Important Announcements from the Charles County Public Library

October 2nd, 2024

After several days of disruption due to an underground fire in Baltimore over the weekend, which affected many library systems in Maryland, our SAILOR Network online services are back up and running! We are incredibly grateful to the dedicated teams at BGE, Verizon, Comcast, and the SAILOR Operations Center, who have worked tirelessly to get libraries across the State of Maryland back online and connected.

Thank you to everyone for their patience and understanding during the outage. While we hope to stay connected moving forward, we may experience some temporary disruptions while repairs continue on the damaged infrastructure. We’ll keep everyone informed and up to date.

September 30th, 2024

The online catalog is currently unavailable due to technical issues, and many services will be limited. During this time, searching the catalog, placing holds, renewing materials, as well as several of our digital resources will be unavailable. Additionally, the 24-Hour Library Kiosk will be offline until services are restored, but WiFi will be working as usual.

Our library locations are open our normal hours and checking out and returning materials in person is still available. We ask that customers bring their library cards with them to checkout materials.

We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience as this service is restored.

August 26th, 2024

Beginning the week of August 26th, parts of the Waldorf West Branch’s parking lot and the drive-thru book drop may be temporarily unavailable as part of The Wharf’s repaving project. Completion of this project may be weather-dependent. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

If you have any questions or need help, please email the Waldorf West Branch at westref[at]ccplonline[dot]org.

August 16th, 2024

Until further notice, the lower level meeting rooms at our Waldorf West Branch will be limited to rooms A&C and room B. Please visit our Meeting Room Information page to learn more and to make a reservation. If you have any questions, please contact the Waldorf West Branch. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to improve our meeting rooms to serve you better.

August 6th, 2024

The paving project at Waldorf West has been canceled this week due to the inclement weather forecast and will be rescheduled for a later date.

As part of The Wharf’s paving project, the Waldorf West Branch parking lot will be repaved on Tuesday, August 6, and Wednesday, August 7th. Parts of the parking lot may be temporarily unavailable during this time, along with the drive-thru book drop. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience as this project is completed.

If you have additional questions, please email the Waldorf West Branch at westref[at]ccplonline[dot]org.

August 1st, 2024

Due to a power outage, the Potomac Branch will close early today, August 1st. The book drop will be accessible during this time. In-person programs and meeting room reservations have been canceled. Meeting room reservation holders will be notified of this cancelation via email, and you can reschedule your reservation for a later date or receive a refund. If you have additional questions, please email the Potomac Branch at potomacref[at]ccplonline[dot]org.
We appreciate your patience and understanding.

August 1st, 2024

Due to the Heat Advisory, the Mobile Library’s Thursday, August 1st, stops at the Cobb Island Public Market and Swan Point Community are canceled. Mobile Library materials can be returned to any of our other locations, and holds will remain available for pick up at later stops. Please contact the Mobile Library for questions and don’t forget to check our calendar for future mobile stops near you!

July 15th, 2024

The Potomac Branch will be closed Monday, July 15th, through Saturday, July 20th, for HVAC repairs. The book drop will remain open during this time, but holds will not be available for pick up until the branch reopens. All holds will have their expiration date extended. In-person programs and meeting room reservations have been canceled. Meeting room reservation holders will be notified of this cancelation via email, and you can reschedule your reservation for a later date or receive a refund.

If you have additional questions, please email the Potomac Branch at potomacref[at]ccplonline[dot]org.

For the latest information on library closures, please visit our website or call the library location you are looking to visit.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to complete this project.

June 27th, 2024

The Potomac Branch will be closed Thursday, June 27th, due to a water line repair. The book drop will be accessible during this time. All programs and meeting room reservations are canceled. Meeting room reservation holders will be notified of this cancellation via email, and you will be able to reschedule your reservation for a later date or receive a refund.

For the latest information on library closures, please visit our website or call the library location you are looking to visit.

Thank you for your patience as this project is completed.

June 26th, 2024

Due to the Heat Advisory, the Mobile Library’s Wednesday, June 26th, stop at the La Plata Farmers Market has been canceled. Mobile Library materials can be returned to any of our other locations and holds will remain available for pick up at later stops. Please contact the Mobile Library for questions and don’t forget to check our calendar for future mobile stops near you!

February 5, 2024

The Potomac Branch will be closed from Monday, February 5, through Thursday, February 8, 2024, as it undergoes repairs to the covered driveway. Additionally, the book drop will not be accessible during this time. Customer holds will remain on the shelves at Potomac until we reopen. When we reopen, staff will extend the pick-up date. Due dates for materials will be extended.

All programs and meeting room reservations will be canceled. If you have registered for an event, please check your email for additional information. Meeting room reservation holders will be notified of this cancellation via email, and you will be able to reschedule your reservation for a later date or receive a refund.

For the latest information on library closures, please visit our website or call the library location you are looking to visit.

Thank you for your patience as we improve our space to serve you better.

January 18, 2024

Exciting News: Charles County Public Library’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan Release!

Dear Valued Library Staff, Volunteers, Supporters, and Community Members,

We are thrilled to share the official release of Charles County Public Library’s 2024 – 2029 Strategic Plan! This marks a significant milestone in our commitment to providing exceptional library services and fostering a vibrant learning environment for all.

