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Carroll County Public Library
Infinite Possibilities

Currently Registering Programs

Eldersburg Branch  |  Exploration Commons  |  Finksburg Branch  |  Mount Airy Branch  |  North Carroll Branch  |  Taneytown Branch  |  Westminster Branch  |  Offsite Locations  |  Online  |  Order by Date



Eldersburg Branch

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Ready, Set, VIOLIN
Eldersburg Branch
Monday, September 25, 2023 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 2 - 6
Registration and more information
Do you have a child that loves the violin but you’re not sure if they are ready for lessons? Join the Ready, Set, VIOLIN class to find out! This class provides an opportunity to explore violin lessons without a financial commitment. During the free, 4-week class families get ready for formal lessons by learning basic skills required for successful lessons.

By the end of the class, families will learn:

  • how to take a bow
  • how to stand with the correct posture
  • how to hold a violin and bow
  • ear training so the song can be learned by ear
  • to develop concentration and observation skills
  • to become familiar with Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star variations
  • preliminary bow exercises to play rhythms

Parents and adult caregivers participate in the class. All materials will be provided. No violin is required; the Suzuki method begins on the box violin and then moves to a real violin when the child is ready. The Suzuki method educates children in the same way they learn their native language, through immersion! All concepts are taught through play, games, stories, and picture books. Adults will have a better understanding of the Suzuki method of education by the end of the class. Sensei Glenda Walsh Crouse is the director of Westminster Suzuki Strings. She has 19 years of experience nurturing young artists. 

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Kids and Money Part 2: Saving for College
Eldersburg Branch
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 - 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Financial professionals Karen and Michael Stebner will be here to discuss children and money. In the second part of the financial program, we will discuss planning for college and savings options. 

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Gentle Yoga
Eldersburg Branch
Thursday, September 28, 2023 - 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This gentle yoga class allows students of various abilities and physical conditions to develop their yoga practice comfortably. Yoga has many appealing aspects, including increased flexibility, relaxation, strength, improved balance, stress, and pain relief. No experience is necessary. Please wear comfortable clothing; bring a mat and a blanket.

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Ready, Set, VIOLIN
Eldersburg Branch
Monday, October 2, 2023 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 2 - 6
Registration and more information
Do you have a child that loves the violin but you’re not sure if they are ready for lessons? Join the Ready, Set, VIOLIN class to find out! This class provides an opportunity to explore violin lessons without a financial commitment. During the free, 4-week class families get ready for formal lessons by learning basic skills required for successful lessons.

By the end of the class, families will learn:

  • how to take a bow
  • how to stand with the correct posture
  • how to hold a violin and bow
  • ear training so the song can be learned by ear
  • to develop concentration and observation skills
  • to become familiar with Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star variations
  • preliminary bow exercises to play rhythms

Parents and adult caregivers participate in the class. All materials will be provided. No violin is required; the Suzuki method begins on the box violin and then moves to a real violin when the child is ready. The Suzuki method educates children in the same way they learn their native language, through immersion! All concepts are taught through play, games, stories, and picture books. Adults will have a better understanding of the Suzuki method of education by the end of the class. Sensei Glenda Walsh Crouse is the director of Westminster Suzuki Strings. She has 19 years of experience nurturing young artists. 

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Exploring Military Headgear with Butch Maisel
Eldersburg Branch
Monday, October 2, 2023 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join Butch Maisel, founder, and curator of The Center for Military History at the Boys' Latin School of Maryland, for a hands-on lecture about military headgear from the 1600s to the present day. The lecture will include a display of historical pieces from the museum, and attendees will have the opportunity to touch and try on select items.  



Exploration Commons

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Intro to Adobe Illustrator
Exploration Commons
Saturday, September 23, 2023 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn the basic features of Adobe Illustrator. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and explore the program through hands-on instruction. No experience is required!

