Carroll County Public Library

Carroll 250: American Revolutionary War Tavern Exhibit

Taverns during the American Revolution fostered the spirit of revolution and community. The themes presented in the Tavern exhibit highlight the local history of Carroll County to ignite conversation, civic engagement, community service, and what it means to be an American today.

This program is part of the Carroll 250 Speaker Series celebrating the United States Semiquincentennial, the 250^th anniversary of the 1776 United States Declaration of Independence.

Family Storytime

We’ll share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement. Come talk, sing, read, write, and play together in a format appropriate for young children.

Alphabet Train

Climb aboard each week to explore a different letter of the alphabet through books, songs, and activities. All adult caregivers are welcome.

Family Storytime

We’ll share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement. Come talk, sing, read, write, and play together in a format appropriate for young children.

Pete the Cat Meet and Greet

Meet Pete the Cat, our groooovy special friend! Pete, a costumed mascot, is always happy to meet his fans and pose for a photo. Join the fun as we celebrate Pete with a story, a craft, and a book to take home! (Limited to one book per family, while supplies last.) 

Thank you to Park Books on Main for supporting this program.

Read and Play

Join your little one at a storytime featuring interactive books, rhymes, music, and movement, followed by playgroup activities that allow children to practice skills and socialize.

Move & Groove Storytime

This energetic storytime features books, rhymes, and songs with lots of wiggles and giggles! We’ll learn through movement and foster a love of stories. 

Alphabet Train

Climb aboard each week to explore a different letter of the alphabet through books, songs, and activities. All adult caregivers are welcome.

Blender Basics

Learn the fundamentals of 3D creation in this two-day introduction to Blender. 

Perfect for beginners, this class will guide you through the basics of navigating the interface, working with 3D objects, and creating your own simple models. Participants will explore the essential tools and techniques used in digital modeling, including transforming objects, editing shapes, applying materials, and setting up basic lighting and rendering.

Creating Jewelry with Makerspace Technology

Learn about the types of jewelry you can make with our makerspace technology. We will review the available equipment, how to select appropriate materials, and how to set up design files for success. Using Adobe Illustrator and the Epilog Fusion Pro Laser, participants will make either a pair of earrings or a necklace to take home. This is an introductory-level program; no previous experience with design software or laser cutting (or certification) is required.

Hooks & Needles

Bring your crochet, knitting, embroidery, or any other portable project to the library to work alongside other crafters. Get out of the house and enjoy some company while you stitch a few more rows. Drop in anytime; no instruction will be provided.

Friends of the Library Week Social

** National Friends of the Library Week Kickoff Event ** 

When:  Monday, October 19, 2026   |  3-9 PM 

Where:  Stratosphere Social  | 1332 Londontown Blvd. Eldersburg, MD 21784

What:   Entertainment |  Book Swap  |  Food  |   Fun |  FRIENDS

Join the Friends of Carroll County Public Library at Stratosphere Social for a FREE night of family fun, games, books, and community!

Come meet the Friends, learn more about your membership - and how to make the most of it…. And discover all the ways the Friends support Carroll County Public Library.

🎳 Bring the family & play games
📚 Bring a book, take a book at our FREE Book Swap  (4-7 PM)
🍽️ Grab dinner while you’re there (10% of the proceeds come back to the Friends)
❤️ Meet fellow Friends and library supporters
🎉 Most importantly—come have FUN!

Whether you’re already a Friends member or just want to learn more about who we are and what we do, we’d love to see you!

Bring the family. Bring some books. Bring your love of the library.

We’ll provide the Friends and the fun!

Art Discovery

Each month we will learn about a different artist/art movement. Participants will create their own unique art piece based on the techniques and style of the artist/art movement.  

LEGO® Builders Club

Want to practice your building skills? Join us for a LEGO^® program where you tackle a new design each time! We supply the bricks, and you supply the creativity!

Intro to Laser Cutting

• Take an Intro to Adobe Illustrator class (in person at Exploration Commons or on LinkedIn Learning — use Library ID: carroll).
   
