Madison Bateman

May 19, 2026

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Kimberly Borders, left, and Miranda Krebs, public service associates with the Charles County Public Library system, play chess on Saturday during an open chess lounge. The drop-in event is hosted every third Saturday of the month from 2-3 p.m. at the Waldorf West Branch. People of all ages are encouraged to attend to take part in friendly games.

Madison Bateman for Southern Maryland News

David M. Higgins II, Publisher/Editor

April 28, 2026

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LA PLATA, Md.- Charles County Public Library is expanding virtual health care access for Southern Maryland residents with new Telehealth Booths at its P.D. Brown Memorial Branch in Waldorf and Potomac Branch in Indian Head.

The booths opened to provide quiet, private, wheelchair-accessible spaces where community members can connect with medical providers online or by phone. Each unit features a secured computer, seating, table and dry-erase board in an ADA-compliant, sound-dampening environment designed to overcome barriers such as transportation issues, lack of reliable internet or privacy concerns at home.

Lloyd Jansen, Deputy Director of Charles County Public Library, said, Libraries continue to evolve to meet the needs of our communities. By offering telehealth booths, we are helping remove barriers to care and providing residents with another way to access important services in a safe and welcoming space.

The initiative addresses real needs across Charles County and neighboring St. Marys and Calvert counties. Many Southern Maryland families face long drives to medical offices or challenges with home-based virtual visits due to shared living spaces or spotty broadband in rural pockets. The library booths offer a free, convenient alternative right in the community.

Reservations for the booths can be made up to seven days in advance through the librarys online meeting room system for sessions up to two hours. There is no cost to use the service. When not booked for telehealth, the spaces support studying, tutoring, small-group discussions and quiet work, with priority always given to health appointments. Users must acknowledge risks and library policies, including that the library does not provide medical services or guarantee HIPAA compliance of external providers.

The booths exteriors celebrate local scenery. The P.D. Brown Memorial Branch wrap highlights Mallows Bay Park, while the Potomac Branch features Smallwood State Park. Images came from a partnership with Charles County Tourism and photographer Jay Flemming. The project received support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Charles County Public Library branches serve a growing population in one of Southern Marylands fastest-developing areas. With housing expansions in Waldorf, La Plata, Indian Head and beyond, convenient health resources help families balance work, school and wellness. The P.D. Brown branch at 50 Village Street in Waldorf and Potomac branch at 3225 Ruth B. Swann Drive draw patrons from across the tri-county region where primary care wait times and travel distances remain common hurdles.

This expansion aligns with broader library trends in Southern Maryland. Nearby St. Marys County libraries have also integrated telehealth support in recent years, reflecting a regional push to blend traditional library roles with modern community health needs. Charles County Public Library continues adapting its five branches and mobile services to function as hubs for education, technology and now direct health access.

Residents can reserve booths at ccplonline.org/telehealth or through the meeting room system. Library hours typically run Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with closures on Sundays and holidays. Officials encourage early booking due to expected demand.

The Telehealth Booths represent an innovative use of public space that strengthens health equity in Southern Maryland. By partnering with tourism for visual appeal and securing grant funding, the library created functional, attractive additions that residents can use confidently. As virtual care becomes standard, these booths position Charles County families for better outcomes without leaving their local communities.

Charles County Public Library

April 27, 2026

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LA PLATA, Md. – Charles County Public Library (CCPL) is expanding access to health services by introducing new Telehealth Booths at its P.D. Brown Memorial and Potomac branches. The booths provide community members with a quiet, private, and wheelchair-accessible space to connect virtually with medical providers.

Telehealth booths help address barriers such as transportation, privacy, and reliable internet access that can prevent individuals from attending virtual medical appointments.

Each Telehealth Booth includes a computer and seating area designed to support virtual healthcare appointments. The booths are ADA-compliant and offer a sound-dampening environment to provide additional privacy while patrons meet healthcare professionals online or by phone. 

“Libraries continue to evolve to meet the needs of our communities,” said Lloyd Jansen, Deputy Director of Charles County Public Library. “By offering telehealth booths, we are helping remove barriers to care and providing residents with another way to access important services in a safe and welcoming space.”

The CCPL Telehealth Booths can be reserved online through the library’s meeting room reservation system at https://ccplonline.org/policies/meeting-room/. Booths may be booked up to seven days in advance for sessions lasting up to two hours, and there is no cost to use the service. When not reserved for telehealth appointments, the booths may be used for studying, tutoring, small-group discussions, and other quiet work, though priority will be given to those using the booths for telehealth appointments.