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Intro to Laser Cutting
Exploration Commons
Saturday, September 23, 2023 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This beginner-level laser cutter class will walk you through design basics, machine use, and safety procedures. At the instructor's discretion, customers who successfully complete this program will be certified for the use of Exploration Commons' Fusion Pro laser cutter.

Customers aged 12 to 15 who complete their certification are required to have a certified adult with them to use the laser independently.

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Homeschool Baking Class: Soft Pretzels
Exploration Commons
Monday, September 25, 2023 - 1:00pm - 2:15pm
Ages: 10 - 17
Registration and more information
Work in pairs to learn how to make delicious soft pretzels and a honey mustard dipping sauce to go with them!

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Tinkercad: Beyond the Basics
Exploration Commons
Monday, September 25, 2023 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us to explore Tinkercad's 3D design capabilities further. Utilizing both basic and intermediate design tools and methods, we'll make 3D-printed dice. Previous Tinkercad experience is strongly recommended.

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Intro to CNC Routing
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This two-part program will introduce you to design basics, machine use, and safety procedures for our Iconic i2015 CNC router. Session one will focus on project design and the VCarve software. Session two covers machine use, including hands-on time with the CNC machine. At the instructor’s discretion, customers who successfully complete both sessions of this program will be certified to use Exploration Commons’ CNC machine.

All program registrants must complete the prerequisite online Iconic CNC Machine Use and Safety Training before attending the first session of this program.

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Craft Beer Week: Soft Pretzels with Pub Beer Cheese
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 - 5:00pm - 7:15pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a hands-on baking class! Participants will work in pairs to make delicious soft pretzels and a pub beer cheese dip to go with them. Enjoy a glass of specially-selected craft beer to go along with your food.

You must be 21 or older to attend; a government-issued photo ID is required. 

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Sewing: Serger Basics
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this class, you will learn about the sewing, cutting, proper threading, and operating basics of the versatile serger/overlock sewing machine. You will be inspired to incorporate serger/overlock techniques into your sewing projects to achieve better results. This is a beginner-level class, and no sewing experience is required. This program includes Exploration Commons Serger Certification for independent use.

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Intro to CNC Routing
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This two-part program will introduce you to design basics, machine use, and safety procedures for our Iconic i2015 CNC router. Session one will focus on project design and the VCarve software. Session two covers machine use, including hands-on time with the CNC machine. At the instructor’s discretion, customers who successfully complete both sessions of this program will be certified to use Exploration Commons’ CNC machine.

All program registrants must complete the prerequisite online Iconic CNC Machine Use and Safety Training before attending the first session of this program.

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Laser Cut Pumpkin Coasters
Exploration Commons
Thursday, September 28, 2023 - 10:00am - 11:30am
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Digitally design a variety of pumpkin 'faces' in Adobe Illustrator. Cut and engrave your pumpkin coaster designs on our laser cutter to finish a set of four custom wooden coasters. Some computer experience is recommended. 

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Kids Intro to Basic Sewing Skills
Exploration Commons
Thursday, September 28, 2023 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 10 - 16
Registration and more information
Learn the necessary basics to feel comfortable using a sewing machine. This is a beginner-level class; you will leave feeling confident about the next steps to take toward sewing your projects.

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Picture to Vector: Image Tracing in Adobe Illustrator
Exploration Commons
Friday, September 29, 2023 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Learn how to convert a picture to a vector using the image tracing tool in Adobe Illustrator. We will cover the different uses of this tool and how you can further enhance your designs by creating vector art. Basic Adobe Illustrator experience is recommended.

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Edge-Lit Acrylic Sign Making
Exploration Commons
Saturday, September 30, 2023 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Ages: 8 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Edge-lit signs are a bright and colorful way to display a message or add flare to your room, desk, or workspace. In this program, you’ll laser engrave artwork of your choice onto a piece of clear acrylic and light it up with a provided multi-color LED light stand, batteries included!