• Take a laser project class at Exploration Commons (one that does not require participants to be laser certified).
   
• Work through the online portion of the Exploration Commons hybrid laser certification module. (No need to take the quiz; we will do that at the end of class.)

Open Mah Jongg

Join us for a friendly game of casual, non-competitive American Mah Jongg. This program is for experienced and newer players with some play experience. An instructor will be present. Please bring a current National Mah Jongg League card. If you don’t have a card, one will be provided. 

Open Mah Jongg

Join us for a friendly game of casual, non-competitive American Mah Jongg. This program is for experienced and newer players with some play experience. Please bring a current National Mah Jongg League card. If you don’t have a card, one will be provided. An instructor may or may not be present to assist newbies. Call 410-386-4460 x6629 to inquire.

Carroll 250: Preserving and Sharing Home Movies

Home movies and amateur motion pictures are important records of our cultural heritage, both for the families who were documented, their local communities, our nation, and our world. Join us for this talk that discusses the cultural importance of home movies, resources to care for your home movies, and a screening of some select home movies from the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond. 

Siobhan Cernugelj Hagan is the Founder, President, and CEO of MARMIA, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Moving Image Archive, a nonprofit based in Baltimore. Their mission is to preserve and provide access to moving images that document the arts, history, and culture of the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region—including many home movies and amateur movies. Siobhan holds an M.A. in Moving Image Archiving and Preservation from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and has worked in a variety of organizations throughout her 15-year career, including the UCLA Library, the DC Public Library, and the Smithsonian Institution. 

This program is in partnership with the Carroll County Genealogical Society.

This program is part of the Carroll 250 Speaker Series celebrating the United States Semiquincentennial, the 250^th anniversary of the 1776 United States Declaration of Independence.
 

Yoga with Meditation

Experience the many benefits of yoga and meditation. This class, taught by Rebecca Berg, welcomes students of all levels. Adaptations for using a chair will be shared if participants are uncomfortable getting on the floor. Meditation exercises will be incorporated into the practice. Please wear comfortable clothing; bring a blanket, yoga mat, and a strap (or belt or towel).

Book Buzz: Hot Titles for Cool Weather

Be the first to get a sneak preview of upcoming Penguin Random House titles! Representatives from both the adult and children's divisions from Penguin Random House will be on hand to preview and review recently released and upcoming fall and winter titles. Discover what everyone will be reading in the next few months and which books are destined to be bestsellers. A limited number of advance reader copies (books not yet published), book club resources, and giveaways will be available on a first come, first served basis!

Carroll 250: American Revolutionary War Tavern Exhibit

Taverns during the American Revolution fostered the spirit of revolution and community. The themes presented in the Tavern exhibit highlight the local history of Carroll County to ignite conversation, civic engagement, community service, and what it means to be an American today.

This program is part of the Carroll 250 Speaker Series celebrating the United States Semiquincentennial, the 250^th anniversary of the 1776 United States Declaration of Independence.

Read and Play

Join your little one at a storytime featuring interactive books, rhymes, music, and movement, followed by playgroup activities that allow children to practice skills and socialize.

North Carroll Ask a Master Gardener

Bring your questions about gardening to the Carroll County Master Gardeners and pick up tips, handouts, and more.

Read and Play

Join your little one at a storytime featuring interactive books, rhymes, music, and movement, followed by playgroup activities that allow children to practice skills and socialize.

Read and Play

Join your little one at a storytime featuring interactive books, rhymes, music, and movement, followed by playgroup activities that allow children to practice skills and socialize.

Read and Play

Join your little one at a storytime featuring interactive books, rhymes, music, and movement, followed by playgroup activities that allow children to practice skills and socialize.

Mount Airy Senior Center Book Club: Small Great Things

This month's selection is Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult.

Move & Groove Storytime

This energetic storytime features books, rhymes, and songs with lots of wiggles and giggles! We’ll learn through movement and foster a love of stories. 

