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From the Director 
Summer is a time of fun and relaxation - - - reading is both, with the added bonus of keeping reading skills sharp. Participating in the Summer Reading Program at MCPL not only encourages reading, but also provides opportunities to participate in programs that showcase cultural performances and STEM-related events (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).
Summer Reading @ MCPL takes place June 1 through August 9, 2014. This year's Summer Reading program focuses on science, and the themes are "Fizz, Boom, Read!" for children birth through sixth grade, and "Spark a Reaction" for teens, 12 to 18 years old. It is important to  keep children's minds engaged over the summer months and participating in Summer Reading @ MCPL can help avoid the "summer slide" while developing early language skills; building reading skills; and motivating teens to read and discuss books.
MCPL staff is busy planning a summer full of fun and educational programs for children of all ages. Our many programs, which  include magicians, musicians, and storytellers, are funded by the Friends of the Library, Montgomery County, Inc. and by local Friends of the Library chapters. Schedules of programs are on the Library's Calendar of Events.
Beginning June 1, children and teens can sign up online at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library.
Start summer with a bang - - - sign up for Summer Reading @MCPL!
B. Parker Hamilton, Director |
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All branches of Montgomery County Public Libraries will be closed on Sunday, May 25 and Monday, May 26 in observance of Memorial Day.
Digital Media Lab
You're invited to the grand opening of the Digital Media Lab, Studio i, at Long Branch Library, Saturday, May 17 at 11 AM. Please RSVP to 240-777-0033 by May 10.
Get Caught Reading Month
May is "Get Caught Reading Month." Stop by your local branch and check out some books, or download e-books or magazines. Just READ!
National Pet Month
Celebrate National Pet Month and improve reading skills. Join us for our programs where young readers are invited to read out load to special therapy dogs. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required.
- Damascus Library - Every Tuesday in May, 4 PM. Read to Zachy, a rescued greyhound.
- Germantown Library - Every Wednesday in May, 4 PM. Read to Zachy, a rescued greyhound. First come, first served.
- Marilyn J. Praisner Library - Every Friday in May, 4 PM. Read to Frodo.
- Quince Orchard Library - Every Thursday in May, 7 PM. R.E.A.D. program.
- Twinbrook Library - Every Wednesday in May, 4 PM. Read to Katey, a visiting Dalmatian, who likes 2nd and 3rd graders to read to her.
Astronomy Day
Saturday, May 10 is Astronomy Day! Join us at the Quince Orchard branch for Cosmic Adventures: Traveling Planetarium. A Brief Tour of the Universe, beginning at 2 PM, will discuss the stars and constellations, explore the phases of the moon, and zoom into some of the planets of the solar system. For ages 5 and up--space is limited. Tickets will be given out 30 minutes before the program. You must have a ticket to enter the Planetarium. Program sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Quince Orchard Chapter. Call 240-777-0200 for more information.
Gardening Help
Need help in the garden? Ask an expert! Bring plant specimens and/or gardening questions for the Master Gardeners. No registration required.
To learn more, see our Gardening Libguide.
ZooMobile
Who says you have to travel to a foreign country to find amazing animals? Many intriguing animals live in your own backyard! Come to the Bethesda branch on Saturday, May 31, 11 AM get to know some special hometown heroes. For ages 6-12 and their parents or caregivers. Space is limited. Free tickets will be distributed 30 minutes prior to the program. This STEM program is sponsored by Friends of the Library, Montgomery County, Inc.
Teen Book Club
The Teen Book Club at Chevy Chase Library will discuss The Princess Bride by William Goldman at 12 PM on Saturday, May 10. It is a timeless love story between a farm boy Westley and the beautiful Princess Buttercup, along with the author's comments on life and art as he attempts to edit the children's classic. As an added treat, the movie will be shown. Open to all readers grades 7 and up. Registration is required, please call or stop by the Info Desk to sign up. Copies will be available at the Info Desk.
Davis Library Community Day
Join the celebration of the Davis community on May 31, 10 AM - 4 PM! Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Davis Chapter, the festivities will include a magic show at 10:30; clowns creating balloon animals from 10:30 to 12:30; fire trucks on display from 11 to 1; Chinese paper cutting craft from 11 to 1; a book sale from 10 to 4, and more.
Other notable dates:
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Did You Know . . .
