What brings you joy? Whether it’s cozying up with a new story, learning a new skill, gathering with community, or something else, you can find your joy at the Ruth Enlow Library of Garrett County.
National Library Week, April 19–25, 2026, is a time to celebrate the many ways libraries bring people together, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning. From books and digital resources to technology access and creative programming, libraries are essential to thriving communities.
At the Ruth Enlow Library of Garrett County, we invite everyone to join the celebration! Whether you’re a longtime patron, a new neighbor, or haven’t visited in a while, now is the perfect time to explore all the library has to offer. Our library provides free Wi-Fi, digital collections, Classics Buttons, book clubs for all ages, STEAM programs, adult Crafternoons, patron-led services like 3D printing and crafting with Cricut®, LEGO Clubs, weekly Story Times, and more, ensuring that everyone has access to resources that educate, inspire, and connect.
Whatever brings you joy, the library has something for everyone. Whether you’re preparing for a career change, launching a business, raising a family, or embracing retirement, the Ruth Enlow Library is here to support your journey. Libraries serve as hubs for learning, creativity, and connection, helping people of all ages explore new ideas and opportunities.
Join us for some very special National Library Week events. We’re kicking National Library Week off with a circus science show at each of our locations. Find your joy at the circus with silly scientist Gregory May! As a former Ringling Brothers Circus performer, Baltimore City high school science teacher, and Port Discovery Children’s Museum educator, he uses amazing tricks to explore the circus world and the basic scientific principles that make it work. Multiple volunteers will assist Circus Greg with his tricks in this energetic and audience-interactive performance for all ages.
Additional events include a special “Books in Bloom” Story Time with the Mountain Laurel Garden Club at the Main Library (Oakland), where children will explore how books come to life through vibrant floral displays; and “Reading Aloud is Love,” a family program at Kitzmiller Library, where Library Director Thomas Vose will discuss the importance of reading aloud to your child. “Reading Aloud is Love” will also feature stories for children and live bunnies.
The Main Library (Oakland) will also host “The Life and Literary Legacy of Edgar Allan Poe,” presented by the State Library Resource Center, where patrons will experience Poe’s mysterious life and literary legacy through the Enoch Pratt Free Library’s collections. Learn about Poe’s personal life and family, his writings, and his mysterious death in Baltimore in 1849. View unique artifacts from Poe’s life, including manuscripts, letters, and personal items from the Library’s collections.
These events are free, open to the public, and fun for all ages. The schedule is as follows:
- Circus Science – Friendsville Library*: Monday, April 20th at 9:30 AM. For more information, contact Melissa at 301-746-5663 or melissa@relib.net. *Taking place at Friendsville Elementary School, 841 First Avenue, Friendsville, MD 21531.
- Circus Science – Grantsville Library: Monday, April 20th at 5:30 PM. For more information, contact Ryan at 301-895-5298 or ryan@relib.net.
- The Life and Literary Legacy of Edgar Allan Poe – Main Library (Oakland): Monday, April 20th at 6:00 PM. For more information, contact Andrew at 301-334-3996 or andrew@relib.net.
- Circus Science – Kitzmiller Library: Tuesday, April 21st at 10:30 AM. For more information, contact Diane at 301-334-8091 or diane@relib.net.
- Circus Science – Accident Library: Tuesday, April 21st at 4:00 PM. For more information, contact Maya at 301-746-08792 or maya@relib.net.
- Books in Bloom Story Time with the Mountain Laurel Garden Club – Main Library (Oakland): Wednesday, April 22nd at 10:30 AM. For more information, contact Julie at 301-334-3996 or julie@relib.net.
- Reading Aloud is Love – Kitzmiller Library: Wednesday, April 22nd at 6:00 PM. For more information, contact Diane at 301-334-8091 or diane@relib.net.
- Circus Science – Main Library (Oakland): Wednesday, April 22nd at 4:00 and 5:30 PM. The second performance is a repeat of the first. For more information, contact Julie at 301-334-3996 or julie@relib.net.
First celebrated in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries of all types across the country each April. This year’s theme, “Find Your Joy”, is an invitation for people of all backgrounds to explore and discover what sparks joy in them at the library. We definitely have something to inspire your joy here at the Ruth Enlow Library of Garrett County!
Support for Gregory May’s Circus Science show is provided by the Western Maryland Regional Library, the regional resource center for the public libraries of Allegany, Garrett, and Washington Counties.
“The Life and Literary Legacy of Edgar Allan Poe” is made possible by the Maryland State Library Resource Center.
For more information about our National Library Week events, please visit www.relib.net and follow the library on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RuthEnlowLib and Instagram at www.instagram.com/ruthenlowlibrary.
