Stay Connected
 
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I am always excited to hear great things about MCPL! So imagine my delight to read an article in the Montgomery Village Foundation's January 18 newsletter in which the Foundation's in-house counsel, Christopher Hitchens, gives a shout out to MCPL. During the interview, Mr. Hitchens was asked what he enjoyed most about living in Montgomery County. His response:
You've probably never heard an answer like this--one of the things I really appreciate is the library system. I have a degree in library science, and the county library system puts so many great resources at your fingertips. Just the other day, my son described a short story to me that he had read. Within minutes, I used the online catalog to find it at Quince Orchard Library, and I was able to read it that evening.
What a wonderful compliment - and a challenge to keep up the great work!
 B. Parker Hamilton, Director
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Celebrate "Read Across America" and "Read Across Maryland." Check out the programs at MCPL branches.
Imagine life without love. Popular teen author Lauren Oliver will discuss her new book Requiem at Bethesda Library on Tuesday March 5, 5 PM. This book concludes her dystopian Delirium series where at age 18, teens undergo a medical procedure to ensure that they never fall in love. Copies of her books will be for sale through an arrangement with Politics and Prose Bookstore, with proceeds to benefit the Friends of the Library, Bethesda chapter.
Teen Tech Week is March 10-16. This year's theme is Check In @ your library. Libraries will be showcasing their outstanding technology offerings, physically and virtually. MCPL has designed an online Scavenger Hunt quiz so teens can learn about some of the wonderful online resources we offer. Watch for the quiz on our Teensite.
Are you a singer, musician, dancer, or poet? Show us your talents on March 7 and March 21, 6-7:30 PM. The Creative Arts Empowerment Group is proud to present Artistic Expression Hour at Long Branch Library. Ages 18 and up. For more information, contact C. East at 240-938-8990 or careergirl64@yahoo.com.
On March 13, 3:30 - 5:45 PM, discover techniques for taking great photos during the Teen Photography Workshop at Aspen Hill Library. Spend time taking pictures, and get feedback on your photos. Please bring a digital camera. Teens 13-18. Registration is strongly encouraged.
"Here's to the Ladies Who Scat!" In celebration of Women's History Month, on March 16 at 3 PM, Kensington Park Library will host a very lively program with jazz vocalist Christiana Drapkin, honoring some of our greatest ladies of Jazz: Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Anita O'Day, Carmen McRae and more.
Penny Theatre: Curious George and the Little Red Hen at Quince Orchard Library on March 21 from 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM. Favorite folk and nursery tales performed by volunteers with our miniature puppet theatre. Children ages 3 to 6 and parents also practice theatre etiquette. Registration is required. Call 240-777-0200 or visit the Quince Orchard Library Information Desk.
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State of the County Address
County Executive Isiah Leggett delivered his State of the County address on Wednesday, February 20. In his address, Mr. Leggett said, "The state of Montgomery County is strong - and growing stronger." He spoke about "the journey of change," diversity, weathering the economic storm, continuing to build the 21st century economy, and his three new initiatives. He also spoke about the County's excellent educational system which includes Libraries. Read the speech in its entirety.
Town Hall Meeting
Have a question for your Council member? On March 13 at 8 PM, the Montgomery County Council will hold a Town Hall Meeting at the American Film Institute (AFI) Silver Theatre in downtown Silver Spring.
County Executive Announces FY14 Operating Budget
On March 15 at 10 AM in the Executive Office Building auditorium, Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett will announce his recommended operating budget for fiscal year (FY) 2014. This Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN and Channel 30 on Verizon.
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March - In Like a Lion
March is a busy month for the Library Board and its subcommittees, the Library Advisory Committees or LACs. Board members will be working with new and current LAC members to bring everybody up to date on Board programs and activities. New LAC members will attend an orientation session on Wednesday, March 13 from 6:00-7:00 PM at the Rockville Memorial Library. They will learn about the LACs' mission and their roles as branch LAC members.
Also on March 13 (from 7:00 until 9:00 PM), all LAC members will join the Board, Director Hamilton and her Senior Management Team. We will learn about facilities, virtual services, and how both relate to LAC support and the needs of a 21st century library system. There will be plenty of time for questions and, we hope, it will be the first of many informal conversations with Director Hamilton and her staff.
Library Petition
"Libraries Still Matter: Build Them Up!" Sign the Unified Petition in support of Montgomery County Public Libraries. Until March 29, signatures will be gathered at the library branches and online. We collected over 3,000 signatures last year which we presented to the Council, and hope to do the same this year, with even more signatures.
Council Branch Tours
This is the second year that the Board will be hosting branch tours for Council members. This year, Council members have been invited to tour Aspen Hill, Germantown, Kensington Park, Long Branch, Marilyn Praisner, Potomac, Quince Orchard and Twinbrook libraries. The tours are conducted by the branch managers, but they are also your chance to chat with Council members and to share library-related concerns, as well as pride in your local branch. The finalized tour schedule will be posted on the Board website .
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Friends of the Library Happenings
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On March 21, join Friends of the Library, Montgomery County, Inc. as they host a Literary Luncheon with author Bob Deans who will discuss his book, The River Where America Began: A Journey Along the James. From the arrival of the first slaves to the creation of the first democratic body in the Western Hemisphere, the book tells the story of Virginia's James River. The lecture will be held at the Strathmore Mansion, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, beginning at 11:30 AM, followed by lunch at 12:30 PM. Copies of the books will be available for purchase and signing. Cost for the lecture and lunch start at $10 for members. Reservations can be made by calling 240-777-0020, emailing staff@folmc.org, or going online to www.folmc.org.
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You can get assistance for your teenager's looming springtime standardized testing? MCPL provides free online practice for SATs and APs, as well as preparation for graduate school entrance and career exams, via Peterson's Testing and Education Resource Center.
Your MCPL library card is your key to all of our online offerings.
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