What to Expect:

Vision for the Future: Dive into our goals that outline the library’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and community engagement. Discover how we plan to elevate the library experience for every patron.

Enhanced Services: Explore the exciting enhancements and expansions planned for our services, collections, and programs.

Community Collaboration: Learn about our initiatives to strengthen ties with local organizations, schools, and businesses. Together, we can build a network that empowers our communities.

How to Get Involved:

Your input matters! As we embark on this exciting endeavor, we invite you to share your thoughts, suggestions, and aspirations for the library’s future. Look out for community forums, surveys, and other engagement opportunities where your voice can shape the direction of our beloved library.

Stay Connected:

Follow us on social media, subscribe to our newsletter, and visit our website regularly for updates related to the Strategic Plan. Together, let’s make the Charles County Public Library a beacon of knowledge, community, and inspiration.

Thank you for being an essential part of the Charles County Public Library family. We can’t wait to embark on this exciting journey with you!

Cheers!

KennethWayne Thompson
Executive Director, CCPL

January 16th, 2024

CCPL Closed Due to Inclement Weather

The Charles County Public Library is closed today, January 16, 2024 due to inclement weather. All programs and meeting room reservations will be canceled. Meeting room reservation holders will be notified of this cancellation via email, and you will be able to reschedule your reservation for a later date or receive a refund.

For the latest information on library weather closures, please visit our website or call the library location you are looking to visit.

Thank you and stay safe!

January 9th, 2024

Library To Close Early Due to Weather

The Charles County Public Library will close today, Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 2pm due to the weather forecast for heavy rains, potential flooding, and high winds. All CCPL programming scheduled for 2pm or after will be canceled. All meeting room reservations scheduled for 2pm and after will be canceled. Meeting room reservation holders will be notified of this cancellation, and you will be able to reschedule or receive a refund.

Please visit our website at ccplonline.org for our latest operational updates.

Thank you and stay safe.

November 29th, 2023

The Waldorf West Branch Building Improvement Project
Starting November 29th, 2023, the North Entrance (facing the Hilton Garden Inn) of the Waldorf West branch will be closed to repair the pavers. The branch will remain open, and customers are advised to use the South Entrance (facing Smallwood Drive) while the work is being completed. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and we appreciate your patience as improvements are made to the branch.

September 18, 2023

Waldorf West Branch Building Improvement Project

Starting September 18, 2023, the Waldorf West branch will be repainted by the Charles County Public Works Department. The branch will remain open, though individual sections of the library may be temporarily closed while the work is being completed. The project will be done in phases to cause as little disruption to daily operations as possible, and is expected to last approximately six weeks. When you come into the branch, you can expect to see signage indicating where the painting is taking place that day.

The paint is nontoxic and is safe to be around. Documentation regarding the safety of the paint will be available upon request. Please see a staff member for more information.

During the week of October 2, 2023, the meeting rooms will be painted and will therefore be closed. All library programming that week will be canceled, including Story Times on Monday, October 2.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and we appreciate your patience as we work with the County to make improvements to the branch.

June 22nd, 2023

CCPL Operations Update

Starting July 1, 2023, the Charles County Public Library will be making a few changes to our operations. In order to keep up with inflation and combat rising supply costs, while continuing to provide the best service possible, we are changing our fees for meeting room reservations, notary services, and poster printing, as well as adjusting our programming and passport offerings.

Our goal in making these changes is not to lower the quality of service, but instead continue to allow us to provide as many services as possible. While things might look a little different, we will continue to look for new and better ways to serve our community at little to no cost. The changes in our operations are outlined below. For questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.

Meeting Room Pricing Changes

Starting July 1, 2023, our meeting room fees will have a revised structure: 

  • Large rooms (West A, B, C; La Plata; Potomac): 
    • 0-2.0 hrs.: $50.00 New!
    • 2.5-4.0 hrs. : $100.00
    • 4.5-6.00 hrs.: $200.00
    • 6.5-8.0 hrs.: $300.00
  • Group rooms 1 & 3 (West):
    • 0-2.0 hrs.: $25.00 New!
    • 2.5-4.0 hrs. : $50.00
    • 4.5-6.00 hrs.: $100.00
    • 6.5-8.0 hrs.: $150.00

These new fees will go into effect for reservations made starting July 1, 2023. Reservations made before July, even for reservations that take place after July 1, will not have a fee for the first two hours. 

Notary Service

As of July 1, 2023, CCPL will now charge a small fee for notary services. These new fees are in response to inflation and rising operational costs that the library has been experiencing. 

  • Notary service fees (formerly no charge):
    • $4.00 per signature up to a maximum of $40.00 (10 or more signatures)

Printing

Since January 2023, we have been experiencing higher supply costs for printing which has affected the cost of providing this service to our customers. Increasing the price of photocopying and poster printing helps us ensure our commitment to providing the very best quality of services to you. The cost changes are outlined below. Please contact us if you have any questions. 

