As we head into a new fiscal year (FY15), I want to take this opportunity to thank you, our customers; County Executive Leggett; and the County Council for the support of Public Libraries.

 
In FY14, your advocacy lead to our funders approving a budget for MCPL that was a 10.8% increase from the FY13 approved budget.  This enabled MCPL to: 

• Establish a Digital Media Lab and loaning laptop computers at Long Branch Library, supporting the work of students, job-seekers, small businesses, teens, seniors and others who need access to modern software tools for business and creating content.

• Substantially enhance the e-books collection, to meet greatly increased customer demand for e-books, while continuing to meet the diverse needs and high demand for print and media library materials.

• Fully support the staffing that was necessary to reopen the Gaithersburg and Olney branches in January and March, respectively.

• Increase library public service hours at Poolesville and Long Branch libraries in response to community input and our strategic needs.

This fiscal year, MCPL's budget will increase 10.0% over the FY14 approved budget and will continue to address elements of the department's strategic plan by supporting further increases in access to library services in the branches, continued investment in library materials, and support for maintaining the new technologies implemented in FY14.   

The County Council approved the County Executive's recommendation to add up to four hours per week to eleven library branches in FY15, adding $550,000 to the Executive's proposal.  Council asked that I make the determination as to which branches and which hours should be further expanded using those funds.  I completed analysis and review of options and have submitted a package of library service hours increases that total up to 106 additional service hours per week, with increases to 16 of the 21 branches, over FY14 levels.  The new hours will be announced this summer and implemented this fall.  

Your continued efforts to impress on our stakeholders the importance of public libraries has been critical in getting MCPL where we are today - stronger, better and ready for the future. 

MCPL Partners with KID Museum for STEM Makerspace 

On June 19, 2014, Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett announced completion of a three-year agreement between Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) and the new Kids International Discovery Museum (KID Museum) that will bring a nationally recognized model of hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) and arts programming for children and families to the region.  To be housed on the lower level at Davis Library, the "MakerSpace" will offer opportunities for local children and families to explore what they can make using a wide range of materials, tools and technologies.

MCPL Wins Two NACo Achievement Awards 

MCPL has received two National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards this year for outstanding programs: Service Beyond Our Walls:  The System-Wide Outreach Model and Express Kiosk @ Olney.  Started in 1970, the NACo annual Achievement Award Program is a non-competitive awards program that recognizes innovative county government programs.  Congratulations!  

Seasoned Spellers: A Senior Spelling Bee!

It's not too early - - - start practicing now for "Seasoned Spellers: A Senior Spelling Bee!"  Join the FOLMC on November 8, 2014, 11 AM at the Olney Library in a day of friendly competition and a celebration of words.  If you are a senior (55 or over), register today for the Senior Spelling Bee!  Invite your friends to join the competition.  Registration ends Monday, November 3, 2014.  Registration fee is $25.00 per competitor.  There are limited competition slots. Register today.  Download and send in your registration information.  All contestants will receive a registration packet within five days of receipt of registration.