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Cooking for Wellness: Spooky Stuffed Peppers
Exploration Commons
Monday, October 2, 2023 - 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 11 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Pumpkins aren’t the only things you can carve for Halloween! This month’s Cooking for Wellness introduces a fun way for kids to enjoy more vegetables. Carve your own Pep-O-Lantern and stuff it with a healthy, hearty filling the whole family will enjoy! Learn tips on getting more veggies in meals, and kids will learn that veggies can be a fun food, too! Children ages 11 - 14 must attend with a registered adult; both attendees must register.  This class is provided through The Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County and Carroll Hospital.

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What Can I Make?: 3D Printing
Exploration Commons
Monday, October 2, 2023 - 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This class will go over the basics of both the process of 3D printing and an overview of all the different 3D printing machines we have in our makerspace. 

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Techniques for Laser Engraving Photos
Exploration Commons
Monday, October 2, 2023 - 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Learn some tips and tricks on using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator to optimize photos for laser engraving. We'll edit three example photos together in class and discuss common problems and editing techniques to apply when preparing your photos for laser engraving.

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Homeschool Baking: apple hand pies with Snickerdoodles Bakery
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 10 - 17
Registration and more information
Learn how to make apple hand pies with Michele Alessi from Snickerdoodles Bakery. 

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Practical Fusion 360
Exploration Commons
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Digital design using tools such as Fusion 360 is a fundamental skill that unlocks the full potential of maker technologies such as 3D printing and many others that depend on a digital file to define the shape and size of a real-world object to be made. This introductory seminar will explore the Fusion 360 design software, examine resources for continued learning, and get hands-on experience. Fusion 360 is professional-level software, and participants should be proficient in using a Windows PC.

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Sheet Pan Dinners
Exploration Commons
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 15 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
This class will prepare five different sheet pan dinners to sample: Rosemary Garlic Pork Chops with Chickpeas, All-Crust Chicken Pot Pie, Gnocchi with Sausage and Peppers, Garlic Lime Salmon Fajitas, and No-Fry Eggplant Parmesan.

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Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Exploration Commons
Thursday, October 5, 2023 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Find new ways to use the last of your excess summer squash with our delicious Chocolate Zucchini Bread recipe. Attendees will make several mini loaves that they can try in our kitchen and take home for later or to share with family and friends. 

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Sewing Skills: Laser Cut Apron Kit
Exploration Commons
Thursday, October 5, 2023 - 10:00am - 12:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Discover the art of combining laser cutting with sewing projects in this beginner-friendly class. Participants will prepare a one-yard apron kit to be assembled at home with the assistance of Adobe Illustrator and the Epilog FusionPro laser. Learn how to download a prepared file into Adobe Illustrator, explore pattern elements digitally, adjust print/cutting settings, and observe how the Epilog FusionPro cuts fabric. Basic computer experience is required. No previous experience with laser cutting or design software is needed. This class does not result in independent laser use certification.

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Adobe Illustrator: Creating with the Cricut Maker
Exploration Commons
Thursday, October 5, 2023 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this session, we will review the basic features of Adobe Illustrator and Cricut Maker. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the software and create a custom project on the Cricut. All materials will be supplied, and no previous Cricut experience is needed.

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Fusion 360: Designing for the Laser Cutter
Exploration Commons
Friday, October 6, 2023 - 10:00am - 3:00pm
Ages: 12 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
In this one-day workshop, participants will learn the basics of Fusion 360 and how to use it to design for laser cutting.

In the morning, you will learn the basics of Fusion 360 and design a laser-cuttable project. In the afternoon, you will finish your design and cut it with the Fusion Pro laser cutter. There will be a 12 - 1 PM break between the morning and afternoon sessions.

This class does not result in independent laser use certification.

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Thai Cooking: Larb Gai and Tom Kha
Exploration Commons
Saturday, October 7, 2023 - 1:30pm - 4:00pm
Ages: 11 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join guest presenter Chavee Sillence as she shares Thai recipes with us. In this hands-on class, learn to prepare Larb Gai (ground chicken salad) and Tom Kha (coconut shrimp soup). Children ages 11 - 14 may register and attend with a registered adult; both attendees must register.