Read and Play

Join your little one at a storytime featuring interactive books, rhymes, music, and movement, followed by playgroup activities that allow children to practice skills and socialize.

Making for Seniors: Introduction to 3D Printing and Design with Tinkercad

Learning new technology should be fun, not intimidating! Join us for a basic hands-on session where we'll create a simple 3D design project to be printed on Exploration Commons' 3D printers. Previous basic computer experience is required. No previous experience with 3D printing or design software is needed.

Family Storytime

We’ll share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement. Come talk, sing, read, write, and play together in a format appropriate for young children.

Twos and Threes Together

This lively, fast-paced storytime for young children includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement.

Twos and Threes Together

This lively, fast-paced storytime for young children includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement.

Twos and Threes Together

This lively, fast-paced storytime for young children includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement.

Twos and Threes Together

This lively, fast-paced storytime for young children includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement.

Potomac Community Services

A client engagement specialist will visit the branch to share available services for both adults and children. Adult Services offers mental health case management focused on advocacy, education, connecting individuals to community resources, and supporting treatment to improve quality of life. The Children’s Program provides coordinated mental health support for ages 6–18, helping families set goals, access benefits and resources, improve stability, and promote healthy development.

Homeschooler Hangout: Painter's Palette

Prepare to paint a festive fall scene in this special Painter's Palette program for homeschoolers.

North Carroll Needle and Fiber Arts

Bring your knitting, crocheting, embroidery, or other fiber arts projects to this group gathering to share tips, patterns, and inspiration. All skill levels are welcome.

Drop-In Diamond Painting

Join us for a drop-in session of diamond painting! No experience is necessary!

Custom Chess Pieces

In this program we will go through the process of modeling and fabricating custom chess pieces by utilizing our Carvera Desktop CNC! Basic computer experience is required, but no experience with the Carvera CNC is needed. 

Note that the class is strictly for designing your project; they will be fully fabricated by Exploration Commons staff after this class is over. You will then be contacted to come pick up your project once it is completed. 

This class does not result in CNC Certification for independent use.

English Conversation Group

Join us for a friendly group gathering to practice speaking English. This program, led by a partner from the Literacy Council of Carroll County, is geared toward adults who are English language learners. All levels welcome.  

North Carroll Writers Group

Bring your writing, works-in-progress, or works-in-thought. This writing group allows beginners, unpublished writers, and published writers to network, learn, vent, and feel inspired to move to the next level. All genres are welcome: novel, short story, essay, poetry, memoirs, spiritual, sci-fi, fiction, and nonfiction. This group is led by Barbara D. Duffey, an experienced writing workshop leader and author of five books.

Healthy Eating: Build a Healthy Snack

Join Weis Dietitian Christina to discuss the components of and how to build a satisfying, healthy snack. The presentation will be followed by an apple pie yogurt parfait recipe demonstration that participants will be able to sample. Pick up recipes, Weis Healthy Bites Magazine, healthy handout tips, a $5.00 Weis coupon, and more.

Pajama Party Storytime

Wear your pajamas, bring your favorite stuffed animal, and listen to stories before bed. This storytime introduces stories through books, songs, and activities appropriate for young children.

Eldersburg Branch LEO Club

Sponsored by CCPL's Eldersburg Branch and the South Carroll Lioness Club, this group has been organized to promote service activities throughout the community and to develop in its members the individual qualities of leadership, experience, and opportunity. Join us to connect with your community and earn service learning hours while collaborating on projects that will benefit Eldersburg and beyond. 

The LEO club has invited a highly decorated US veteran to speak to them about the duties and responsibilities of service to their country. In response to this information, the club will be redesigning their sign on the library grounds to reflect and honor our community's veterans. Pictures with the sign can be taken on November 11 from 12 PM to 4 PM.

Spooky Puzzle Race

How fast can you puzzle? Come with a group or be grouped with other players as we find out who can put a 300-piece puzzle together the fastest! Family-friendly costumes are encouraged, but not required.

