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November 2013
Where the County Reads, Where the County Meets, Where the County Learns 
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B. Parker Hamilton, MCPL Director

 

Fiscal Year 2014 (FY14) is off to an exciting start! Our Summer Reading Program that culminated in August was a major success; Library Card Signup Month in September added 5,796 new library cardholders; and Snapshot Day on October 9 saw a lot of you striking a pose!

 

We have checked off the accomplishments from our FY13 Work Plan and have begun making significant progress on our FY14 Work Plan. We are implementing many new and exciting services such as MCPL's ACE (All Children Excel) initiative which will include programs and kits to help children build skills in early literacy and science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEM/STEAM).

 

On October 24, County Executive Leggett announced the addition of Amharic language materials to MCPL's collection.  These materials are housed at the Silver Spring Library.  Stop by and check them out.

 

And yes, in FY14, the Gaithersburg and Olney libraries will reopen! The grand reopening for Gaithersburg Library has been scheduled for January 4, 2014.   Check out the blogs for updates on each of these projects.

 

At MCPL we are working to: 

  • Provide Montgomery County residents with the current, accurate information that they need for work, school or personal interests.
  • Provide Montgomery County residents with the library materials and resources they want when they want them.
  • Provide resources to help preschool children develop skills needed to enter school ready to learn.

We are striving to provide the best service to you, our much valued customers.

   

B. Parker Hamilton signature 

B. Parker Hamilton, Director 

 

Save the Date

Holiday Closings

 

All Montgomery County Public Libraries and offices will be closed on Monday, November 11 in observance of Veterans Day, and Thursday, November 28 in observance of Thanksgiving Day.


 

Family Literacy Day

 

November 1 is National Family Literacy Day. It is celebrated  across the United States to build awareness and emphasize the importance of family literacy programs. Designated by Congress in 1994, the annual event is officially celebrated on November 1. However, many organizations hold events throughout the month of November. On Tuesday, November 19, 10:30 AM., the Literacy Council of Montgomery County (LCMC) is presenting, "Look at Literacy," a one-hour program and tour that will "open your eyes" to the state of adult literacy in Montgomery County and give a first-hand look at how LCMC is helping adult learners achieve literacy skills for life.  To make a reservation, please contact Marty Stephens at 301-610-0030 x 202.
 

 

National American Indian Heritage Month

 

Celebrate National American Indian Heritage Month in November. Visit your local branch and learn about the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of the United States. See also MCPL's collection of books by American Indian authors in our catalog.

 

Did You Know . . .

   

...that you can keep up with the most exciting MCPL books, events, resources, and news by following us on Twitter and liking us on Facebook? And we are now also active on other social media sites such as Blogger, Pinterest, Instagram, and Flickr. It's your chance to have fun with others who love books and reading as much as you do; not to mention keeping up to date on library news and events, and just learning more about the world around us. We are also available to answer questions through our online Ask-a-Librarian e-mail and chat service. We look forward to hearing from you on our myriad social media sites!  

Branch Out

Kids receive Homework Help and more at Aspen Hill Library!
 

Teen volunteers provide homework help to children in grades K-8 at Aspen Hill Library. This popular program is available on Wednesdays from 4 - 6 PM, only on days when school is open. No registration is needed.

 

School-aged children in grades K-3 are also encouraged to attend 4H Reading Buddies. Join 4H members for reading and crafts on Saturday, November 9 from 1 - 2 PM. No registration required.

 

Storytimes for young children at Aspen Hill Library. On Tuesdays November 5, 19 and 26, children are invited to attend Tuesday Tales from 10:30 - 11:30 AM. This program includes songs, rhymes, stories and more for children up to six years of age and their adults. Programs will end with a craft or short film.

 

The Aspen Hill Library Fall Book Sale, sponsored by Friends of the Library, Aspen Hill chapter, on Saturday, November 16 from 10 AM - 3 PM, has thousands of books for readers of ALL ages. Proceeds will benefit the Aspen Hill Library.

 

Reducing Stress through Meditation on Saturday, November 23 at 2:30 PM. This is a stimulating workshop for old and new meditators that demonstrates the most natural and effective techniques of meditation. For adults and seniors.