Finksburg Branch

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Painter's Palette
Finksburg Branch
Monday, September 25, 2023 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 17 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for an evening of painting at the library. Attendees will receive instruction and create beginner-level artwork inspired by autumn colors and scenes. Please wear old clothes or bring an apron. All supplies will be provided. 

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Plant This, Not That: Native Plant Alternatives to Invasive Species
Finksburg Branch
Friday, September 29, 2023 - 10:30am - 12:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Join avid hobby gardener Mr. Max from CCPL's Finksburg Branch for a presentation on the state of our environment. Learning how to use native plants instead of non-native ornamentals will beautify spaces and benefit our local wildlife, ecosystem, and even climate. An open discussion Q&A will follow the presentation.

To view the pdf from the presentation, click here.

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Volunteer Opportunity at the Finksburg Branch Garden
Finksburg Branch
Saturday, September 30, 2023 - 9:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 14 - 17
Registration and more information
Are you in need of service hours? Do you like working outside and don't mind getting your hands dirty? If so, this may be the perfect volunteer opportunity for you! We are looking for students ages 14 - 17 to assist our local Master Gardeners with the maintenance of the Finksburg Branch Gardens. Please dress appropriately, wear sunscreen, and bring water. Garden clean-up days are weather-dependent. 

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Spooktacular Craft: Vampire Gnome
Finksburg Branch
Saturday, October 7, 2023 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 14 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Let down your fangs and enjoy a monstrous morning with your friends as you create a vampire gnome to decorate your home for the season.



Mount Airy Branch

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Easy Crafting Afternoon: Diamond Painting
Mount Airy Branch
Saturday, September 23, 2023 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a sparkling, crafty afternoon. We will be creating glittering paw print coasters with diamond painting.  

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Glass Jar and Bottle Painting
Mount Airy Branch
Saturday, September 30, 2023 - 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Ages: 11 - 18
Registration and more information
Join us for a fun crafty Saturday! We'll turn mason jars, glass bottles, and other glass dishes into fun decoration pieces and creative storage!

One glass object will be provided per registrant; feel free to bring your own.

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Transitioning to Medicare Part 1
Mount Airy Branch
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 - 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Are you or someone you care about eligible for Medicare? Come and find out how to maximize your Medicare health benefits. There are many decisions to make when you are transitioning to Medicare. This seminar will cover the four parts of Medicare (Parts A, B, C, and D), Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, available preventive services, and how to protect yourself from healthcare fraud. We will also cover Medicare Savings Programs, which help pay for Medicare beneficiary out-of-pocket costs. These are not all low-income programs.



North Carroll Branch

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Crazy for Crafting
North Carroll Branch
Thursday, September 28, 2023 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
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 felt leaf embroidery hoop art.

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Make a Shoebox Beading Loom and a Beaded Bracelet
North Carroll Branch
Monday, October 2, 2023 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: 11 - 17
Registration and more information
Make your own beading loom from a shoebox and create a beading project on it.

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Fall Healthy Cooking Series: Canned & Frozen Foods
North Carroll Branch
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
There is more nutrition in the grocery store beyond the produce department. Join Weis Dietitian Christina Pelletier, MS, RDN, LDN, to discover where more nutrition is hiding while keeping your grocery budget in mind. The presentation will be followed by a Pumpkin Pie Dip recipe demonstration that participants will be able to sample. Come each month this fall for more healthy and delicious ideas to taste.



Taneytown Branch

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Happy Birthday, Johnny Appleseed!
Taneytown Branch
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 2 - 6
Registration and more information
Today is Johnny Appleseed’s birthday! Join us as we learn about apples through stories, crafts, and activities.

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Let's Get Crafty
Taneytown Branch
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Come craft with us! We will have a fun and EASY craft project each month. No experience or creative skills are needed! Bring a friend and craft together, or meet new people with a shared love of crafting.  