Pajama Party Storytime

Wear your pajamas, bring your favorite stuffed animal, and listen to stories before bed. This storytime introduces stories through books, songs, and activities appropriate for young children.

Carroll 250: American Revolutionary War Tavern Exhibit

Taverns during the American Revolution fostered the spirit of revolution and community. The themes presented in the Tavern exhibit highlight the local history of Carroll County to ignite conversation, civic engagement, community service, and what it means to be an American today.

This program is part of the Carroll 250 Speaker Series celebrating the United States Semiquincentennial, the 250^th anniversary of the 1776 United States Declaration of Independence.

Writing Group

Writers of all levels and genres are invited to join our weekly writing group. It is a flexible, drop-in, stay-as-long-as-you-like environment. The primary goal is to dedicate quiet time away from the daily chaos to make consistent progress on your novel or children's book. Bring your current project to work on during this time. At 10 AM, we will brainstorm, critique, and share knowledge about upcoming events and the book publishing industry. You are welcome to share a short piece of writing during this time for critique.

Move & Groove Storytime

This energetic storytime features books, rhymes, and songs with lots of wiggles and giggles! We’ll learn through movement and foster a love of stories. 

Family Storytime

We’ll share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement. Come talk, sing, read, write, and play together in a format appropriate for young children.

Read and Play

Join your little one at a storytime featuring interactive books, rhymes, music, and movement, followed by playgroup activities that allow children to practice skills and socialize.

Family Storytime

We’ll share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement. Come talk, sing, read, write, and play together in a format appropriate for young children.

Read and Play

Join your little one at a storytime featuring interactive books, rhymes, music, and movement, followed by playgroup activities that allow children to practice skills and socialize.

Read and Play

Join your little one at a storytime featuring interactive books, rhymes, music, and movement, followed by playgroup activities that allow children to practice skills and socialize.

Mount Airy Ask a Master Gardener

Have questions about keeping your garden green? Bring your questions to a Carroll County Master Gardener and pick up tips, handouts, and more. The Ask a Master Gardener table will be set up in the Mount Airy Branch lobby. 

Mount Airy Knitters

Join the Mount Airy Knitters for a weekly roundtable of knitting, conversation, and fun. All experience levels are welcome.

Move & Groove Storytime

This energetic storytime features books, rhymes, and songs with lots of wiggles and giggles! We’ll learn through movement and foster a love of stories. 

Making for Good: Hearty Soups

Cook with purpose in this special Making for Good class. Participants will work together to prepare hearty batches of soup, enjoy a cup during class, and package the extra portions for donation to the Carroll Community College Food Locker, helping support students & staff facing food insecurity.

Ready, Set, School!

This special storytime for preschoolers promotes pre-reading and school readiness skills. Get ready for kindergarten through books, songs, activities, and lots of fun! 

Preschool Move and Learn

Join us for an interactive storytime where we develop school readiness skills using movement, music, and more, while fostering a love of learning! This fun program includes art projects and hands-on learning stations.

Ready, Set, School!

This special storytime for preschoolers promotes pre-reading and school readiness skills. Get ready for kindergarten through books, songs, activities, and lots of fun! 

Twos and Threes Together

This lively, fast-paced storytime for young children includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement.

Mount Airy Book Discussion Group: The Lion Women of Tehran

This month's selection is The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali.

Transitioning to Medicare Part 2

Are you or someone you care about eligible for Medicare? Come and find out how to maximize your Medicare health benefits. This seminar focuses on Medicare Supplement/Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans. Learn about the different Medigap plans and your period of guaranteed issue rights under original Medicare. These secondary/supplemental plans can cover some or all of Medicare's out-of-pocket costs. We will also discuss a different way to obtain all services covered by Medicare and more: Medicare Advantage Plans.