  • Photocopies/Print Jobs:
    • B&W: $0.20 per side (formerly $0.10 per side.)
    • Color: $0.25 per side (no change)
  • Poster Printing at Waldorf West:
    • 18″ x 24″: $10.00 
    • 24″ x 36″: $15.00 
    • We kindly ask that all poster print jobs be paid for in advance. Note: Remote Printing is not available for poster printing. Please come into the Waldorf West branch to print your posters in person.

Passport Services

While fees for Passport Services are not changing, we are changing the length of appointments from 1 hour to 30 minutes in order to increase the amount of appointments we are able to offer in a day. Please note that only one applicant will be permitted per appointment time. 

For more information on our Passport Services and to make an appointment, click here.

Programming

Due to increases in supply costs, we are suspending our Take & Make Kits for now. We will continue to have arts and crafts programs in our branches, but in order to provide the best programs, we are removing the stand-alone kits beginning July 1, 2023. Please visit our events calendar for our full list of craft programs. Looking for ideas you can do at home? Check out the CCPL @ Home blog for craft ideas, at-home projects, reading recommendations, and more!

May 11th, 2023

The La Plata Branch Will Be Closed For Building Improvements

The La Plata Branch will close for facilities maintenance on Thursday, May 11th & Friday, May 12th, 2023. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but we wanted to make sure that the project could be completed as soon as possible. Thank you to the County Public Works Department for their hard work to get us back up and running as soon as possible.

Cuddle Time & Morning Story Time are canceled,  the La Plata Book Discussion will now be held virtually, and Virtual Afternoon Story Time will continue as planned. Please see event listings for more information.
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Be sure to visit our website for more information, and we will be sending updates through our eNewsletter.

Thank you for your understanding as we work to reopen the branch.

March 16th, 2023

P.D. Brown Memorial Branch Reopens for Normal Business Operations

The carpet installation project has been completed, and the P.D. Brown Branch will reopen for normal operating hours Thursday, March 16th, 2023. We thank you for your patience as we updated the space to improve your experience in the library. And a huge thank you to the County Public Works Department for completing this project so quickly.

March 6, 2023

PD Brown Memorial Branch to Undergo Building Improvements

Starting Monday, March 6, 2023, the PD Brown Memorial Branch will be having the carpet in the building replaced. The branch will remain open during the installation, but some areas of the building may be inaccessible during parts of the project. Story Time on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 has been cancelled. Thank you for your patience as we improve our space to serve you better.

February 24, 2023

PD Brown Memorial Branch Will Be Closed Friday, February 24, 2023

Due to a maintenance issue with the sewage system, the PD Brown Memorial Branch will be closed today. County representatives have been alerted and are hard at work to resolve this issue as soon as possible. All programs and events scheduled at that branch location have been cancelled.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We will keep you updated as this situation progresses. Be sure to visit our website for updates, or you can sign up for our eNewsletter to get the latest information sent directly to your inbox.

Thank you for your understanding as we work to reopen the branch.

August 9, 2022

The Potomac Branch is Now Open!

We are thrilled to announce the reopening of our Potomac Branch on August 9, 2022. The branch is fully operational, with the exception of programming. Programming at this branch will resume on Monday, Aug 15, 2022.

We want to thank the County for their tireless efforts to get our A/C system fixed as soon as possible. The project was completed ahead of schedule due to their hard work.

We also want to send a big thank you to our customers for your patience throughout this process. Thank you for your continued support of CCPL and we hope to see you in the branch soon!

For more information, please contact the Potomac Branch at 301.375.7375 or through our online contact form.

July 20, 2022

Potomac Branch Update

We are pleased to share that we are getting closer to having the cooling system repaired.  The county has been following the situation closely and the replacement unit has been delivered. We are coordinating with the county on the installation date. As soon as we have more information on that date, we will be sure to share an update.

We understand this has been a frustrating process. The county has been working tirelessly to help us get this fixed, so we appreciate and thank you for your patience.

July 15, 2022

Potomac Branch Closed Until Further Notice

Our Potomac branch will be closed until further notice starting today, July 15, 2022, while we work with the county on getting our air conditioning system repaired. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but we’ve listed some important information below regarding programming and materials.

Programming

All programs and events at this branch will be canceled until the branch reopens. If you were registered for a program, you will receive an email notification from our staff about the status of the program. In some cases, programs might be moved to another branch. For the full schedule of events at all of our branches, click here.

Holds

Holds will not be able to be placed or picked up at this location until we reopen. You can place a hold for pick up at another location. If you have a hold currently at the Potomac branch, please email potomacref[at]ccplonline[dot]org to contact the branch staff to make arrangements to pick up your items. Current holds will also be available for pick up on Thursdays and Fridays starting July 21.

Checked-out Materials

Any library items that have been checked out from this branch will not be due during the closure. You can hold onto your items until this branch reopens, or return them to another branch including the Mobile Library. The Potomac book drop will be closed and unable to accept materials. Items will be able to be returned to the Mobile Library on Thursday and Friday afternoons from 2-4pm during their visits to the Potomac Branch parking lot.

Mobile Library

Starting July 21, 2022, the Mobile Library will be making weekly stops at the Potomac Branch and providing basic services on Thursdays and Fridays from 2-4PM. To see a full list of services provided by the Mobile Library, click here.

If you have additional questions, please contact the Potomac branch via email at potomacref[at]ccplonline[dot]org.