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...that you can download magazines for free to your computer, tablet, or mobile device? Zinio is a free collection of 100 full color, interactive digital magazines. You can read current issues and back issues without holds, checkout periods, or a limit on the number you can download. All you need is your library card to get started. Have fun reading your favorite magazines today! |
Programs for Kids & Teens at Damascus Library!
 | | "It is truly one of the highlights of our month to stop by (Damascus Library) and drop off the past month's "adventures" only to check out a whole new set of "adventures." Our kids just LOVE it...and so do we." Jim & Tina |
Construction Crew: DUPLO®
Children from ages 0 - 6 are invited to build with DUPLO® and EDU-BLOCK® every Thursday morning from 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM. The library supplies the blocks, so please leave yours at home - - - just bring your ideas and start building! Your creations must be left at the library, but may be photographed before deconstruction. All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
For Adults at Damascus Library
Do you have a damaged computer or laptop that needs repair? Bring it to Damascus Library on Saturday, May 24 to learn how to repair it with help from a Microsoft Certified Professional! Registration starts Monday, May 10. Space is limited. Register online or call 240-773-9444 for more information.
For more information on programs at Damascus Library and all other MCPL branches, check MCPL's Calendar of Events.
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"I would teach how science works as much as I would teach what science knows. I would assert (given that essentially, everyone will learn to read) that science literacy is the most important kind of literacy they can take into the 21st century. I would undervalue grades based on knowing things and find ways to reward curiosity. In the end, it's the people who are curious who change the world."
~ Neil deGrasse Tyson
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Chat Online with the County Executive
Residents have an opportunity to ask questions about local issues of County Executive Ike Leggett either before or during the next scheduled Online Chat on Wednesday, May 14, from 1 to 2 PM. Questions and answers will be posted both during and after the chat.
Submit questions.
For more information, call the Office of Public Information at 240-777-6507.
Memorial Day Holiday Reminder about Recycling/Trash Collections
Due to the Memorial Day holiday on Monday, May 26, County-provided recycling/trash collection services will slide one day later through the rest of that week. For example, Monday pickups will occur on Tuesday, ending on Saturday when Friday collections would be made. More information available from Solid Waste Services.
Neighborhood Beautification Grants Available: Help Keep Montgomery County Beautiful
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation's (MCDOT) Keep Montgomery County Beautiful (KMCB) Task Force is reviewing grant applications through June to fund beautification projects that help improve the appearance of communities.
Grants must be used for new projects that improve community aesthetics or serve to protect the environment. The grants pay 50 percent of the total cost, up to $500, on a competitive basis to any non-profit community association. Construction and general maintenance projects or those that have already been completed do not qualify.
To apply for a beautification grant, or for information on how you can become a member of the Task Force, contact MCDOT's Community Outreach Program at 240-777-7155 or by email at mcdot.outreach@montgomerycountymd.gov or visit their website. |
The Library Board welcomes three new members: Kory Boone, Anne Core, and Ashutosh Rao. All three members come to the Board with a variety of interests and experiences and are looking forward to working with our library community.
Library Board members joined with Friends of the Library, Montgomery County, Inc. (FOLMC) to visit Councilmembers to discuss the County Executive's proposed FY2015 operating budget and to hear the Councilmembers' views on library issues.
The Library Board is partnering with FOLMC and the arts and humanities community to sponsor a candidates' forum on May 20, 2014 from 6 PM to 7:30 PM at Imagination Stage in Bethesda. The forum is for the election of the County Executive and will give the library community a good opportunity to find out how the candidates support our libraries. Save the date! |
Friends of the Library Used Bookstore in Gaithersburg Closed
Due to the renovation of Quince Orchard Plaza in Gaithersburg, the used bookstore located there and operated by Friends of the Library, Montgomery County (FOLMC) closed on April 5, 2014. The store operated at this location for nearly five years and was part of the organization's effort to expand its bookstore operations to the upcounty area. FOLMC currently operates two bookstores in Rockville and Wheaton. Customers may take donated books to either of these locations.
The Wheaton bookstore in the lower level of the Wheaton Library, 11701 Georgia Ave., was named Best Used Bookstore by the Washington City Paper. The Rockville bookstore, at Randolph Hills Shopping Center (next to Moti's Market), 4886 Boiling Brook Pkwy., won in the category of Best Used Bookstore in 2014 from Bethesda Magazine.
Proceeds from the bookstores support library enhancements throughout Montgomery County Public Libraries. Bookstore customers may also visit their local branch libraries for used book sales throughout the year. |
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