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June 2014
Where the County Reads, Where the County Meets, Where the County Learns 
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From the Director   

  

On Saturday, May 17, MCPL opened its first Digital Media Lab at the Long Branch Library. The ribbon cutting ceremony began at 11 AM and was attended by a number of local residents; County Executive Isiah Leggett; Councilmembers Cherri Branson and Hans Riemer; Reemberto Rodriguez, Director of the Silver Spring Regional Services Center; and representing MCPL partners, Meryln Reineke, Executive Director of Montgomery Community Media and Lynn Hughes, Gandhi Brigade.

 

Following the ribbon cutting, there was a tour of Studio i which contains four iMac desktop computers and four MacBook Pro notebook computers equipped with Adobe Creative Suite 6 and Apple iLife, including iPhoto, iMovie, and Garage Band.  

Additional tools include iPad Air tablets, scanner, video camera, USB audio recorders, microphones, headphones, a white wall, and a green screen wall.     

 

Studio i, a part of MCPL's makerspace initiative, is a new 21st century space for teens to explore, learn and create digital media.  The digital media lab introduces teens to new technologies they might not have the opportunity to work with on their own. It's an exciting approach to learning that will connect them with other teens and mentors to expand their knowledge and to tell their stories through digital media.  Through classes; workshops; and hands-on, collaborative time in the lab, teens will develop their technology skills and express themselves through creative projects.  Similar digital media labs are planned for Silver Spring and Wheaton libraries.

 

MCPL is working with area experts and community partners to offer a variety of classes and programming.  Classes will be available on topics such as art, digital photography, graphic design, storytelling, video production, music videos, social media, animation, computer programming, and more.  Additionally, teens will have the opportunity to become technology volunteers, earning Student Service Learning (SSL) hours by assisting other digital media lab users as they work with the technology.  


While the lab was designed with teens in mind, anyone older than 12 years of age with an active MCPL account can use the digital media lab after attending a brief orientation on lab equipment and policies.  All users are required to sign a user agreement.  The lab provides space for a maximum of 12 people at one time.

 

Come connect, collaborate and create at Studio i.

 

B. Parker Hamilton signature 

 

 

B. Parker Hamilton, Director 

 
Save the Date

Summer Reading Kickoff

Magician Peter Wood 

Olney Library will host the 2014 Summer Reading Kickoff on Saturday, June 7 at 10:30 AM with the Magic of Peter Woods.  He has the energy needed to connect with children of all ages, while still possessing a level of polish and showmanship that goes beyond entertainment.  It will Shazam you!  Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Montgomery County, Inc.  A summertime program for children and families.

 

Old Glory


U.S. Flag

June 14 is  Flag Day.  Stop by an MCPL branch and check out a book or two about the flag of the United States of America.  Who called it "Old Glory?"  Who designed the first flag?  Where can you find the original Star Spangled Banner today?  How many American flags are on the moon? 

 

Juneteenth Commemoration

 

In observance of Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the announcement of the abolition of slavery in the U.S. state of Texas in 1865, and more generally the emancipation of African Americans throughout the United States, MCPL will host, "Community Cornerstones," a film produced by Heritage Montgomery about African American Settlements and Churches in Montgomery County.
  
Between the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement, forty African American churches were founded in Montgomery County.  In these cornerstones of their communities, generations of black families created their own spiritual, social and educational opportunities.  This one-hour documentary of memories by elders from a select group of historic African American churches explains how these communities evolved through segregation and conveys their pride in the accomplishments of their ancestors.

Marilyn J. Praisner Library, June 9, 6:30 PM 
The film will be followed by a question and answer period with Gwendolyn Bell, a community member who participated in the film.  Please call the Marilyn J. Praisner Library at 240-773-9460 for more information.

Germantown Library, June 19, 7 PM
This film will be followed by a panel discussion with Peggy Erickson, past president of Heritage Montgomery, the film's producer, Barbara Grunbaum, and Gwen Reese, a community member in the film.  Pre-register online or call the library at 240-777-0110.

Poolesville Library, June 25, 7 PM
This film will be followed by a panel discussion with Peggy Erickson, past president of Heritage Montgomery, the film's producer, Barbara Grunbaum, and Gwen Reese, a community member in the film. 

 

Meditation for Healthy Living

Person meditating
 

Join Karin Silverman at the Davis Library on June 26, 6 PM, as she discusses the extraordinary benefits of meditation and how it improves the overall physical health of the body as well as the mental and spiritual health. Karin will present effective methods for creating a more satisfying lifestyle including harmonious relationships and a deep sense of peace. In this presentation, you will learn effective strategies and a simple but profound meditation technique that will help remove stress and worry. The audience will have a chance to practice this simple technique that can reduce stress, enhance relaxation and promote inner growth.

