birth Foundation.

Locally, the Charles County Imagination Library complements other library initiatives focused on early childhood development. For instance, the 500 by 5 program encourages families to read 500 books to children by age five, offering incentives like tote bags and tracking logs to build daily reading routines. Story time sessions at library branches introduce rhymes and activities for toddlers, while paired fiction-nonfiction resources target skill-building in areas like letter recognition. These efforts address literacy gaps, with Maryland assessments indicating that consistent book exposure improves readiness scores.

The Charles County Public Library, serving a community centered in La Plata with branches in Waldorf, Potomac, and Indian Head, positions the Imagination Library as a key tool for family involvement. Registration requires proof of residency, and families must update addresses to ensure continuous delivery. The program launched in Charles County in 2021, following advocacy for expanded access to free resources amid growing awareness of early education needs.

Funding comes from a mix of library budgets, grants, and community donations, ensuring no cost to families. Individuals can contribute through the library’s support page, helping sustain book shipments. Similar affiliates in nearby areas, like Cecil County, report enrollment growth tied to partnerships with local organizations.

Beyond distribution numbers, the Charles County Imagination Library emphasizes long-term benefits, such as increased parent-child bonding through shared reading. Research from program evaluations highlights how monthly mailings create excitement and routine, leading to broader literacy practices in homes.

The library encourages eligible families to enroll promptly, as children aging out miss remaining books. For those interested, details on the Charles County Imagination Library, including forms and portals, are available online. Donations to maintain the program can be made via the support section.

This milestone underscores the role of public libraries in Southern Maryland as hubs for educational equity, where programs like the Charles County Imagination Library provide foundational tools without barriers. As enrollment continues, the initiative stands to influence thousands more in the coming years, building on a model proven effective across states.

Imagination Library Of Charles County Celebrates Over 100,000 Books Gifted To Local Children

raymond — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 12:00:49 +0000

Imagination Library Of Charles County Celebrates Over 100,000 Books Gifted To Local Children

Charles County Public Library

August 18, 2025

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LA PLATA, Md. – The Charles County Public Library (CCPL) is proud to announce a major milestone for its Imagination Library of Charles County program. As of July 2025, the program has officially mailed over 100,000 free books to children under five in Charles County.

Launched in partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and the Southern Maryland Regional Library Association (SMRLA), the program provides high-quality, age-appropriate books to local children every month, fostering a lifelong love of reading and early learning.

“This milestone is a testament to the incredible support from our community and the unwavering belief in the power of books to shape young minds,” said KennethWayne Thompson, Executive Director of Charles County Public Library. “The Imagination Library is a shining example of how CCPL creates opportunities for our community to engage, discover, and learn…one story at a time.”

This achievement supports CCPL’s vision to be a trusted Charles County anchor that enhances lives and supports our communities, and aligns with the library’s strategic priority to increase awareness and access to meaningful early literacy programs that enrich and empower residents of all ages.

Since its launch, the Imagination Library of Charles County has enrolled over 5,400 children and mailed over 105,000 books. It continues to grow thanks to the generous support of the Citizens for the Charles County Public Library (C4CCPL) and donations from local businesses, organizations, and individuals.

For more information about the Imagination Library of Charles County, register an eligible child, or to support this beloved program, visit https://ccplonline.org/imagination-library/ today.

About Charles County Public Library

About Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Since launching in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has become the preeminent early childhood book gifting program in the world. The flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation has gifted well over 150 million free books in Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The Imagination Library mails more than 1.8 million high-quality, age-appropriate books each month to registered children from birth to age five. Dolly envisioned creating a lifelong love of reading, inspiring them to dream. The impact of the program has been widely researched, and results suggest positive increases in key early childhood literacy metrics. Penguin Random House is the exclusive publisher for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. For more information, please visit imaginationlibrary.com.

About the Citizens for the Charles County Public Library, Inc. (C4CCPL)

Citizens for the Charles County Public Library, Inc. (C4CCPL) is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization dedicated to increasing public awareness and support for the Charles County Public Library system. With community support, they help the library in many of its endeavors. C4CCPL sponsors activities, raises funds, and promotes the library as a cultural, educational, informational, and recreational asset to Southern Maryland. The funds raised through their activities help supplement the library’s budget by purchasing items not included in Charles County’s operating budget.