Teen Volunteer Opportunity: Trick-or-Treat Trail Helpers

Constellation Embroidery

Join us to learn how to make constellation embroidery, a fun and easy introduction to the art of embroidery! We'll provide everything you need to make your very own embroidered constellation to take home and hang on the wall.

An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe

Eldersburg Branch Anime Club

Join us at CCPL's Eldersburg Branch for all things anime and manga! Watch anime, make anime-themed crafts, discuss your favorite series, share your artwork, and more!

Eldersburg Hooked on Crochet

Join this friendly crochet group open to beginners and experienced crocheters alike. Those new to crocheting should bring a size J hook and a light-colored, worsted-weight yarn to the class.

Battle of the Books: Parent and Coach Information Sharing

Join us for an information session about the Battle of the Books! All parents and caregivers who have children who are interested in participating, as well as coaches, are encouraged to attend.

Finksburg Book Club: Heartwood

This month's selection is Heartwood by Amity Gaige.

Storytime Trick or Treat Trail

Put on your favorite costume and join us for a spooktacular storytime adventure! We’ll share a fun but not-too-spooky story before heading out on a trick-or-treat trail through the library. All children who participate will receive a treat!

Carroll 250: American Revolutionary War Tavern Exhibit

Taverns during the American Revolution fostered the spirit of revolution and community. The themes presented in the Tavern exhibit highlight the local history of Carroll County to ignite conversation, civic engagement, community service, and what it means to be an American today.

This program is part of the Carroll 250 Speaker Series celebrating the United States Semiquincentennial, the 250^th anniversary of the 1776 United States Declaration of Independence.

Read and Play

Join your little one at a storytime featuring interactive books, rhymes, music, and movement, followed by playgroup activities that allow children to practice skills and socialize.

Twos and Threes Together

This lively, fast-paced storytime for young children includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement.

Family Storytime

We’ll share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement. Come talk, sing, read, write, and play together in a format appropriate for young children.

Family Storytime

We’ll share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement. Come talk, sing, read, write, and play together in a format appropriate for young children.

Family Storytime

We’ll share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement. Come talk, sing, read, write, and play together in a format appropriate for young children.

Twos and Threes Together

This lively, fast-paced storytime for young children includes books, songs, fingerplays, and movement.

Health Department's Health on Wheels Mobile Services

Health on Wheels will offer a range of health promotion and education services. For a full list, see https://health.maryland.gov/carroll/Pages/HOW.aspx. Not all services will be available at all locations.

North Carroll Writers Group

Bring your writing, works-in-progress, or works-in-thought. This writing group allows beginners, unpublished writers, and published writers to network, learn, vent, and feel inspired to move to the next level. All genres are welcome: novel, short story, essay, poetry, memoirs, spiritual, sci-fi, fiction, and nonfiction. This group is led by Barbara D. Duffey, an experienced writing workshop leader and author of five books.

Family Storytime

We’ll share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement. Come talk, sing, read, write, and play together in a format appropriate for young children.

Family Storytime

We’ll share books, stories, rhymes, music, and movement. Come talk, sing, read, write, and play together in a format appropriate for young children.

Read and Play

Join your little one at a storytime featuring interactive books, rhymes, music, and movement, followed by playgroup activities that allow children to practice skills and socialize.

Mini Musicians

Join us for a creative and exploratory first introduction to music! This program will incorporate piano playing, boomwhackers, and rhythm instruments while teaching children the basics of pitch, patterns, and rhythm. We will learn skills that are beneficial for future piano lessons and other musical instruments too!

Mount Airy Senior Book Discussion Group: Heartwood

This month's selection is Heartwood by Amity Gaige.  

CCGS Research Thursday

Volunteers from the Carroll County Genealogical Society are available to help with your family history research. Please contact volunteers at info@ccgsmd.org to schedule a time if you require CCGS staff assistance.

Westminster Branch Chess Club

Whether you are a chess newbie or an expert, you will find a community here in Westminster Branch's Chess Club and walk away having learned something new from our personal instructor. All pawns, bishops, knights, rooks, queens, and kings are welcome! Our club sessions consist of 30 minutes of instruction and one hour of open play. Boards and pieces will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own set(s) from home.