 

Other adult programs and events at Aspen Hill Library include: English Conversation Clubs on Wednesdays, November 6 and 20 at 1:05 PM and 7 PM; and the Knitting Club on Friday, November 8 from 3 - 4:30 PM.

 

For more information on Aspen Hill Library programs, and all MCPL programs, check MCPL's Calendar of Events or call Aspen Hill Library at 240.773.9410.

 

Library Quote

 
County Happenings

Maryland Emancipation Day Celebrations - November 1 thru 3

 

Maryland freed all those held in bondage within its boundaries on November 1, 1864 by a new state constitution. Join in the celebration of Maryland Emancipation Day in Montgomery County parks!

 

Hike the Underground Railroad, tour a slave cabin, visit an African American history museum, enjoy living history demonstrations and eat great food! Saturday and Sunday Parks events are FREE, unless otherwise noted, and open to the public.

For more information please contact Lisa MacLeman at 301-650-4373.

 

Homeless Resource Day
  

County Executive Isiah Leggett and Gaithersburg Mayor Sidney Katz announce Montgomery County's Third Annual Homeless Resource Day. The day, Thursday, November 7; 9 AM - 3 PM, is a "one day, one stop," opportunity for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of being homeless to access benefits and services in the County. The event will be held at the Activity Center, Bohrer Park, 506 South Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg.

 

 

Tribute to America's Veterans Concert

 

Silver Spring Town Center, in collaboration with Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs, presents its 5th Annual Tribute to America's Veterans Concert on Monday, November 11, 6 - 9 PM. The concert will take place in the Great Hall of the Silver Spring Civic Building located at 1 Veterans Place. Featured will be Doc Scantlin and the Palmettos with Chou Chou celebrating the music and dance of the WWII era. Military and vintage dress optional.

 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Literary Contest and Visual Arts Show

 

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Committee is seeking entries for its literary arts contest and visual arts show in observance of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The writing contest is open to all elementary, middle and high schools students in Montgomery County. The deadline for submitting entries is Friday, December 6. For more information about the contest, see press release or download flyer (pdf).

 

FOL Happenings

The Rockville Friends Bookstore Celebrates its 10th!

 

The Rockville Friends Bookstore is celebrating ten years! On November 8 from Noon to 2 PM join the Friends of the Library for giveaways, cake and more.

 

Senior Spelling Bee!

 

Ready for some great competition? On Saturday, November 9, 10:30 AM at Little Falls Library join seniors (55+) as they battle it out for the title of spelling queen or king bee.

 

2013-2014 Literary Luncheon Series 

 

Reserve your seat for the 2013-2014 Literary Luncheon Series to be held at the historic Strathmore Mansion, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda.


Lectures begin at 11:30 AM and are followed by a book signing and luncheon at 12:30 PM.  Limited copies of the speaker's books will be available for purchase.  Reservations start at $21.00 for non-members and are as low as $10.00 for members.  Proceeds benefit FOLMC, whose mission is to support and enhance Montgomery County Public Libraries. To reserve your seat for the November lecture*, visit www.folmc.org.  For questions, call 240-777-0020.

 

*Thursday, November 21, 2013
 

Author Sara Taber will discuss her new biography, Born under an Assumed Name: the Memoir of a Cold War Spy's Daughter.  A writer of literary nonfiction, her works include literary journalism, personal essay, and memoir.  Thursday,  November 21, 2013 11:30am - 1pm Strathmore Mansion, 10701 Rockville Pike, Bethesda MD 20852 (map).

 

Library Board Happenings
Annual Joint Meeting
  
The Library Board and the Friends of the Library, Montgomery County, Inc. will hold its annual joint meeting on Wednesday, November 13 at the Rockville Memorial Library.  The joint meeting is a wonderful chance for our community of library volunteers from the Friends of the Library chapters and Library Advisory Committees to get together, learn about the state of the library, and kickoff the season of legislative activities.  Volunteers please join us at 6 PM for a reception and at 7 PM for a meeting that will include a "state of the library" presentation by Director Parker Hamilton.  See you at the meeting.

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