To celebrate the natural beauty of Charles County, the booths’ exterior wraps feature scenic imagery from various locations across the county. The P.D. Brown branch Telehealth booth showcases Mallows Bay Park, while the Potomac branch highlights Smallwood State Park. The images were provided through a partnership with Charles County Tourism and photographed by Maryland Water photographer Jay Flemming.

The Telehealth Booth project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). 

Residents interested in reserving a booth or learning more about the service can visit ccplonline.org/telehealth/.

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 100 full- and part-time employees. Our branches house over 200,000 volumes of printed material, audiobooks, film, and other documents, and we have an online branch atwww.ccplonline.org, where we add new resources regularly. Currently, over 75,000 county residents have library cards, and that number grows every day. 

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services

The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s libraries and museums. IMLS advances, supports, and empowers America’s museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. The agency’s programs help strengthen communities by improving access to information, education, and cultural resources. For more information, visit imls.gov/.

About Charles County Tourism

Charles County Tourism promotes the county as a destination for visitors while celebrating the region’s natural beauty, history, and local culture. Through partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and government agencies, Charles County Tourism highlights attractions, events, outdoor recreation, and heritage sites throughout Southern Maryland. Learn more at explorecharlescounty.com/.

BayNet Staff

April 22, 2026

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Charles County Public Library

April 1, 2026

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LA PLATA, Md. – The Charles County Public Library (CCPL) invites the community to celebrate Library Giving Month this April, a month-long campaign to support the library programs, services, and resources that enrich residents’ lives throughout the county.

The library’s goal is to raise $20,000 through donations, special events, and community partnerships.

Library Giving Month begins with Library Giving Day on April 1, a nationwide celebration that encourages communities to support their local library systems. Throughout April, CCPL will highlight the many ways libraries serve as centers for learning, creativity, and connection.

“Libraries change lives every day,” said Shannon Bland, Development Manager for CCPL. “Community support helps us expand programs, provide access to technology, and create opportunities for lifelong learning for residents of all ages.”

Several events throughout April will help support the campaign.

On Friday, April 10, Shop 53 Tattoo & Art Studio in La Plata will host Get Inked with CCPL, a book-themed flash tattoo fundraiser, with 20% of each tattoo purchase donated to the library.

Later in the month, CCPL will host “A Magical Evening at the Library” on April 17, an evening celebrating the impact of libraries in the community while raising funds for library programs and services. Tickets are on sale now at ccplonline.org/ccpl-magic/.

Library Giving Month also coincides with National Library Week, April 19–25, when libraries across the country celebrate the essential role they play in strengthening communities.

Community members can support the campaign by making a donation, attending fundraising events, or sharing their library stories throughout the month.

To learn more or make a donation, visit ccplonline.org/support/.

About Charles County Public Library

The Charles County Public Library creates opportunities for our community to engage, discover, and learn. CCPL comprises 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.

David M. Higgins II, Publisher/Editor

March 30, 2026

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LA PLATA, Md. — The Charles County Public Library has launched its annual Library Giving Month campaign for April 2026, inviting residents across Southern Maryland to support programs, services and resources that serve the community year-round.

The library aims to raise $20,000 through donations, special events and partnerships during the month-long effort. Library Giving Month kicks off with Library Giving Day on Tuesday, April 1, a national day of support for local libraries.

“Libraries change lives every day,” said Shannon Bland, Development Manager for the Charles County Public Library. “Community support helps us expand programs, provide access to technology, and create opportunities for lifelong learning for residents of all ages.”

The campaign highlights the library’s role as a hub for learning, creativity and connection in Charles County. Funds will help sustain and grow initiatives such as summer and winter reading challenges, free tax preparation assistance, nonprofit and small business programming, and technology access for patrons of all ages.

Several fundraising events are scheduled throughout April. On Friday, April 10, Shop 53 Tattoo & Art Studio in La Plata will host the fourth annual Get Inked with CCPL, a book-themed flash tattoo fundraiser. Twenty percent of each tattoo purchase will be donated to the library.

On Friday, April 17, the library will present “A Magical Evening at the Library” at the Waldorf West Branch, 10405 O’Donnell Place, Waldorf. The event celebrates the impact of libraries while raising funds for programs and services. Tickets are available now through Eventbrite at ccplonline.org/ccpl-magic/. VIP admission begins at 6:30 p.m. and general admission at 7:30 p.m.

Library Giving Month coincides with National Library Week, observed April 19–25, when libraries nationwide recognize their contributions to stronger communities.

Residents can participate by making a tax-deductible donation, attending events, or sharing personal stories about how the library has made a difference. Donations support free and equal access to information, technology and community programming.