Open Mah Jongg

Join us for a friendly game of American Mah Jongg. We welcome experienced players and newer players for casual, non-competitive play. Please bring a current National Mah Jongg League card. If you don’t have a card, one will be provided.

Crazy for Crafting

Join us for some fun and easy craft projects each month. No experience or creative skills are needed. Bring a friend or meet new people who also enjoy crafting. This month we will be making mason jar lid pumpkins. 

Pajama Party Storytime

Wear your pajamas, bring your favorite stuffed animal, and listen to stories before bed. This storytime introduces stories through books, songs, and activities appropriate for young children.

Crochet for a Cause: Beanie Making Class

Halloween Bingo

Join us for an evening of spooky fun as we celebrate October with a Halloween-themed bingo!  

Meet Maryland's Cryptids!

Chessie! The Goatman! The Snallygaster! These are just some of Maryland's legendary cryptids, creatures who are believed by some to exist but have so far been unsubstantiated by science. Representatives from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources will be here to talk about these creatures of folklore and the wildlife that possibly inspired them. Whether you are a true believer or not, join us for a fun and illuminating program!

The Zentangle Method of Drawing-based Mindfulness

In this online class, Jill Suffel, CZT (Certified Zentangle Teacher), will lead us through a relaxing drawing activity that starts with four dots and a line. The outcome will amaze you! Please have the following supplies handy: white paper, a black pen, a pencil, and something with which to smudge. 

Registration closes at 4:30 PM on the day of the program. You will receive the Zoom link via email by 6:00 PM on the day of the program. 

Carroll 250: American Revolutionary War Tavern Exhibit

Taverns during the American Revolution fostered the spirit of revolution and community. The themes presented in the Tavern exhibit highlight the local history of Carroll County to ignite conversation, civic engagement, community service, and what it means to be an American today.

This program is part of the Carroll 250 Speaker Series celebrating the United States Semiquincentennial, the 250^th anniversary of the 1776 United States Declaration of Independence.

Q&A with the Small Business Administration

Itty Bitty Scientists: Nocturnal Animals

As the days begin to shorten once again, let's take some time to appreciate those who thrive in the darkness. Bats, owls, and foxes are just some of our nocturnal neighbors. We'll learn about these animals of the night through stories, songs, and activities.

Nurturing Touch: Infant Massage Class

Join us for a supportive, hands-on group for caregivers and their babies. Led by a certified infant massage instructor, this class guides caregivers through gentle massage strokes with their baby that can promote sleep, ease discomfort from colic and teething, and strengthen caregiver-infant bonds. Caregivers will learn these techniques in a calm, nurturing environment and leave with skills to support their baby’s comfort and development. Registration is encouraged, but drop-ins are welcome!

Read and Play

Join your little one at a storytime featuring interactive books, rhymes, music, and movement, followed by playgroup activities that allow children to practice skills and socialize.

Pause for Paws: Therapy Animals for Adults & Seniors

Pause for a minute or two with a furry friend! A special quiet hour for adults and seniors to come to de-stress and relax with a therapy animal. Bring a book, bring pictures, and share good memories. Registration is optional; walk-ins are welcome!

Chair Yoga at the Library

Focus on simple stretches, mindful breathing, and relaxation techniques through chair yoga at the library! This class is a great way to improve your flexibility, balance, and overall well-being in a welcoming environment. No prior yoga experience or supplies are needed—just bring your curiosity and a smile! 

Open Mah Jongg

Join us for a friendly game of American Mah Jongg. We welcome experienced players and newer players for casual, non-competitive play. Please bring a current National Mah Jongg League card. If you don’t have a card, one will be provided.