We truly appreciate your continued patience and understanding as we work to fix this issue. As soon as we have a reopening date, we will post that information on our website.

July 6, 2022

The Potomac Branch will be closed again today, July 6, 2022. We are still experiencing issues with our air conditioning system. All scheduled programs and activities have been canceled for today. If you have registered for an event, please check your email for additional information on the program.

Please continue to check our website for the latest updates. We appreciate your understanding as we work to fix this issue as soon as possible.

June 17, 2022

The Potomac Branch will be closed on Friday, June 17, 2022 due to an issue with our air conditioning system. We anticipate being able to open tomorrow, Saturday, June 18th at 9:00AM, but please check ccplonline.org for the latest updates. We are closely monitoring the weather forecast, and will make a decision based on the safety and comfort of our patrons and staff.

Additionally, all scheduled programs and activities have been canceled for June 17, 2022. If you have registered for an event, please check your email for additional information on when the program will take place.

We appreciate your patience as we work to fix this issue.

January 18, 2022

COVID-19 Self Test Kits Now Available for Order From COVIDtests.gov

Free at-home COVID-19 test kits are available for order from COVIDtests.gov.

Every US household will be able to order FOUR free at-home tests. The tests are available at no cost and there will be no shipping charges. Credit card information will not be required.

For more information and to order your tests, please visit COVIDtests.gov.

Pruebas caseras de detección de COVID-⁠19 de forma gratuita

December 13, 2021

COVID-19 Self Test Kits are now available at Charles County Public Library

The Charles County Department of Health will provide a limited number of test kits per branch per week for giveaway.

To pick up a test, you must make a Curbside Pickup appointment by calling the branch you would like to pick up from: 

La Plata – 301.934.9001
Mobile Library – 301.456.4333
P.D. Brown – 301.645.2864
Potomac – 301.375.7375
Waldorf West – 301.645.1395

Tests are only available via Curbside Pickup, and will be given out on a first come, first serve basis. 

At this time, the free COVID-19 home test kits are intended for people who may have been exposed to COVID-19, who are having symptoms of COVID-19, or who want to take extra steps to protect vulnerable family and friends they are visiting. They are not for routine employment testing, pre-travel testing, or school quarantine/isolation testing. Find additional testing sites.

Tests are scheduled to be replenished by the Charles County Department of Health on a weekly basis. 

Test availability will be limited, so please call the branch you would like to pick up from to confirm availability and to make an appointment. No tests will be given out inside the library buildings.

Do not come inside a library building if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

Limit 1 test per person, maximum of 2 per family. 

Test kits are also available at locations across Charles County including the Department of Social Services, LifeStyles, Children’s Aid Society, and Senior Centers in the county.

COVID-19 Self Test Kit Information Links

English test kit instructions

Información del kit de prueba en Español

August 13, 2021

Charles County Indoor Public Mask Mandate Reinstated

On Tuesday, August 10, the Board of Commissioners voted to adopt a resolution that reinstates the indoor public mask mandate. This will go into effect on Friday, August 13, 2021 at 5 p.m. The mandate requires that both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals over the age of five wear masks at all public indoor locations. Commissioners also declared a local state of emergency so that the Board had the authority to impose the mandate.

All CCPL branch buildings are county facilities and therefore follow County health guidelines. As of 5 p.m. Friday, August 13, 2021 all visitors to CCPL library buildings and the Mobile Library are required to wear masks. Click here for more information from the County.

All branches remain open for our normal business hours. We continue to closely monitor local, state and federal updates regarding COVID-19 and will adjust our operations as conditions change. We appreciate your continued patience as we operate in this ever-changing environment.

July 30, 2021

Mask Update for Reopening

The rise of the COVID-19 Delta variant nationwide has prompted new concerns about community health and safety. Charles County Public Library buildings are county government facilities and as such, we continue to follow the safety protocols put in place per the guidance and recommendations from the Charles County Department of Health. Per county government facility protocols, the wearing of masks for employees and visitors is voluntary. Unvaccinated employees and visitors are strongly encouraged to wear a mask. 

By entering a CCPL building, employees and visitors are confirming they meet a health screening criteria and are not currently experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19. Social distancing should be maintained when possible, and masks and hand sanitizer remain available for our employees and visitors. To maximize protection against the Delta variant, the Center for Disease Control advises vaccinated and unvaccinated persons to wear masks in indoor public spaces in areas of substantial or high transmission. Charles County is not currently in one of these categories. For more information on COVID-19 rates in Charles County please visit: https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view. We will continue to monitor the situation and follow updated guidance as it becomes available.

The library remains open for our normal business hours. As guidance or circumstances change, we will update our operations as needed.

July 9, 2021

CCPL Full Re-Opening

Starting July 12 our branches will be open–no appointment needed! As state and local guidelines continue to ease, we are restoring our regular hours of operation at each of our branches.

For everything you need to know about visiting one of our branches, what to expect during your visit and more, check out our FAQs.

Still need help? We’ve got you covered through Live Web Chat on our website when you see the Need Help? icon, Telephone Reference by calling any of our branches, or send us an email.