To donate or learn more, visit ccplonline.org/support/ or ccplonline.org/donate/. For questions about sponsorship opportunities or the Magical Evening event, contact Shannon Bland at fundraising@ccplonline.org.

The Charles County Public Library system operates multiple branches, including locations in La Plata, Waldorf, Potomac, Bryans Road and Indian Head, plus a mobile library unit. It serves thousands of residents each year with materials, programs and digital resources.

Southern Maryland Chronicle readers in Charles County can make a direct impact. Past giving efforts have helped fund expanded collections, technology upgrades and special events that benefit families, students and seniors.

Library officials note that every gift, regardless of size, helps maintain vital services amid rising operational costs. The $20,000 goal represents community investment in lifelong learning opportunities available to all county residents.

This year’s campaign builds on previous successful giving initiatives. In December 2025, the library raised more than $25,000 in a single month through donor support, according to board meeting records.

Charles County Public Library continues to adapt to community needs, offering virtual and in-person options that engage, discover and learn. Giving Month provides a focused opportunity for residents to show appreciation for these free public resources.

David M. Higgins, II, Publisher/Editor

March 4, 2026

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The Charles County Public Library (CCPL) is advancing digital equity across Southern Maryland by replacing all public access computers systemwide and deploying a new Mobile Computer Lab to deliver technology directly to underserved residents.

The library completed a full refresh of public computers at its branches in recent months, as confirmed in trustee meeting minutes from November 2025 noting replacements at La Plata and P.D. Brown branches, with Potomac scheduled shortly after. This upgrade provides patrons with modern, dependable devices essential for essential tasks like employment applications, educational work, government services, and communication. The initiative addresses wear from heavy daily use and ensures reliable performance for community members who rely on library technology.

Ilana Williams

March 3, 2026

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Madison Bateman

February 18, 2026

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Children’s author and educator Ada Ari hosts “African Storytelling Reimagined” at the La Plata branch library on Saturday. During the interactive event, children ages 6 to 11 were invited to learn about the stories, art and culture of the Ashanti kingdom of Ghana.

David M. Higgins II, Publisher/Editor

February 17, 2026

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Library Lovers Month: Back Maryland’s Civic Gems

Maryland Library Association Urges Residents to Support Public Libraries During February’s Library Lovers Month

February marks Library Lovers Month nationwide, spotlighting ways residents can support public libraries amid recent federal funding challenges and ongoing community value.

David Dahl, president of the Maryland Library Association, emphasized libraries’ enduring role: “Libraries are really a critical part of our civic infrastructure. We talk about libraries as being transformative to communities. If you think about it, it’s one of the few remaining places where you can go be who you are and make use of without making a purchase.”

Libraries serve as “third places”—free community gathering spots separate from home or work, similar to cafes or parks but accessible without cost. Dahl encouraged direct involvement: “If someone is in [a] position to donate financially to their library, that’s always needed. There are funding sources through the federal government and state and local funds, but there’s always more that’s needed. Then lastly, I think, asking how you can get involved and how you can support.”

Recent federal actions tested library support. In March 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order aiming to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the primary federal agency providing library grants. Legal challenges, including a lawsuit by 21 states’ attorneys general and the American Library Association, led to court injunctions halting dismantlement efforts, with a permanent block issued in late 2025. Grants were reinstated by December 2025.

Congress addressed funding in the FY2026 appropriations bills, signed by Trump earlier in February 2026. The legislation delivered a modest increase for library programs under the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), raising it to $212.5 million—a $1.4 million boost—while maintaining level funding for related initiatives like school libraries. Overall IMLS saw a slight decrease tied to staffing reductions, but core library funding held firm against elimination proposals.

Maryland operates 24 public library systems, spanning single-branch to multi-location networks serving all counties, including those in Southern Maryland such as Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s. These systems deliver books, digital resources, programs, and community spaces essential for education, lifelong learning, and civic engagement.

Dahl noted libraries’ resilience relies on local action beyond federal dollars. Residents can show support by visiting branches, checking out materials, attending events, obtaining cards, thanking staff, or inquiring about volunteer, advocacy, or donation opportunities tailored to each system’s needs.

The observance aligns with broader celebrations, including proclamations in areas like St. Mary’s County, where commissioners declared February 2026 National Library Lovers’ Month on February 3 to recognize libraries’ contributions to education and connection.

Public libraries remain vital in Southern Maryland, providing free access that strengthens communities even as funding landscapes evolve. Direct outreach to local branches ensures support matches specific priorities, from collections to programs.