Staff Writer

July 17, 2026

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INDIAN HEAD, Md. —Butterflies may get most of the attention during the day, but their close relatives are taking over the spotlight this week.

Moths, sometimes nicknamed “nighttime butterflies,” come in thousands of shapes, colors and sizes. During National Moth Week, families are encouraged to look more closely at the insects gathering around porch lights, resting on screens and fluttering through backyards after dark.

The worldwide celebration runs Saturday, July 18, through Sunday, July 26, 2026. It encourages people to observe, photograph and document moths in their backyards, parks and communities.

What Is National Moth Week?

National Moth Week is a volunteer-led global event celebrating moths and the people who study them.

The event is organized by the Friends of the East Brunswick Environmental Commission, a nonprofit based in East Brunswick, New Jersey.

During the week, people participate in “mothing,” which means attracting, observing, photographing and identifying moths. Participants can enjoy the activity for fun or submit their observations to citizen science programs.

Events range from simple backyard observations to organized moth nights hosted by parks, schools, nature centers and environmental groups.

Photographs and observations collected during National Moth Week can help researchers study where different moth species live and how their populations change over time.

Moths are also an important part of the ecosystem. Like butterflies, many moths help pollinate plants. They also provide food for birds, bats and other animals.

National Moth Week is held during the last full week of July each year. Midsummer is one of the best times to find moths across much of the Northern Hemisphere, and using the same time period each year can make the information easier for researchers to compare.

Getting started does not require special equipment.

An outdoor light and a nearby wall, sheet or screen can create a simple moth-watching station. A porch light is often enough to attract several species after dark.

Once a moth arrives, participants can take a photograph and submit it through one of National Moth Week’s partner apps or websites for identification and documentation.

Organizers are also encouraging people to share moth-inspired artwork on social media using the hashtag #MothWeek26Art.

Celebrate At The Potomac Branch Library

The Potomac Branch of the Charles County Public Library will host a Moth Appreciation Station from Monday, July 20, through Friday, July 24.

The free, self-guided program will feature crafts and trivia centered on moths found in Maryland.

Visitors can stop by once or return throughout the week to learn about a different moth and create a replica to take home.

The schedule includes:

• Monday, July 20 — Giant Leopard Moths
• Tuesday, July 21 — Rosey Moths
• Wednesday, July 22 — Luna Moths
• Thursday, July 23 — Cecropia Moths
• Friday, July 24 — Moth Man Art and Trivia

Friday’s activity will include supplies for visitors to create a Moth Man for the library’s wall, take home or both. Visitors can also test their knowledge with a trivia challenge for a chance to receive a moth-man keychain while supplies last.

Potomac Branch Library
3225 Ruth B. Swann Drive
Indian Head, MD 20640

For questions, call the Potomac Branch at 301-375-7375 or email potomacref@ccplonline.org.

More information about National Moth Week, including how to participate or register an event, is available at nationalmothweek.org.

Ilana Williams

July 15, 2026

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Charles County is working through conditions of approval for the new La Plata library, with no timeline when construction will start or an approximate opening date, according to officials.

The library will be relocated in town to 208 Washington Street with entrances and exits at Talbot Street and North Maple Avenue, according to a town of La Plata planning commission resolution.

Despite the unclear timeline, the new library is a “priority” for the town of La Plata and county government, officials from both local governments told Southern Maryland News.

“We want to deliver this community asset to our residents as quickly as possible,” Chuck Stevens, town manager, said. “But at the end of the day, this is a very large-scale major site development project.”

The project was approved by the town of La Plata planning commission in February with conditions of approval, Stevens said. The county is working to meet almost 40 conditions of approval, including traffic and stormwater mitigation.

“It happens with projects of this size and scale across the nation,” he said. “It’s not unusual.”

The county does not have a timeline for getting through permitting and when construction will start, Deborah Hall, acting county administrator, said.

However, Stevens said grading permits could be issued soon.

“I’m not a betting man, but if I were a betting man, I would say grading would definitely occur in summer, early fall 2026,” he said.

The Maryland State Library Agency granted the county $1 million for construction of the library last month, Jacob Dyer, director of fiscal and administrative services, said. In total, the planned budget is more than $23 million. The rest of the funding will come from the county.

About $16.5 million has already been appropriated, and there will be $7.3 million allocated over the next several years, Dyer said. Most of the money is going in fiscal years 2028 and 2029.

The current library is not ADA compliant, and the county has out-grown the space, KennthWayne Thompson, executive director of Charles County Public Library, said.

“A brand new La Plata library will better serve our community,” he said.

There will be more technology housed at the new library and it will be more spacious with programs for children and senior citizens, town of La Plata Mayor Jeannine E. James said. The library will be a gathering place in the community.

“It is going to be state of the art,” she said. “It will hit all walks of life and all generations.”

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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Charles County Public Library

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. 

Charles County Public Library

“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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LA PLATA, Md. — Book lovers and bargain hunters alike are gearing up for one of the most anticipated seasonal traditions as the Citizens for the Charles County Public Library host their Spring Book Bazaar at the La Plata Branch, running through April 25.

While the multi-day sale offers thousands of gently used books, movies and more at low prices, seasoned shoppers know the real highlight comes at the end: Bag Days.

During these final sale days, visitors can fill an entire bag with books for a flat rate — typically around $3 for a grocery-sized bag — turning the event into a treasure hunt where the more you dig, the more you score. Tables once neatly organized become a fast-moving mix of hidden gems, unexpected finds and armfuls of stories waiting for a second life.

Citizens for the Charles County Public Library

For many, Bag Days are less about browsing and more about the thrill. Families, teachers and avid readers arrive early, armed with reusable bags and a strategy, scanning for children’s books, beach reads, cookbooks and rare titles. It’s not uncommon to see people leave with stacks taller than they planned, all for just a few dollars.

The event supports the Charles County Public Library system, with proceeds helping fund programs, resources and community initiatives that have benefited local residents for more than two decades.

Organizers also continue to accept book donations, with drop-offs available Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesdays by appointment.

Whether searching for a specific title or simply chasing the joy of a good deal, Bag Days remain the can’t-miss finale — where every bag tells a story, and every page comes at a price that’s hard to beat.

The Spring Book Bazaar is running now through Friday, April 25, and is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Special sale days include Bag Days on Thursday, April 24, and Friday, April 25.

The event is being held at the La Plata Branch Library, located at 2 Garrett Ave. in La Plata. Learn more at ccplonline.org.

Citizens for the Charles County Public Library

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.

ChatGPT

“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.