Quick and Easy Blanket Dumplings

Come learn how to make this trendy and quick comfort food favorite. We will use an easy no-fold dumpling technique where savory Asian-flavored meatballs are draped with dumpling wrappers while in the pan, then pan "steamed" for a crispy bottom and a tender top. We will also create a zippy cucumber side dish to add some fresh and light flavors to the meal that we will enjoy at the end of class.

Open Mah Jongg

Join us for a friendly game of American Mah Jongg. We welcome experienced players and newer players for casual, non-competitive play. Please bring a current National Mah Jongg League card. If you don’t have a card, one will be provided.

Carroll 250: American Revolutionary War Tavern Exhibit

Taverns during the American Revolution fostered the spirit of revolution and community. The themes presented in the Tavern exhibit highlight the local history of Carroll County to ignite conversation, civic engagement, community service, and what it means to be an American today.

This program is part of the Carroll 250 Speaker Series celebrating the United States Semiquincentennial, the 250^th anniversary of the 1776 United States Declaration of Independence.

The American Mafia: Evolution of a Criminal Enterprise

Join guest speaker Paul Ruehs, a local history adjunct instructor, as he takes us through this fascinating history of the American mob from its beginnings to the present day. The Mafia conjures images of violence, secrecy, and strict codes of honor—but how did it all begin, and what’s happened to it now? This presentation will look at the origins and development in the context of Italian and American culture and society from the nineteenth century until the present day.  We will explore the mafia's rise from the 1880s to the post-World War II era. We will also discuss the true Godfather’s (Lucky Luciano) vision for a criminal organization based on a corporate business model and the creation of the famed “five families” that ruled this criminal enterprise and their defining characteristics. Lastly, is the Mafia still as strong as it once was, or is it a mere shadow of its former self? 

About the Presenter

Paul Ruehs is a seasoned security professional with over 45 years of experience in national security, law enforcement, and counterintelligence. He has served in both military and civilian roles, including 25 years in the USAF Security Police and leadership positions within the Department of Energy and Defense Intelligence Agency. He is a certified trainer with over 10,000 hours of classroom instruction, teaching at institutions like Carroll Community College and McDaniel College, and is a recognized expert in Operations Security (OPSEC), contributing to interagency panels and national symposiums. Holding a B.S. in History & Political Science and an M.A. in National Security Studies, Paul is also a published co-author and remains actively engaged in academic and security communities.

Saturday Adventures

Come to the library every Saturday morning for a new adventure! Stories, songs, dancing—there will be something new and different each week. The one thing that will always happen? Fun!

Pete the Cat Meet and Greet

Meet Pete the Cat, our groooovy special friend! Pete, a costumed mascot, is always happy to meet his fans and pose for a photo. Join the fun as we celebrate Pete with a story, a craft, and a book to take home! (Limited to one book per family, while supplies last.) 

Thank you to Park Books on Main for supporting this program.

From Spinners to Stones: Fidget Crafting

Join us to make a resin fidget spinner, a worry stone, a floating bead bracelet, and more, if time allows.

Sykesville Painting Club Workshop with Karen Peck

The library is partnering with the Sykesville Painting Club to offer a pastel workshop with Karen Peck.

Please register and pay online; cost of workshop: members $35.00; non-members $45.00.

Please take note of the materials you will need to bring. 

Custom Teacup and Chai

Join special guest instructor Garima Chaturvedi in this hands-on traditional chai class. We’ll use design software and our Fusion Pro laser cutter to engrave custom designs on wooden teacups and then head to the kitchen for tea tasting.

It's for the Birds!

Join the Carroll County Bird Club to learn about the feathered friends you can find in our area. Come prepared for a short hike; we'll end our program with a neighborhood walk to see who we can find!

Read with a Furry Friend

Come to the library and read a story to a book-loving dog from My Caring Paws. Research shows that reading to animals can boost children's reading skills and help with emotional and social skills. Struggling readers are encouraged to participate.

Ghost Walk of Westminster

Join us for a ghost presentation and stroll through Westminster to visit our local ghosts and legends. The walk is approximately 1.5 miles. Registrants will be contacted with updates in the event of bad weather.