MCPL has seen a greater demand for e-books in recent years.  There was an 88% growth in e-book checkouts between 2010 and 2011, and 87% growth in the demand between 2011 and 2012.  County Executive Leggett, recognizing this, proposed $200,000 in his recommended FY14 Operating Budget to enhance MCPL's e-book collection.  The Montgomery County Council approved this recommendation with a $100,000 additional funding to address customer demand for e-books.

However, even with the additional $300,000, e-book pricing and policies have placed a strain on the Library budget and limited the access of e-books to library customers.  With e-books, some publishers limit the specific e-books that can be purchased or do not sell to all libraries.  Some publishers set limits on the number of loans that an e-book license will support.  Some charge a premium on e-books licenses for public libraries; in some cases, over six times the amount of a license to a regular consumer for the same book.

On July 16, the County Council took action by introducing a resolution regarding e-books.  The resolution, sponsored by Council Vice President Rice, Councilmember Leventhal, Council President Navarro, and Councilmembers Andrews, Ervin, Berliner, and Riemer, supports equitable access to e-books at fair prices for MCPL.  The County Executive has also expressed his support for this resolution.

The resolution also urges the Maryland General Assembly, the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the Federal Trade Commission to review policies and pricing related to the access to e-books for all public libraries and to seek any appropriate solution so that County library users may access materials in a reasonable and fair manner.

I am pleased to announce that on July 23, 2013, County Council passed the resolution advocating for equitable treatment for public libraries in purchasing e-books.  MCPL is greatly appreciative of the support from the County Council and the County Executive on this measure.  
 
Please go to engageMontgomery if you would like to weigh in on this issue.  

B. Parker Hamilton, Director

There's still time to beat the "summer slide!"  Sign up for Summer Reading at MCPL by August 11!

Experts agree that children who read during the summer gain reading skills, while those who do not often slide backward.  Summer slide affects millions of children each year in this country - but it doesn't have to.  Summer is full of fun activities - make Summer Reading one of them!

Source: First Book

Get ready! September is National Library Card Signup Month! Get set! Come on in or apply online. Go! Check out all the benefits of being a MCPL card holder.

Stop by Poolesville Library and enjoy photographic artwork by Poolesville High School student members of the National Art Honor Society. Check out this art exhibit which is on view all day through the month of August during Poolesville Library's new regular hours!

Writing Memories, Writing Memoirs, a class for seniors, focuses on individual writing, sharing and encouragement. Share ideas, experiences, and some of the frustrations and fun of the writing process at Davis Library on August 6 or August 13, 1:30 - 3:30 PM. Registration through Montgomery College is required for this class (Course: ILL543). Register online or call Montgomery College at 240-567-5188. Tuition waiver applies; seniors age 60+ pay fee only ($89 + $79 fee = $168), non-MD residents add $120.

Prepare for the Invasion of the Robots from Earth! Explore the field of planetary science and learn about robotic exploration of the solar system with Dr. Tim Livengood at Silver Spring Library on August 3 at 2 PM. Take this opportunity to choose the attributes you would like to see on a robot or even design your own. For ages 10 and up. Check out other STEM programs @MCPL. 

Need help downloading e-books or audiobooks to your electronic device? Bring in your Kindle, Nook, iPhone, iPad  or other electronic device and our volunteer will guide you. Every Tuesday 1 - 3 PM at Marilyn J. Praisner Library.

MCPL invites teens, ages 14 to 18, to apply to join the Teen Advisory Group (TAG). TAG members promote library programming for teens and advocate for teen library services.  They may interview authors and public officials, write for the MCPL's Teensite web pages, work with Facebook, or produce video for YouTube or other outlets.  TAG meets monthly, and members work independently or in small groups.

Apply by September 4, either online on MCPL's Teensite or by picking up a paper application at an MCPL branch library.  Qualified candidates will be interviewed in September.  Those selected will serve on TAG from September through May 2014.

Renovated Plum Gar Recreation Center Now Open

The newly renovated Plum Gar Community Recreation Center at 19561 Scenery Drive in Germantown opened to the public on July 20.

The center offers a wide range of recreation and leisure amenities, such as a full-size gymnasium, 150-seat social hall, catering kitchen, conference room, game room, weight and exercise room, multipurpose activities room and a computer lab. Programs include a variety of activities and classes for all ages, an afterschool program, senior program, open gym sports, drop-in games, etc.

For more information, call 240-777-6821, or visit the Recreation Department website.

Children Create Art at White Oak Library!

Children and parents are welcome to drop-in anytime to create an art project at White Oak Library!  Located in the children's section of the library, a table is set aside as a "maker's station" where art materials and instructions for an art project are laid out. A volunteer is available for guidance, if needed.

Activities change weekly. Some past and current activities include: making journals and books out of paper bags; pointillism (making art with dots); bookmarks; and creating a communal display for the library.

The maker's station is open during regular White Oak Library hours and will continue throughout the month of August.  For more information, please contact White Oak Library at 240-773-9555.

On Saturday, August 3 at 11:00 AM, White Oak Library staff invites the whole family to attend "Super Science! Meet Spectra, the Original Laser Superhero," and find out how she uses physics to solve problems!

Check out the adult book discussions at White Oak Library for the month of August:  African-American Book Discussion: One Drop: My Father's Hidden Life by Bliss Broyard on Wednesday, August 14 at 3 PM;  Evening Book Discussion Group: Headlong by Michael Frayn on August 14 at 6:30 PM; and Mystery & Thriller Book Discussion Group: Shut Your Eyes Tight by John Verdon on August 21 at 7 PM.

For more information on programs at White Oak Library, call 240-773-9555, or check out MCPL's Calendar of Events for programs at White Oak Library and all MCPL branches.