May 26, 2021

CCPL Ending Materials Quarantine

As of May 26, 2021, Charles County Public Library is no longer quarantining library materials upon their return to CCPL. This decision is based on updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) stating that it is now safe to end quarantining library materials. Ending the quarantine period will allow for faster check in of materials and quicker return to circulation. This is another positive step in our Reopening process.

CCPL is committed to the safety of our customers and staff. Masks are strongly encouraged for those who are not vaccinated and we continue to practice heightened cleaning protocols and social distancing in our branches. We will regularly monitor local, state and federal health guidelines and make updates to our operations as circumstances change. 

Please contact us if you have questions. 

Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we work to provide a safe library for our community.

May 24, 2021

CCPL Reopening Continues!

The Charles County Public Library is excited to announce that our branches are now open by appointment! Starting Monday, May 24, our La Plata, Potomac and P.D. Brown Memorial branches will be open by appointment. Appointments at these branches include computer and printer use, as well as browsing the collection for materials to check out. 

Waldorf West will be open for computer/printer use appointments only. 

For everything you need to know about making appointments, what to expect when you come to a branch and more, visit our FAQ page

Still need help? We’ve got you covered through Live Web Chat on our website when you see the Need Help? icon, Telephone Reference by calling any of our branches, or send us an email.

We look forward to seeing you again at the library!

April 12, 2021

Big things are happening @ CCPL — We are now FINE FREE and OPEN for computer appointments! 

The Charles County Public Library is now fine free for all users and will be reopening the doors of three of its branches for computer and printer use by appointment. Our La Plata, Potomac and P.D. Brown Memorial branches will reopen on April 12, 2021 for computer and printer use appointments only. 

For everything you need to know about making appointments, what to expect when you come to a branch and more, check out our Reopening FAQs.

To find out what Fine Free means for you, visit our Fine Free Information page.

Still need help? We’ve got you covered through Live Web Chat on our website when you see the Need Help? icon, Telephone Reference by calling any of our branches, or send us an email.

November 11, 2020

CCPL Operations Update

On Wednesday, Nov. 11, the Charles County Board of Commissioners held a special meeting to discuss the new emergency order from Governor Hogan that reduces indoor dining to 50 percent capacity at restaurants. They also reviewed public health advisories that urged the public to refrain from attending indoor gatherings of more than 25 people and to limit out-of-state travel to essential trips. Commissioners voted to adhere to the Governor’s latest executive orders without additional restrictions at this time.

What does this mean for library operations?

All library buildings remain temporarily closed, but we will continue to provide FREE online services via our virtual branch www.ccplonline.org, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Curbside Pickup @ CCPL will remain available. Please visit us online to learn more about our full services, view the schedule of virtual programs and discover the free resources available to assist you while you’re at home. 

The Mobile Library and Outreach Van will remain open and operating on a limited basis. However, we will continue to monitor health and safety conditions, and will make changes as necessary. To view the list of services available on our Mobile Library vehicles, or to find a stop near you, please visit our Mobile Library Information Center

All library book drops remain open at all of our branches, and are accessible 24/7. However, if you are unable or unwilling to come to one of our book drops, all fines will be waived until further notice. There will be no penalty for continuing to hold on to your materials. Please do not return mobile hotspots to the Book Drops. You may keep using those until our buildings reopen.

Commitment to Safety

All CCPL staff members are required to wear masks and practice social distancing. All library materials will continue to be quarantined for 48 hours, and all services and exchanges of materials will be contactless. All staff follow and practice enhanced cleaning and sanitizing protocols that have been in place in our branches and Mobile Library vehicles since Phase 1 of our Reopening process. 

County officials have strongly encouraged the community to take personal responsibility for slowing the spread of COVID-19 by avoiding high-risk activities and large crowds, practicing social distancing, and wearing a face mask. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms or has possible exposure to COVID-19 should get tested through their medical provider, urgent care center, or local pharmacy. A drive-through testing site is also available at Regency Furniture Stadium every Tuesday and appointments can be scheduled online.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @ccplonline for the latest updates on our operations.

November 4, 2020

CCPL Reopening Phase 3 – The Mobile Library is Back on the Road!

The path to reopening CCPL continues! We have been moving forward with our reopening plan in a carefully thought out, phased approach keeping the safety of our patrons and our staff at the top of our priority list. We will officially move to Phase 3 – Deploying the Mobile Library on November 4, 2020. As we enter Phase 3, it’s important to remember that it’s not “back to normal,” but rather a gradual process of returning and discovering what are temporary, long-term, or even permanent changes to the way the library operates and serves our community. Our goal is to continue to create opportunities for the community to engage, discover and learn, even when we cannot physically be in the library.

We continue to work closely with Charles County government and health officials to ensure we are following all guidelines and providing a safe library environment for our patrons and staff as we start to reopen our facilities and offer more in-person services.

When you visit the Mobile Library or Outreach Van in the community, you’ll notice some changes in the way our staff interacts with our patrons, as well as new processes, protocols and service offerings. All staff members are required to wear masks and practice social distancing and we kindly ask that all visitors do the same, for our safety and yours. All library materials will continue to be quarantined for 48 hours, and all services and exchanges of materials will be contactless. 

