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Short Film Contest & Viewing

Books, Nature, Community: Do any of those give you an idea for a short film? Want the entire community to see it? Join us as we watch a selection of your submitted films and vote for a winner!

Members of our community will submit films for viewing consideration. The top films will be selected for viewing by the community inside the library. Anyone is welcome to come watch! Chairs will be set up, though you are welcome to bring blankets to sit on as well. BYOP (Bring Your Own Popcorn (or any other snacks you may like)).

Upon entry to the viewing, everyone will receive a ticket. That ticket will then be used at the end of the event to vote for the winner! That’s right! YOU select the winner! So, submit a short film for a chance to win a prize! A winner from each category will win a trophy and a movie pass for the Lexington Exchange theater. The overall winner will receive an Amazon gift card! However, feel free to just come on out and watch some great local cinema! We hope to see you there!

If you’re interested in submitting a short film:

  • Films must be based around one of the following themes (this can be done as loosely as you would like):
    • Books
    • Nature
    • Community
  • Must be of your own creation. If a film is based upon another person's life or upon a book or another work, applicant must secure any necessary rights to make an adaptation unless based in the public domain. By entering the competition, you acknowledge that you have secured any and all necessary rights.
    • Applicants are responsible for obtaining all necessary rights and permissions for third-party materials included in their films, including but not limited to music, trademarks, logos, etc. The St. Mary's County Library expressly disclaims all liability or responsibility for any violations of the foregoing.
  • Filmmakers must be residents of Southern Maryland (Calvert, Charles, or St. Mary’s County).
  • Films must be in English and/or have English subtitles.
  • Duration must be longer than 1 minute, but must not exceed 10 minutes.
  • Film must not contain any inappropriate, graphic, explicit, or obscene language and/or imagery.
    • The library maintains the right to disqualify any films containing this subject matter or content. If you have questions about this, please email bthorne@stmalib.org.
  • Films should be saved and submitted as a .MP4, .MOV, .AVI, .MKV, or .MPEG (must be playable via VLC)
  • There is a limit of one (1) entry per person or group. Any additional entries will be void.
  • Submit your film by emailing it to bthorne@stmalib.org by 11:59 p.m., Saturday, January 21st.
  • If your film is selected, you will be sent an agreement form by Friday, February 3rd by 5pm. This form must be signed and sent back by Friday, February 10th to be eligible for the Short Film Viewing the following day.
  • A maximum of 20 films will be selected for viewing pending submission lengths.
     

AGE GROUP: | Adult |

EVENT TYPE: | Technology | Life Skills | Arts & Crafts |

TAGS: | |

Leonardtown Library
Phone: 301-475-2846
Hours
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We're closed Monday February 16 due to Presidents Day
Mon, Feb 16 Closed
(Presidents Day)
Tue, Feb 17 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Feb 18 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Thu, Feb 19 9:00AM to 8:00PM
Fri, Feb 20 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sat, Feb 21 9:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Feb 22 Closed
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About the branch

If you need special accommodations for any Library event or program, please submit our Accommodations Request form as soon as possible.

