Events for May 20, 2026

Want to help preserve our regional biodiversity? Bring your work gloves, kneeling pads, favorite weeding tools, and some elbow grease to remove unwanted plants from the garden. As you work, you’ll learn how to identify common weeds and understand why protecting native plants is so critical for wildlife. Meet at the Native Plant Garden near the Lake House. Please bring your own water bottle, insect repellent, and sunscreen. **This program is weather-dependent.**

Heritage areas are places where historic, cultural, and natural resources combine to form cohesive, significant landscapes that offer meaningful experiences for tourists and improved quality of life for residents throughout Maryland. To explore these unique spaces, join us on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM for a free webinar that will review the heritage area concept and its intersection with local and regional planning. The session will spotlight the Maryland Heritage Areas Program alongside local case studies in Central Maryland and the Eastern Shore, demonstrating how state and National Park Service designations can unlock financial investments to further historic, cultural, and natural resource protection. Following the webinar, participants will be able to: Define heritage areas and how they connect to the network of heritage areas in Maryland and nationally Apply heritage area priorities to comprehensive planning Describe how heritage areas contribute to placemaking, placekeeping, and historic, cultural, and natural resource stewardship Apply heritage area funding and networking support to local planning goal implementation Find out more and register for this free webinar by following this link.

PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING REGARDING NEW BIKE PARK AND BIKE TRAILS We want to hear from our community about the features and amenities that you would like to see in the new Bike Park and Broadford Park! Please take the survey about the bike park and trails here: oaklandmd.gov/skillspark

We are partnering with the Garrett County Health Department for a free, community-wide pickleball clinic! This is open to all ages and skill levels. This clinic is designed for beginners and those looking to build confidence on the court. We'll cover the fundamentals, including basic techniques, simple rules, and beginner strategies in a relaxed, supportive setting. Paddles and balls will be provided. Children, teens, adults, and families are all encouraged to attend. This will be held at the Pickleball court in Town Park East. Registration is required for each person so we know how many paddles we need. Please sign up by calling us at 301-746-8792 or filling out this form. Registration will close on May 20, 2026 @ 5:00 pm. Disclaimer: Programs, events, and classes may be photographed or videotaped for library promotional purposes. Your participation in programs signifies your permission for us to use any photos that we take of you. Please speak to a librarian at the event if you would prefer your photo not be taken.

Join us for a cozy and creative Teen Embroidery Night on May 20th, 5:30 - 7:30 pm, at the Main Library in Oakland! Whether you’re a total beginner or already love stitching, this is a relaxed space to hang out, learn new techniques, and work on your own designs. We’ll have some materials and supplies available to get you started, but feel free to bring your own embroidery hoops, fabric, thread, or any projects you’re currently working on. Come solo or with friends, swap ideas, and enjoy a chill evening of creativity. No experience needed—just bring your imagination! *Registration required. Spaces are limited, so please register here or contact Blair at 301-334-3996/blair@relib.net if you're planning to attend. Registration will close on May 20, 2026 @ 5:30 pm. This event is for registrants aged 11 to 17.* Disclaimers: The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library. Programs, events, and classes may be photographed or videotaped for library promotional purposes. Your participation in programs signifies your permission for us to use any photos that we take of you. Please […]

The Oakland Writers’ & Literature (OWL) Club is a group of 18 years and older writing enthusiasts, tackling a common feeling among writers, the need for some encouragement to write. The focus of OWL is to provide a community for writers to share and workshop their own work, and sometimes the work of published authors. The group uses tools of analysis to identify the literal meanings and themes of all genres of writing, while also discussing the things that most stand out in the work. The OWL club meets Wednesdays at 6:30 at the Main (Oakland) Library, and is an open community where writers can pop in and pop out from week to week and always feel included and welcome when they return. Writings/readings are scheduled in advance of meetings using OWL's community sign-up sheet. The OWL mailing list* is used for distributing this work. Meetings also include weekly writing prompts that attendees are encouraged (though not required) to read and share with the group. The club's weekly agenda is as follows: 6:30 - 6:45 PM      Quiet time writing for the prompt  6:45 - 7:15 PM      Reading and sharing prompt writing(s) 7:15 - 8:00 PM   […]