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Music with Me
Taneytown Branch
Thursday, September 28, 2023 - 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 2 - 6
Registration and more information
Join the fun with your child as we celebrate the joys of music with instruments, dancing, and more!

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Sign with Me
Taneytown Branch
Friday, September 29, 2023 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 2 - 6
Registration and more information
Let's get together to learn sign language! Join us as we learn to communicate using our eyes and hands.

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Sign with Me
Taneytown Branch
Friday, October 6, 2023 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 2 - 6
Registration and more information
Let's get together to learn sign language! Join us as we learn to communicate using our eyes and hands.



Westminster Branch

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Glow-in-the-Dark Painting Party
Westminster Branch
Saturday, September 23, 2023 - 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Ages: 13 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for an afternoon of painting themed around the beautiful autumn season with a fun glow-in-the-dark touch. No prior painting experience is necessary!

Note: The paint we use can stain clothing, so please wear old clothes to this event.

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Westminster Branch Teen Advisory Board
Westminster Branch
Monday, September 25, 2023 - 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Ages: 12 - 17
Registration and more information
Calling all teens looking for leadership roles in planning library programs. We want you for our Teen Advisory Board! Need service hours? We’ve got those too! Participants can join us in person or log in virtually through Zoom.

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Diverse Voices Book Club: All My Rage
Westminster Branch
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 - 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join us for a monthly book discussion focusing on a diverse author's work. Each month we will select a young adult or adult title written by an author from a diverse background so we can learn from others' perspectives. Our September selection is the 2023 Carroll Reads title, All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir. Attendees are welcome to attend in person at CCPL's Westminster Branch or virtually through Zoom.

Carroll Reads is a new community-based reading program led by Carroll County Public Library. It is supported by Carroll County Public Schools and by numerous local organizations and businesses. 

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Transitioning to Medicare Part 2
Westminster Branch
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 - 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
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.

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Saving Seeds from Your Garden
Westminster Branch
Saturday, September 30, 2023 - 11:00am - 1:00pm
Ages: 10 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Join the Carroll County Master Gardeners for this hands-on program to learn how to save seeds from your garden. Feel free to bring your disease- and pest-free plant material or materials will be provided.

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Yoga for Strengthening and Brain Health: Lower Body
Westminster Branch
Saturday, October 7, 2023 - 10:00am - 11:00am
Ages: 16 - Adults, Adults
Registration and more information
Laurel Brennan (occupational therapist, yoga instructor, and functional medicine practitioner) will facilitate vinyasa yoga for brain health, focusing on lower body strengthening using your own body weight and/or external resistance plus relaxation. Modifications will be offered for chair yoga as well. We will conclude with a short meditation. Please bring a yoga mat, optional hand weights, and a resistance band if desired. 

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Create Your Own Lantern Jar
Westminster Branch
Saturday, October 7, 2023 - 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Ages: 4 - 9
Registration and more information
If carving pumpkins isn't your thing, but you'd still like something glowing on your porch this Halloween, come create your own lantern! You can add color and glow to your Halloween porch using a jar, paint, paper, battery tealight, and glue. BOO!



Offsite Locations

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Bring Your Own Book to Bistro 91
Offsite
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 - 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Ages: Adults
Registration and more information
Are you reluctant to join a book club because of the required reading? Then this low-commitment book club during happy hour is for you! Show up with a book that you have read that relates to this month's theme. Grab a bite to eat and order a drink. Be ready to share a brief book description (no spoilers, please!) and why you enjoyed it. September's theme is the best book you read this summer. Seating is limited. 



Online

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Virtual Teen Advisory Board: Service Learning Opportunity
Online
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 - 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Ages: 12 - 17
Registration and more information
Are you interested in volunteering virtually at the library? Join us for Teen Advisory Board (TAB), a monthly meeting where teens help plan programs, complete service-oriented projects, and advise the library on teen-related topics.