   

 

Did You Know . . .
 
MCPL on Pinterest

 

...that you can find good books to read for adults, teens, and kids on the MCPL Pinterest page?  We've got Pinterest boards for:
Don't forget you can listen to great audiobooks too - - -  June is Audiobook Appreciation Month.  There's a book (and audiobook) for everyone at MCPL! 
Branch Out

Programs at Wheaton Library!  

 

 

Get Gardening Help  this June at Wheaton Library  

 

Bring your ailing plants or any gardening questions for expert advice from Master Gardeners!  These highly popular plant clinics are conducted by expert gardeners from the Maryland Master Gardener Program, a University of Maryland Extension outreach initiative.  This program promises to teach the residents of Montgomery County gardening practices that both protect the environment and produce productive and beautiful gardens.  Our Master Gardeners give advice about plants, flowers and anything that grows in your garden.  This free program runs all year long on Saturdays from 10 AM to 2 PM and on Sundays from 1 PM to 4 PM.  No registration is required.

  

Adults and Seniors:  Learn How to Borrow Free Library E-Books 

 
e-readers

Want to know how to download FREE library e-books on your device?  Come to Wheaton Library on Saturday, June 7 from 2 PM - 3 PM!  You're invited to learn how to check out e-books, from the Library's website, to your Kindle, iPad, Nook, smartphone or other device!  Library volunteers will explain the basics.   

  

Young Children Build with Blocks 


White Oak legos

On Tuesdays, June 17 and June 24 from 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM, drop in to Wheaton Library for an open STEM session of imaginative construction with Duplo� (ages 2-5), Easy-Build Blocks� (ages 2-5) and Soft and Safe Building Blocks� (ages 6 months-3 yrs). We supply the blocks, so please leave yours at home - - - just bring your ideas and start building!  No pre-registration is needed for this free event!  

 

For more information on these and other Wheaton Library programs, including SCORE small business counseling and book discussion call Wheaton Library at 240-777-0678.  For all MCPL programs check out our Calendar of Events.

Library Quote
 
 
 
 
"Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him." 

~ Maya Angelou 
(1928 - 2014)
County Happenings

Upcoming 2014 Gubernatorial Primary Election

  

Montgomery County's Board of Elections (BOE) reminds residents that the 2014 Gubernatorial Primary Election this year is Tuesday, June 24. Early voting begins on June 12 and continues through June 19. Visit BOE's website for early voting center locations and hours of operation. The deadline to register to vote is June 3 at 9 PM.  To find out about additional important election dates, check the Board of Elections Calendar.


Caribbean American Heritage Month Events

 

Montgomery County is hosting a special celebration for Caribbean American Heritage Month on Wednesday, June 4 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.  Enjoy Caribbean-themed music and food at the Silver Spring Civic Building, One Veterans Place in Downtown Silver Spring.  This year's theme is "Caribbean Americans United for Economic Empowerment - Supporting Job Creation and Small Business." The keynote speaker will be Dr. DeVance Walker, Acting Chief, Division of Business Empowerment in Montgomery County's Department of Economic Development.

 

For more information about Caribbean Heritage Month events, contact Daniel Koroma, African and Caribbean community liaison in the County's Office of Community Partnerships at 240-777-2584. 

 

On Saturday, June 7, the sixth annual Aspen Hill Caribbean American Heritage Celebration will take place from 1:30 to 3:30 PM at the Aspen Hill Library, 4407 Aspen Hill Rd.  The celebration will feature live steel pan music, dance, a children's storyteller, crafts and activities.  The free celebration is sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Aspen Hill Chapter in cooperation with the Caribbean-American Chamber of Commerce, Greater Washington Area Network.  For more information about the event, call 301-871-1113 or email [email protected]

 

Library Board Happenings

 

Thank You, Volunteers!

 

The Library Board would like to thank all of the volunteers who supported our libraries in the past few months. Volunteers came to the County Council hearings wearing "Libraries Matter" buttons, wrote letters or signed a petition in support of an increased budget for libraries, and helped host a potluck dinner for Councilmembers.  All these efforts paid off; the library system will receive increased funding for the next fiscal year. With the help of our volunteer community, our branches will receive increased services and materials. Thank you!

 

FOL Happenings

  

Twice Told Tale: Live & Silent Auction

 

Join the Friends of the Library at Wheaton Library on Saturday, June 7 for Twice Told Tale, their first ever live and silent auction!  Don't miss out on this opportunity to bid on rare and collectible items, as well as take a shot at unique items during the silent auction.  Pre-registration is required to bid, sign up today as space is limited!  To sign up download the flyer and submit the $5 (check, cash or credit card) registration fee by June 2.

 
Montgomery County Public Libraries | 240-777-0001  [email protected] 

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