On Wednesday, November 4, 2020 the Mobile Library and Outreach Van will begin making scheduled stops throughout Charles County. Each vehicle will serve as a mobile hotspot on wheels, providing FREE WiFi for unlimited patrons within a 100ft. radius of each vehicle. For more information about the specific services available at each stop and for a full schedule of stops, visit our Mobile Library Information page

All library book drops remain open at all of our branches, and are accessible 24/7. However, if you are unable or unwilling to come to one of our book drops, all fines will be waived until further notice. There will be no penalty for continuing to hold on to your materials. Please do not return mobile hotspots to the Book Drops. You may keep using those until our buildings reopen.

We will continue to provide online services via our virtual branch www.ccplonline.org. Please visit us online to learn more about our services, virtual programs and free resources available to assist you remotely. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @ccplonline for the latest updates. 

Thank you for supporting CCPL.
KennethWayne Thompson
Executive Director

October 31, 2020

Library Materials Quarantine Update

The Charles County Public Library has been following guidance from the Maryland State Library Resource Center (SLRC) on the handling of and quarantine periods for returned library materials. SLRC based their guidelines on the Battelle REALM study. Recently, Maryland Department of Health (MDH) was asked to review the REALM study results to make a recommendation to Maryland libraries on materials quarantine periods. MDH recommended that “library materials should be quarantined in a clean, dry location for at least 48 hours prior to being returned to general circulation.”  

In light of this new information and a health department reminder that experts have not recommended quarantining or even additional cleansing or wipe down of grocery items, CCPL is changing the quarantine period for materials returned to our locations to 48 hours. A 48-hour quarantine period will allow us to make library materials available to our customers more quickly while continuing to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. 

We are committed to the safety of our staff and patrons. All staff members are required to wear masks and practice social distancing while in our facilities. All staff follow and practice enhanced cleaning and sanitizing protocols that have been in place since Phase 1 of our Reopening process. Quarantined library materials will continue to be isolated in our branches and stored according to the SLRC and MDH guidance. Our buildings remain temporarily closed, but Curbside Pickup as well as Mobile Library and Outreach Van services have started and remain contactless.  

Click here to review the MDH guidance for Maryland Libraries

Please note that quarantine periods in Calvert and St. Mary’s counties may vary and this might result in delays on items you have placed on hold coming from those counties. 

No items in quarantine will accrue fines or negatively affect your account

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to make changes to our operations based on expert guidance from state and local officials. Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our patrons and staff, so we will continue to make updates as needed. Please contact us if you have questions. 

October 4, 2020

What is a Mystery Grab Bag?

We know you’ve been missing browsing the library’s shelves, so we’ve brought you the next best thing! To bring you more of the books and DVDs you love, we’ve created Mystery Grab Bags. These grab bags are available through Curbside Pickup. So, what’s in a Mystery Grab Bag? Your grab bag will contain a selection of books or DVDs randomly selected by our staff. You can choose one from the categories below:

  • Children’s Picture Books (8 items)
  • Entertainment DVDs (10 items) Please note: This grab bag can include a variety of genres across multiple age ranges.
  • New Adult Fiction Books (3 items)
  • Young Adult Fiction Books (3 items)

How do you pick up and select your Mystery Grab Bag? 

You can pick up a Mystery Grab Bag through Curbside Pickup @ CCPL. Schedule a Curbside appointment and then select the category of your grab bag from the Mystery Grab Bag drop down menu. Mystery Grab Bag items will be checked out to you on the day of your pickup appointment. Your grab bags can be picked up with other items you’ve placed on hold, or you can make an appointment to just pick up a grab bag. 

When you receive your Mystery Grab Bag, review the items to make sure they are a good fit for you and your family. Any items you do not want, simply drop them in our book returns before you leave the library. 

For specific requests, browse our catalog, call one of our branches, or go to our website to live chat with one of our staff members for recommendations.

September 9, 2020

A continuation of a study conducted by the REALM Project has released the findings from the latest round of testing by Batelle labs on how the SARS-CoV-2 virus survives on typical library materials. In Test 4, Batelle measured how well the virus survives on library materials that are stacked, as opposed to measuring the virus on single, unstacked items, which is what was done in past tests. The new results show that trace amounts of the virus are detectable on library materials of all types for up to 7 days when materials are stacked. As a result of these new findings, starting today Charles County Public Library along with St. Mary’s County, Calvert County will quarantine all book drop materials for 7 days once they are returned. This is an increase from quarantining discs (DVDs/Blu-rays/CDs) for 5 days and books and other materials for 4 days. Any items currently in quarantine will be extended to 7 days from when they were put in quarantine. Don’t worry, this will not accrue fines or negatively affect your account. Since we are holding items for quarantine longer, it might take longer for items to appear returned in your account. Our book drops remain open for you to return your materials, and our Curbside Pickup service is still available.

Thank you for your flexibility as we continue to learn more about the virus, and how it survives on library materials. Please contact us if you have questions.