Upcoming events

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The Book Worm Club - A Kid's Book Club
Mon, Feb 23, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Meeting Room 1
Do you like reading? Do you like talking about what books you're reading with people who love reading as much as you do? Do you like crafts and book related activities? Join us for our kids book club!
Master Gardeners Plant Clinic
Tue, Feb 24, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Lobby
Have questions about growing vegetables, soil conditions, mystery insects, invasive weeds, or heirloom plants? Ask a Master Gardener! Stop by with your plant samples and questions.
Escape Room
Wed, Feb 25, 3:00pm - 7:00pm
Meeting Rooms 1&2
Renowned sasquatch scientists, you're investigating the disappearance of your colleague. Can you escape before whatever got them gets you too?
Register
Genealogy: Using Census Records
Thu, Feb 26, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Computer Lab
The U.S. Federal Census has been conducted every 10 years since 1790. Federal, state, and other census records contain valuable information about your ancestors.
Virtual Reality Adventure
Fri, Feb 27, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Rooms 1&2
Try out our Oculus virtual reality headsets as well as our handheld Google View-Masters to go on a virtual adventure!
This event is full
The Last Unicorn Watch Party
Sat, Feb 28, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Meeting Rooms 1&2
Come watch The Last Unicorn with us! We will provide snacks and drinks, as well as crafts and activities - all you have to do is bring yourself!
Spring Art Night for Kids
Mon, Mar 02, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Meeting Room 2
Join us as we explore the abstract art technique of gel plate printing! We'll be introducing kids to different artworks from around the world and the art technique used.
This event is full
Introduction to Genealogy - Part 1: Charts, Census Records, Software & Websites
Mon, Mar 02, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Computer Lab
Are you new to genealogy or just need a refresher on how to improve your research? This three-part series is aimed at helping you form a good foundation to build upon throughout your journey.
This event is full
St. Mary's County Recreation & Parks
Tue, Mar 03, 9:00am - 11:00am
Lobby
Representatives from SMC Recreation & Parks will be in the lobby with information about their programs, facilities, services, and events, as well as to answer any questions you may have.
Homework & Hangout Study Hall - Pomodoro Style
Tue, Mar 03, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Meeting Room 1
Have homework or studying to do? Want a new place to help keep you accountable? Want to meet others who might study with you? Our weekly Homework Hangout Hour is here for you!
Homeschooling Parents Community Conversation
Tue, Mar 03, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Meeting Room 2
Are you a parent who is homeschooling? Want some support from others in the community or looking to build your support community? Join the parent chat while your kids work on their assignments.
Community Fiber Arts
Tue, Mar 03, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Meeting Room 2
Lend your creativity to a bigger cause!
Cancelled
The Witches of Maryland - Moll Dyer History
Tue, Mar 03, 5:30pm - 7:45pm
What caused the wave of witch trials? Were the accused really believed to have supernatural powers? Who were the accused witches of Maryland? And who was Moll Dyer?
The Witches of Maryland - Moll Dyer History
Wed, Mar 04, 5:30pm - 7:45pm
Meeting Rooms 1&2
What caused the wave of witch trials? Were the accused really believed to have supernatural powers? Who were the accused witches of Maryland? And who was Moll Dyer?
Sewing Machine 101: Eco-Friendly Dish cloth
Wed, Mar 04, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Makerspace
Learn the basics of threading and operating a sewing machine to make your reusable, terry lined dish cloth!
Puzzlemania! Jigsaw Puzzle Competition & Swap
Sat, Mar 07, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Meeting Rooms 1&2
Want to try speed puzzling? Form a team of two or three, and see how fast that team can be!
Introduction to Genealogy - Part 2: Birth, Marriage, Death & Probate
Mon, Mar 09, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Computer Lab
Are you new to genealogy or just need a refresher on how to improve your research? This three-part series is aimed at helping you form a good foundation to build upon throughout your journey.
This event is full
Paws to Read
Mon, Mar 09, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Children's Area
Therapy animals from Pets on Wheels are visiting the library! Friends of all ages are invited to practice reading with a furry friend, or just enjoy some pets and snuggles.
Southern Maryland JobSource Mobile Career Center
Tue, Mar 10, 9:00am - 1:00pm
Job seekers can stop by to get job counseling and resume help,search for jobs, and get registered with the Maryland Workforce Exchange.
Master Gardeners Plant Clinic
Tue, Mar 10, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Lobby
Have questions about growing vegetables, soil conditions, mystery insects, invasive weeds, or heirloom plants? Ask a Master Gardener! Stop by with your plant samples and questions.
Intro to 3D Printing
Fri, Mar 13, 1:00pm - 3:30pm
Computer Lab
Have you ever wanted something 3D printed at the library, but weren't sure how? Now is your chance to learn!
Registration opens Thursday, February 26 2026 at 1:00pm
