ST. MARY’S COUNTY, Md. — The St. Mary’s County Library is inviting local authors, aspiring writers, gardeners, families and volunteers to take part in a variety of educational and community programs scheduled throughout the coming months.
Among the upcoming opportunities is the library’s 2026 Author Fair, set for Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Leonardtown Library. Applications from local authors will be accepted through Aug. 31.
Local Authors Invited To Apply For Author Fair
The St. Mary’s County Library Author Fair will give visitors an opportunity to meet local writers, browse their work and learn more about writing and publishing.
Published authors who live or work in St. Mary’s, Calvert or Charles counties are eligible to apply. All applicants will be contacted in September regarding their participation status.
Selected authors may promote and sell their books during the fair, but they must attend the event and manage their own exhibits. Authors are responsible for providing their own displays, promotional materials, products, money, cash boxes and payment equipment.
Displays must be family-friendly and fit within the table space provided by the library. Banners, posters and materials that require wall or ceiling space cannot be accommodated. Authors may not use the fair to sell or promote products from other businesses.
Participants must also be prepared to speak for approximately five minutes about their work or experiences as an author.
Applications are due Aug. 31.
Volunteers Needed For Library Makerspaces
The library is also seeking adult volunteers to help expand operating hours at the Makerspaces located inside the Leonardtown and Lexington Park libraries.
The Makerspaces provide equipment for handcrafting, technology-assisted crafting and other creative projects. Staffing limitations currently restrict each location to three hours of operation per day.
Volunteers will work in pairs during regular weekly shifts, assisting visitors of all ages with Makerspace equipment. Experience with some of the available tools is preferred, but the library will provide training and support. Volunteers will not work directly with the 3D printers, so prior 3D printing experience is not required.
Customer service or educational experience is considered helpful because volunteers will work directly with children and adults.
Free Seeds Available Through Oct. 31
The S.E.E.D.S. Library is open for its fall season through Oct. 31.
S.E.E.D.S., which stands for Seed Endowment for Education, Discovery and Sustainability, offers free vegetable, herb and native plant seeds for personal use. Residents may “check out” seeds at all three St. Mary’s County Library locations.
The program is designed to give community members access to seeds and the information needed to grow plants while encouraging the sharing of gardening knowledge.
Free Snacks and Lunches Offered At Lexington Park Library
Free summer meals and snacks are available at the Lexington Park Library from noon to 1 p.m. Mondays through Fridays through Aug. 21.
Nutritious snacks are served Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays to children ages 18 and younger and their accompanying adults. The library also provides simple educational activities during the program.
Full lunches from local restaurants are served Mondays and Wednesdays. Meals must be eaten at the library, and carryout service is not available.
Summer Reading Continues Through Aug. 29
Families still have time to register for the library’s 2026 Summer Reading program, “Unearth a Story,” which continues through Aug. 29.
Participants can earn badges by completing activities and collect prizes at library locations. Prizes include free books, glow-in-the-dark T-shirts or tote bags, small toys and food coupons.
Those who complete the challenge will also be entered into an end-of-summer drawing for gift cards.
Reptile Wonders Brings Live Animals To St. Mary’s County
As part of the summer programming, Reptile Wonders will introduce families to live reptiles from around the world, ranging from baby tortoises to giant pythons.
Presenters will discuss the reptiles’ habitats, diets, adaptations and behaviors. Most seating will be on the floor, and families may bring blankets. Space is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Programs are scheduled for:
- 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7, at Cecil Park Pavilion, with the Mobile Library
- 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, at Mechanicsville Elementary School
- 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at Lexington Park Library
- 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, at Leonardtown Library
Additional information, applications and program details are available through the St. Mary’s County Library.
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