Central Library

Mary Baykan may think of herself as a "country librarian from Hagerstown," but the director of the Washington County Free Library has achieved a national honor for her work on behalf of libraries all over Maryland. We hope that Washington County residents appreciate Baykan and the importance of her achievements. More important, we hope they are ready to help when it comes time to expand the central library in downtown Hagers-town. Baykan was named the Library Journal's 2007 Librarian of the Year, in large part for helping persuade members of the Maryland General Assembly to increase library funding.

Washington County Free Library joined in the celebration of National Puzzle Day on Thursday. Events were held at the central library in Hagerstown and at the library's Smithsburg branch.

The Washington County Free Library Staff Association is holding a canned food drive. Donations of nonperishable foods can be dropped off at the Central Library at 100 S. Potomac St. in Hagerstown, or at any of its community branches through Thursday, Dec. 13. Call 301-739-3250, ext. 136, for additional information.

Today Sunrise Rotary meets at Always Ron's Restaurant, 29 N. Burhans Blvd., 7:30 a.m. Preschool story time for ages 3 to 5, Central Library of Washington County Free Library, 11 a.m. Story time for ages 3 and older, Smithsburg Library, 11 a.m. Toddler Time for ages 1 1â

Washington County Free Library has added a Spanish collection to its assortment of materials. Located in the new arrival area at the Central Library in downtown Hagerstown, the collection includes fiction and nonfiction books. The children's department also provides Spanish/English bilingual books. Books will continue to be added to both collections.

Karen James, coordinator of African American Programs for the Pennsylvania State Archives, will present a lecture titled "The Underground Railroad in Washington County and the Surrounding Area" at the Central Library at 100 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown, Monday, Oct. 19, at 7 p.m. To reserve a seat, call 301-739-3250, ext. 136.

The Washington County Free Library System is inviting all children, infants to teens, to go on a "Reading Road Trip" with a patriotic travel-themed reading club this summer. This year, children can choose a game board based on their reading and interest levels. Sign-up begins Friday, June 1, at the Central Library, any branch library and the bookmobile. The kickoff for this year's summer reading club will take place on Friday, June 15, at the Central Library from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A variety of games, crafts and other activities will be presented for all children who wish to sign up that day to start their very own "Reading Road Trip.

The American Association of University Women recently presented a $2,000 check to the Washington County Free Library. These funds will go toward the purchase of reference shelving for the new Central Library being built at 100 S. Potomac St.

Bookmobiles · Williamsport/Big Pool area, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 3. Call 301-739-3250, ext. 155, for stop locations. · St. James North area, 3 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, July 5. Call 301-739-3250, ext. 155 for stop locations. · Cross Creek, 3:30 to 4 p.m. Thursday, July 5. Call 301-739-3250, ext. 155, for stop locations. · Halfway area, 1:45 to 3:45 p.m. Friday, July 6. Call 301-739-3250, ext. 155, for stop locations. Toddler Time · Central Library, 10 and 11 a.m. Monday, July 2. Ages 18 months to 36 months and caregiver.

Bookmobiles Summerland Manor, 2:30 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 16. Call 301-739-3250, ext. 155, for stop locations. Elgin Station Headstart, 1:30 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 17. Book club for adults Boonsboro Free Library, 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 16. Call 301-432-5723. Boonsboro Free Library, 6 p.m. Thursday, April 18. Call 301-432-5723. Williamsport Memorial Library, 2 p.m. Thursday, April 18. Call 301-223-7027. Lap-sit Boonsboro Free Library, 11 a.m. Friday, April 19. Ages 18 months and younger.

Bookmobiles Hagerstown Day Nursery, 9:15 to 9:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 4. Mountain View Circle, 9:45 to 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 4. Church of the Holy Trinity at Oak Ridge Drive, 10 to 10:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 4. Maryland Avenue area, 10:45 to 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 4. Washington County Family Center on McRand Court, 1:15 to 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4. Call 301-739-3250, ext. 155, for stop locations. Mahogany Drive at Brightwood Acres East, 2:15 to 2:45 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4. Greenwich Park at Trafalgar Drive, 3 to 3:15 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4. Homewood Retirement Village area, 1:30 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5. Call 301-739-3250, ext. 155, for stop locations.

Monday, Jan. 14 Habitat For Humanity of Washington County Women Build Program Meeting held at the Ramada Plaza Hotel, Underpass Way. Meeting starts at 6 p.m.; can arrive earlier if wishing to order dinner. For more information, contact VivianSuffecool@habitat-wc.org or 301-791-9009. Hancock Lioness Club meets at Hancock Truck Plaza, 6 p.m. Tri-State Civitan Club meets at American Legion Building on Northern Ave., light refreshments will be available for purchase, 6 p.m. For more information, call or email Carolyn Blitz at 301-745-8917 or cmblitz@myactv.net . Long Meadows Rotary meets at Nick's Airport Inn, 6:15 p.m. Hancock Lions Club meets at Park-N-Dine Restaurant, 189 E. Main St., 6:30 p.m.   Funkstown Town Council meets at Town Hall, 7 p.m. Smithsburg Parks and Improvement Commission meets at Town Hall, 7 p.m. Williamsport Town Council meets at Town Hall, 7 p.m. The Mason-Dixon Chorus meets every Monday at 7:30 p.m. at Haven Lutheran Church in Hagerstown.