LEGO Block Party at Leonardtown Library
Fri, Mar 13, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Meeting Room 2
We supply the “bricks,” you bring the imagination. Come build something amazing with our LEGO and Duplo pieces!
Introduction to Genealogy - Part 3: Land Records and Migration Patterns
Mon, Mar 16, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Computer Lab
Are you new to genealogy or just need a refresher on how to improve your research? This three-part series is aimed at helping you form a good foundation to build upon throughout your journey.
Baby Storytime at Leonardtown Library
Tue, Mar 17, 9:30am - 10:00am
Meeting Room 1
Stories, rhymes, bounces, songs, and playtime for children birth-2 years with their adult caregivers.
St. Mary's County Genealogical Society
Tue, Mar 17, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Lobby
Are you interested in researching the lives of your ancestors? Do you watch "Finding Your Roots" and wonder how they find all that information?
Toddler Storytime at Leonardtown Library
Tue, Mar 17, 10:00am - 10:30am
Meeting Room 2
Stories, rhymes, songs, and activities for children ages 1-3 with their adult caregivers.
Preschool Storytime at Leonardtown Library
Tue, Mar 17, 10:30am - 11:00am
Meeting Room 1
Stories, rhymes, songs, and activities for children ages 3-5, with their adult caregivers.
Wiggle Giggle Storytime at Leonardtown Library
Tue, Mar 17, 11:00am - 11:30am
A storytime where sitting is optional, and activities are designed for kids with extra energy. Planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.
Cancelled
Internet Basics
Tue, Mar 17, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Interested in learning more about using the internet?
MedStar St. Mary's Community Health Advocates
Wed, Mar 18, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Lobby
MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital Community Health Advocates will be in the lobby to talk about health and wellness services throughout the hospital, and to provide blood pressure and other screenings.
Cricut Crafts: Tote Bag with Iron-On Vinyl
Wed, Mar 18, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Makerspace
Unlock your crafting potential by learning how to use the Cricut cutting machine to make your own custom tote bag!
Registration opens Wednesday, March 4 2026 at 9:00am
DIY Junk Journal for Teens
Wed, Mar 18, 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Rip it up! Scribble all over it! Make your very own Junk Journal to take home and fill with art, words, or mess!
Baby Storytime at Leonardtown Library
Thu, Mar 19, 9:30am - 10:00am
Meeting Room 1
Stories, rhymes, bounces, songs, and playtime for children birth-2 years with their adult caregivers.
Toddler Storytime at Leonardtown Library
Thu, Mar 19, 10:00am - 10:30am
Meeting Room 2
Stories, rhymes, songs, and activities for children ages 1-3 with their adult caregivers.
Head Start
Thu, Mar 19, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Lobby
Do you have a preschool-aged child? Come learn about the St. Mary's County Head Start Center-Based Program, which focuses on preparing children for kindergarten.
Preschool Storytime at Leonardtown Library
Thu, Mar 19, 10:30am - 11:00am
Meeting Room 1
Stories, rhymes, songs, and activities for children ages 3-5, with their adult caregivers.
Wiggle Giggle Storytime at Leonardtown Library
Thu, Mar 19, 11:00am - 11:30am
Meeting Room 2
A storytime where sitting is optional, and activities are designed for kids with extra energy. Planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.
Cozy Mystery Book Club
Thu, Mar 19, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Meeting Room 1
Join us to discuss a different cozy mystery on the 3rd Thursday of each month at the Leonardtown Library. Be ready to talk about a genre that puts us all at ease while keeping us on our toes.
Headshots at the Library
Fri, Mar 20, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Meeting Room 1
Get a FREE headshot photo taken at our Library!
Register
Thanks! It Has Pockets! - An Introductory Sewing Course
Sat, Mar 21, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Makerspace
Have a skirt, dress, or kilt that you love, but it doesn’t have pockets? Learn how to add your own! Bring a garment to work on and we’ll provide the rest!
Baby Storytime at Leonardtown Library
Tue, Mar 24, 9:30am - 10:00am
Meeting Room 1
Stories, rhymes, bounces, songs, and playtime for children birth-2 years with their adult caregivers.
Toddler Storytime at Leonardtown Library
Tue, Mar 24, 10:00am - 10:30am
Meeting Room 2
Stories, rhymes, songs, and activities for children ages 1-3 with their adult caregivers.
Master Gardeners Plant Clinic
Tue, Mar 24, 10:00am - 12:00pm
Lobby
Have questions about growing vegetables, soil conditions, mystery insects, invasive weeds, or heirloom plants? Ask a Master Gardener! Stop by with your plant samples and questions.
Preschool Storytime at Leonardtown Library
Tue, Mar 24, 10:30am - 11:00am
Meeting Room 1
Stories, rhymes, songs, and activities for children ages 3-5, with their adult caregivers.
Wiggle Giggle Storytime at Leonardtown Library
Tue, Mar 24, 11:00am - 11:30am
Meeting Room 2
A storytime where sitting is optional, and activities are designed for kids with extra energy. Planned with ages 1-5 in mind; all ages welcome with their adult caregivers.
Maryland Day - History Talk
Tue, Mar 24, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Meeting Rooms 1&2
Learn about how early settlers shaped the foundations of Maryland!
See all events