What is a Reading Circle?
A Reading or Reader’s Circle is like an open book club. Rather than everyone reading the same book, members of a Reading Circle share information about the books they are reading.

Do I have to check the book out from the SMCM Library to participate?
No, the books don’t need to come from the St. Mary’s College of Maryland library, but they do need to be available from SMCM, USMAI or COSMOS.

How do I submit a review?
Use the email form here.

What is USMAI? How do I know if I have access to it?
USMAI stands for the University System of Maryland and Affiliated Institutions. It includes books from the 14 University System of Maryland campuses plus Morgan State and SMCM.

Students, faculty and staff at St. Mary’s College have borrowing privileges with USMAI. Everyone can check the USMAI catalog to see if their book will earn points.

What is COSMOS? How do I know if I have access to it?
COSMOS stands for Collection of Southern Maryland’s Online Services. It includes books from the three Southern Maryland public library systems; St. Mary’s, Charles and Calvert County public libraries.

Students, faculty and staff can sign up for a library card with the St. Mary’s County Library. Everyone can check the COSMOS catalog to see if their book will earn points.

Can I comment on other people’s reviews?
Yes.

Is the blog moderated?
Yes, both the review posts and comments section of the Reading Circle blog are moderated.

Can anyone post a review?
Yes, but if the book is not available from the SMCM,  USMAI or a COSMOS Library it won’t qualify for prize points.

When can I pick up my prize(s)?
After August 15. Prizes from the monthly drawings may be picked up at any time.

Will you mail me my prize if I don’t live in near the college?
Yes, the library will mail prizes to alumni who no longer live in the tri-county area.