From the Director  

Let's share stories! In recognition of National Library Week (April 13-19) and National Library Workers' Day (April 16), MCPL will be sharing behind-the-scenes looks at the inner workings of our library system - celebrating the valuable contributions made by all Library staff. Watch for these on Twitter, Facebook and our website.

We want to hear from you! Tell us your story of how the library has changed your life. Send a tweet to @MCPL_Libraries using the hashtag #liveschange. Need more than 140 characters to tell your story? Send us a message via Facebook or use our online Comment and Suggestion form.

Also during National Library Week, we want to enable you to more easily manage your library account by signing up for e-mail notification.

Get your holds faster!

Score Small Business Counseling

At Wheaton Branch, volunteers from SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) offer counseling on small business topics like business plans, starting a business, seeking financing, and others, by appointment only. Tuesdays, when the Library is open 1-4 PM. Call 240-777-0678 or TTY 301-929-5524 to register.

Check the Rhyme - A Poetry Workshop for Teens
 

Saturday, April 5, 2 PM, at White Oak Branch, poet Olu Butterfly Woods uses rhyme games, hip hop examples, and rhyme dictionaries to jumpstart the young writer's transformation into a BEAST at rhyming. Learn how to utilize rhyme in poetry without sacrificing the poem's flow or using a rhyme scheme that is too basic.

The Great Zucchini

Voted as Washington's funniest children's performer, he sings, dances, performs magic, and has the audience laughing and screaming with joy. Come see this highly interactive show on Monday, April 14, 11 AM at Long Branch Library. Ages 3 and up are invited.

For more information please call the library at 240-777-0910

Crafty Kids for Earth Day
 

Get your smocks on at Potomac Branch on Tuesday, April 22, 3:30 PM, and celebrate spring and Earth Day by decorating a flowerpot, making crepe-paper flowers, etc. This program is geared for 8 year olds and up, though slightly younger children are welcome if accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Registration not required, but supplies are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Free.

Other notable dates:

Remembering Jeanie Dunnington

  

The Library Board and the entire library community lost a dear friend and true library leader when Jeanie Dunnington passed away on February 5. Jeanie was a hands-on library advocate and volunteer. She never hesitated to jump in and do what had to be done to support our libraries whether it be rewinding talking books, leading the Talking Book Discussion group, tutoring in the PC Lab, or testifying before the County Council to increase library funding.

 

An energetic supporter of accessible library services, Jeanie chaired the Disability Resource Center at the Rockville Memorial Library and was active in planning accessibility for the new Silver Spring branch. The Library Board presented Jeanie with the Renaissance Award after she successfully led her LAC through the move from the Davis branch to the Rockville Memorial Library.

 

Jeanie Dunnington

County Executive Isiah Leggett issued the statement below on the County website. We join Mr. Leggett in mourning Jeanie and in being proud to have had the opportunity to know and work with her.

 

Statement by County Executive Isiah Leggett on the Death of Jeanie Dunnington, Library Advocate and Community Leader

 

I join the Montgomery County Library community in mourning the loss of Jeanie Dunnington, a beloved library supporter, volunteer, and community leader. Jeanie passed away in early February after a short-but-difficult illness. A tireless advocate for library services for individuals with disabilities, Jeanie was well known for her "can do" approach and was ever present at Montgomery County Council hearings, Library Board events, and library programs.

As the long time chair of the Disability Resource Center (DRC) Library Advisory Committee (LAC), Jeanie was an invaluable contributor to plans for the Talking Book program's move to Rockville Memorial Library where she spent every Tuesday tutoring and teaching users about adaptive equipment in the PC lab. She planned Saturday adaptive technology sessions, monitored the DRC webpages, and led the monthly Talking Book Group meetings. In 2008, Jeanie was recognized for her leadership when the Library Board presented the DRC LAC with the Renaissance Award for successfully emerging after a period of difficulty or transition.

Jeanie, who cared deeply that accessible library services be available statewide, was an active member of the Advisory Council for the Maryland State Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. She also was an elected official of the local American Council of the Blind.

Jeanie's candor, vitality, enthusiasm, wit, and incredible energy will live on in the memories of all who had the great fortune to work with and know her.

We are fortunate that the Montgomery County library community will honor Jeanie's memory by carrying on her work.

Best Wishes to Art Brodsky 

Jill Lewis, Library Board Chair, presents plaque to Art Brodsky

The Library Board has been fortunate to have Art Brodsky as a former chair and member for many years. Art is leaving the Board to take a position in the County Executive's office. Many thanks to Art who was instrumental in creating many of the successful efforts of the Board's grassroots advocacy campaign to restore funding to our system. Good luck Art!

 
The Disability Resource Center Library Advisory Council (LAC) is sponsoring a program on note taking technology solutions for people with disabilities on Saturday, April 26: 1 - 3 PM. Join the LAC at the Rockville Memorial Library, 21 Maryland Avenue, Rockville to hear about the latest technology innovations and to learn more about library services for people with disabilities.