August 19, 2020 – Materials Quarantine Update

The results of the latest REALM Project test results, which measures the length of time the SARS-CoV-2 virus remains on various common library materials, reveal that the virus can remain detectable on DVDs and CDs for up to 5 days. (These are the discs themselves, not the cases.) As a result, beginning Wednesday (8/19) and until further notice, DVDs, Blu-rays and CD audiobooks (along with CDs returned from other counties) will be quarantined for five days (120 hrs). Books and other library materials will continue to be quarantined for 4 days (96 hrs). No fines will accrue on items in quarantine. Due to these longer quarantine times, items may appear in your library account longer, but there will be no penalty or fine. As soon as the item is processed, it will be removed from your account.

Thank you for your patience and understanding. We closely follow health and cleaning mandates and guidelines, and will adjust our practices and procedures as necessary in order to continue to provide the safest environment possible for our staff and patrons.

August 5, 2020 – La Plata Branch Closing

Due to a power outage, the La Plata branch of the Charles County Public Library will be closed Wednesday, August 5, 2020. Curbside Pickup will be temporarily suspended until power is restored. SMECO is working diligently to address this issue. Customers are encouraged to reschedule their Curbside Pickup appointments for another day at their convenience by visiting our Curbside Pickup Information Center. All virtual services and programs will still be available:

  • Live Web Chat will be available on our website www.ccplonline.org during our regular business hours, 9 AM – 8 PM
  • Telephone Reference will be available during the hours of 9 AM – 12:45 PM
  • All virtual programs on Aug. 5 will continue as scheduled

For more information, please visit our website, www.ccplonline.org, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @ccplonline.

August 4, 2020 – Inclement Weather Closing

Due to the inclement weather from Tropical Storm Isaias, Charles County Public Library will be closed Tuesday, August 4, 2020. All Curbside Pickup appointments for that day will be rescheduled. While Curbside Pickup will be temporarily suspended, the following services will still be available:
  • Live Web Chat will be available on our website www.ccplonline.org during our regular business hours, 9 AM – 8 PM
  • Telephone Reference will be available during the hours of 9 AM – 12:45 PM
  • All virtual programs on Aug. 4 will continue as scheduled

For more information, please visit our website, www.ccplonline.org, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram @ccplonline.

Get the latest Charles County severe weather updates:

Charles County Government website: www.CharlesCountyMD.gov 

Charles County Government Television (CCGTV): Comcast channel 95 or Verizon channel 10

SMECO Power Outage Map: stormcenter.smeco.coop (Call 877-747-6326 to report an outage.)

Sign up for the Citizen Notification System (CNS), the county’s free emergency notification system, at www.CharlesCountyMD.gov/CNS to receive weather, traffic, and road closure notices by text message, email, or phone. Call 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.

Sincerely,

KennethWayne Thompson
Executive Director
Charles County Public Library

August 3, 2020

Curbside Pickup @CCPL is Here!

We are thrilled to announce that Phase 2 of Reopening CCPL has begun with Curbside Pickup! We have been carefully continuing our phased approach that keeps the safety of our patrons and our staff at the top of our priority list.

We continue to work closely with Charles County government and health officials to ensure we are following all guidelines and providing a safe library environment for our patrons and staff as we start to reopen our facilities and offer more in-person services.

How Does Curbside Pickup Work?
Step 1:  Place a hold and receive a notification that your holds are available.
Step 2:  Make a curbside pickup appointment.
Step 3:  Pick up your materials at your selected library location.

Curbside Pickup is only available for those who have received a notification message from the library that you have holds that are ready to be picked up.  Same day pickup will not be available.

For more information on Curbside Pickup, to place a hold and schedule an appointment, visit our Curbside Pickup Information Center.

Commitment to Safety
Our Curbside Pickup process is contactless and social distancing protocols are in place. We are committed to keeping our staff, patrons and community safe. All library materials will be quarantined for 96 hours upon return to our locations. All staff are required to wear face masks while in our branches, and we have enhanced the cleaning and sanitizing of facilities and materials.

We will continue to provide online services via our virtual branch www.ccplonline.org. Please visit us online to learn more about our services, virtual programs and free resources available to assist you both remotely and in person once we reopen. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @ccplonline.

We look forward to continuing to serve our community and being able to continue to bring new opportunities to engage, discover and learn from the safety of your home.

Sincerely,
KennethWayne Thompson
Executive Director
Charles County Public Library

June 15, 2020

Welcome Back to the Charles County Public Library: A Phased Approach to Reopening

Click Here for FAQs About the Library Reopening

We are happy to announce that the path to reopening CCPL has begun! Our reopening plan is a carefully thought out, phased approach that keeps the safety of our patrons and our staff at the top of our priority list. As we enter Phase 1, it’s important to remember that it’s not “back to normal,” but rather a gradual process of returning and discovering what are temporary, long-term, or even permanent changes. Our goal is to continue to create opportunities for the community to engage, discover and learn, even when we cannot physically be in the library.

We are working closely with Charles County government and health officials to ensure we are following all guidelines and providing a safe library environment for our patrons and staff as we start to reopen our facilities and offer more in-person services.

When you return to the library, you’ll notice some changes in the way our spaces look, as well as new processes and protocols and service offerings. We will share all information about our new procedures and services as we move to each new phase, beginning with Phase 1. Below you will find what to expect from Phase 1, beginning on June 15, 2020.

