What We Do
Our Mission
The Dorchester County Public Library transforms lives and empowers the community through literacy, information, and collaboration.
Policies
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement
The Dorchester County Public Library stands against all acts of racism, hatred, violence, and prejudice. We strive to provide spaces, collections, resources, and services that recognize, value, and embrace the diverse experiences and identities of our communities; including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity and expression, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, ability, culture, language, geographic origin, level of education, religion, age, size, and the many more characteristics that make individuals unique. We are committed to creating an inclusive organization and safe environment that encourages people to connect, listen, and learn from each other as we work together to end inequities.
Printing Services
We are happy to offer printing, copying, and faxing services to our patrons. Printing costs $0.15 per page for black & white printing, or $0.25 for color. Faxing costs $1.75 for the first page, and $1.00 for each subsequent page (only available at the Central Library). Patrons can scan documents to email at no charge.
Library History
Community library services began in Cambridge under auspices of the Cambridge Woman's Club before the turn of the century. The first free library service was founded in Hurlock in 1900. In 1922, the Dorchester County Public Library began public services to some county residents. In 1933, the small building at 305 Gay Street in Cambridge was constructed and library services were provided through that building until 1973, when the larger Central Library at 303 Gay Street was opened. Bookmobile service was made available to outlying areas in 1965 and for this reason the branch library in Vienna, which opened in 1939, was closed in 1975. The Bookmobile was removed from service in 2011 after funding cuts. | MORE
Meet Our Director: Crystal Henningsen
As a Dorchester County native, it is my privilege and honor to serve as the Director of the Dorchester County Public Library. I began my library career in the fall of 2001 when I accepted an hourly position at the Hurlock Branch location of our library system. I rapidly fell in love with library community and its patrons, and I spent the next 18 years holding various positions in the library. Many of you may remember me as the Circulation Manager, Information Department Manager, or even as the Assistant to the Children's Librarian. In June 2019, I was promoted to Director of the library that I held so dear.
But my history with the library goes back even further. The Central Branch of the library was my haven when I was a small child and I often left with as many books as I could carry. I attended summer programs and spent hours looking for my next favorite author. By high school, I was using the library for research and preparation for college. I attended Salisbury University, earning my BA in Psychology, with a minor in English, and then came back home to Dorchester County. The rest, as they say, is history.
I completed my Master's in Library and Information Science from Drexel University in 2013 and was promoted to Assistant Director soon after. I am fortunate to work with an amazing library staff that truly cares for their community, and together we hope to make a difference for Dorchester County. We have big dreams in mind, with new programming ideas, partnerships, outreach, and materials to come in the near future. We also started 2020 by going fine free. If you are already a library patron, thank you for your continued support. If you haven't visited the library in a while or you are new to the area, we invite you to stop by for a visit and get a library card. There is something here for everyone and we look forward to seeing you!
Board of Trustees
The Dorchester County Public Library is governed by a Board of Trustees composed of 15 members. Board members are citizens of Dorchester County and are appointed for 3-year terms. Trustees may serve any number of terms, but may serve no more than two consecutive terms. Officers are elected annually and all Trustees serve on at least one committee.
For Fiscal Year 2023-2024, the Board of Trustees will meet at 6:30pm on July 19, September 20, November 15, January 17, March 20, and May 15. Meetings are open to the public. If you are interested in attending, please contact the Library at (410) 228-7331 or infodesk@dorchesterlibrary.org for more information.
Members
Talibah Chickwendu, President
Kierra Farrare, Vice President
George Ames
Kathy Burtman
Kerianne Hinerman
Lalita Kelly
Jennifer Lehn
Hannah Mayhew
Wyrita Myster, Treasurer
Donald Park
Dana Paterra
Amanda Reece
Anne Whaples, Secretary
Frances Windsor
Are you a resident of Dorchester County who wants to support the Library by volunteering your time and expertise as a Board member?
Click here for our candidate application and more information!
Board Meeting Minutes
*Please note there is a delay in posting minutes because they must be approved at each meeting.