On Monday, June 15, 2020 book drops will reopen at all of our branches and will be accessible 24/7. However, if you are unable or unwilling to come to one of our book drops, all fines will be waived until further notice. There will be no penalty for continuing to hold on to your materials. Please do not return mobile hotspots to the Book Drops. You may keep using those and return once our buildings reopen.

We will continue to provide online services via our virtual branch www.ccplonline.org. Please visit us online to learn more about our services, programs and free resources available to assist you both remotely and in person once we reopen. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter @ccplonline.

Click Here for FAQs About the Library Reopening

Sincerely,
KennethWayne Thompson
Executive Director
Charles County Public Library

May 18, 2020

“A Letter to Our Community”

Click Here for FAQs About the Library Reopening

Dear Library Community,

I sincerely hope this message finds you well.

Last week, Governor Hogan announced the implementation of Stage 1 of reopening Maryland effective May 15, at 5 PM. On Friday, May 15, at 5 PM the State lifted the “Stay at Home” order and implemented a “Safer at Home” standard.

While the Charles County Public Library does meet some of the criteria that the Governor outlined in his four building blocks to reopen, in the interest of safety our facilities will remain closed. On May 14, Charles County Commissioners announced the Stay-at-Home Order will remain in place in Charles County until May 29. I would like to assure you that I am working diligently to develop a safe and gradual plan that re-imagines a new library environment. Our goal will encompass a phased-approach to initiate a safe and sensible path to reopening in conjunction with County guidelines.

Meanwhile, our dedicated staff continues to work remotely, deliver new virtual programs, make more electronic resources available, provide Live Web Chat via our website, and work with local partners on community needs. This week we launched another opportunity for the community to connect to our staff through Telephone Reference. Our website and new blog, CCPL @ Home, seek to be reliable resources for our community throughout the recovery ahead. So even while we are at home, we are continuing to connect to our patrons in a meaningful manner.

While we assess our environment and plan various scenarios, many unknowns remain, including the timeline of future state and local orders.  However, we do know the return to our branches will not be a return to a pre-pandemic environment. The health, safety, and well-being of our staff and customers remains our highest priority.  State and local orders, along with guidance from health officials and the CDC, will continue to guide our plans.  Please know that we are as eager as you to get back into the library and back to serving this community that we care so deeply about.

Stay safe, stay healthy and continue to discover the endless possibilities through our virtual branch, www.ccplonline.org.

Sincerely,
KennethWayne Thompson
Executive Director
Charles County Public Library

PS  A reminder to keep and enjoy all materials at home until we reopen.  Fines are waived while our branches are closed.

March 31, 2020

All CCPL Branches Will Be Closed Until Further Notice

Our branches have been closed since March 13, 2020 and will remain so until further notice so that we can do our best to support the county, state and nationwide efforts to help contain the spread of COVID-19. All programs and events have been canceled through April 30, 2020.

As this is an incredibly dynamic situation, we will continue to assess the crisis, consult with County officials and do our best to communicate as our operating status changes. The safety of our patrons, staff and community members is always our first priority. We know that every decision we make impacts the community we love and understand that life in Charles County has already been greatly affected by this changing situation.

We will continue to offer our community endless possibilities to engage, discover and learn from the safety and comfort of your own home. We have increased our funding of digital resources Overdrive and Hoopla.

  • Overdrive – allows library customers to borrow and read free e-books, audiobooks and magazines using a phone or a tablet. CCPL has curated a custom collection of titles developed specifically for our community.

  • Through Hoopla, customers can borrow movies, music, audiobooks, e-books, comics and TV shows to enjoy on a computer, tablet or phone.

If you have any questions, our staff is regularly checking email and social media as we work from home to address any concerns or issues you may have. We want you to know that we are continuously working to make the best decisions possible during this unprecedented time.

From all of us at CCPL, please be safe and together we will make it through.

Sincerely,
KennethWayne Thompson
Executive Director
Charles County Public Library

March 13, 2020

At CCPL, the health and well-being of our patrons and staff remains our highest priority. We understand the uncertainty surrounding Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the concern about how it will impact our community. We have been closely monitoring the situation as well as the recommendations from the CDC, Charles County Department of Health and local government officials. After careful consideration and consultation with County officials, as well as our Board of Trustees, we have decided to close all CCPL branches effective at 5pm March 13, 2020.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but the safety of our patrons and staff is our greatest concern. However, as this is an evolving situation we will continue to be in close contact with County health officials to make a determination of future operating status. The future schedule of events, programs and meeting room reservations will be reassessed on an ongoing basis to determine whether further closures and cancellations are needed with the hope of returning to our normal schedule as soon as possible.

The library is waiving all fines and fees during this period along with extending due dates until April 30, 2020. Customers are encouraged to stay home and keep their items at home, too, until the crisis is over. All holds will be extended for seven days after the date of reopening.

Books and Digital Resources

The library has unlimited access 24/7 through its website to eBooks, eMovies, eMagazines, comics, movies, TV, research databases and more for all ages. Visit https://ccplonline.org/ to access these digital resources remotely.

For the most up to date information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) and how to protect you and your family, we encourage you to visit the Charles County Department of Health website. You can also follow the Library on Facebook and Twitter for the latest information.

Community Resources

Sincerely,
KennethWayne Thompson
Executive Director
Charles County Public Library