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From the Director 
Among MCPL's Strategic Plan goals are providing learning readiness through early literacy programs and helping learners succeed. We have implemented new and expanded existing programs and services to fulfill these goals.
Children
All Children Excel (ACE) is our umbrella for specialized programs and services developed by MCPL with content for early literacy and to help children learn. With the focus on STEM/STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics), these programs, technology, and materials are designed to help children achieve in these areas and include:
Visit our Kid's E-Library which features e-books and audiobooks, music and language learning.
MCPL also has Early Literacy Stations for children ages 2 - 10. These special computers are available at Aspen Hill, Damascus, Germantown, Long Branch, and White Oak libraries, with dozens of educational programs in English and Spanish.
Teens
Log on to find out about MCPL's online homework resources, chat with a librarian about homework, and link to websites about the Arts, History & Geography, Language/Grammar/Writing, Literature, Math, Science, and Social Issues.
Our College Search features information on preparing for college, test preparation, and financial aid. There is also a booklist for college bound teens and a list of colleges and rankings.
Adults
MCPL lends books, videotapes and DVDs, audiotapes, and CDs that provide instruction in speaking, reading, and writing English. Practice speaking English in a friendly group - come to a Conversation Club! Everyone is welcome. Come as often as you like. Registration is not required. These sessions are discussions led by volunteers; they are not classes. Our online calendar of events lists the English Conversation Clubs. For information on learning languages other than English, please visit our Language Learning library guide.
Take high-quality, free courses and career training programs entirely over the Internet via Gale Courses.
Check us out - - - Montgomery County Public Libraries - Where the County Learns
B. Parker Hamilton, Director
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Holiday Closings
All Montgomery County Public Libraries will be closed on Sunday, August 31 and Monday, September 1 in observance of Labor Day.
Upcoming Library Programs
Mahjongg
Time to showcase your matching skills, Mahjongg lovers! Join our group August 4, 10 AM - 2 PM at the Olney branch to play this game that involves skill, strategy and calculation and a certain degree of chance.
Construction Crew: DUPLO®
 Drop in our Damascus branch at 10:30 AM on August 7 for an open session of imaginative construction with DUPLO® (ages 2-5), and EDU-BLOCK® (ages NB-2). We supply 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. Sponsored by Friends of the Library, Damascus Chapter. Drop-in, no pre-registration.
Eat Your Science Homework
Ann McCallum presents "Eat Your Science Homework" at the Kensington Park branch on August 12, 6:30 PM. Ann McCallum is a local author whose book "Eat Your Math Homework" has been popular since it came out in 2011. Her new look at the possibilities for tasty science projects is sure to please. For ages 5-12 and families
Picture Books on the Big Screen
Join us on August 13, 10:30 AM at the Marilyn J. Praisner branch as we show delightful short films based on your favorite picture books. Films for August 13 are: I'm Dirty, and Amazing Grace. All ages are welcome!
Aspen Hill Knitting and Crocheting Club
Do you want to learn to knit? Or are you a knitter or crocheter who enjoys sharing ideas and tips with others? Come to Aspen Hill Branch on August 15, 3 PM and bring your current project or, if you are a beginner, some worsted-weight yarn and size eight knitting needles if you have a pair. Beginning crocheters can bring a crocheting needle and yarn, and learn the basics, too.
Teen Movie Night: "Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters"
 Join us at our Gaithersburg branch for a screening of Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters. On August 18, 6:30 PM, watch as Percy continues the epic journey to fulfill his destiny, teaming with his demigod friends to retrieve the Golden Fleece. (2013, rated PG, 106 minutes). Room 1, 2nd Floor.
Teens: Libraries Need Your Input
MCPL is recruiting new members for its Teen Advisory Group (TAG). TAG is comprised of approximately 30 Montgomery County teens (ages 14-18) who review books, movies, and music; interview authors, artists and government officials; provide content for our Facebook page; suggest ways the library can attract more teens; help develop teen spaces in libraries that are inviting to teens; and promote library services and programs among their peers.
This year's recruitment begins on Friday, August 1. Applications are available online at our Teensite and in paper format at your local library. Submit applications by Friday, September 5 online or at your home library. Qualified teens will be interviewed, and selections made in September.
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Did You Know . . .
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 ...that we have e-books for kids on TumbleBooks? It's an online collection of animated, talking picture books that includes story books, chapter books, nonfiction, videos, and more. Looking for e-books in other languages? It includes e-books in French and Spanish. Have fun reading with your kids today!
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Programs at Potomac Library
Come to a Family Beach Party at Potomac Library!
On Saturday, August 2, 11 AM, families are invited to attend "Cody & BJ's Jammin' Beach Party!" This free event includes family friendly music, surfboard surfing, limbo, hula-hoops, and the last ingredient to all this fun is YOU! Families of all ages are welcome. No registration is required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Montgomery County, Inc.
Magic & Science & Stuff
On Thursday, August 14, 11 AM, Mike Rose presents "Magic & Science & Stuff" at Potomac Library. Families and children of all ages join in on impossible magic tricks, strange mind reading stunts and off-the-wall comedy, all themed around science and experimentation. Don't miss it! Free. No registration required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Montgomery County, Inc.
Family Game Day!
Every Tuesday at 3 PM, families are invited to come to Potomac Library to play Boggle, Backgammon, Jenga, Monopoly and plenty more! This family-style program is geared for children five years old and up with their parents/caregivers. This event is free and no registration is required.
For more Potomac Library events (including Chess Club, Book Club, Chinese Language Book Club and more), and all Montgomery County Public Libraries programs, please check our Calendar of Events or call Potomac Library at 240-777-0690.
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 | | "That's the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your feet." ~ Jhumpa Lahiri |
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 | | TAG Commercial |
This video, promoting the activities and services of MCPL's Teen Advisory Group (TAG), was created by Shannon Farney, Department of Technology Services. Ms. Farney received an Alliance for Community Media Hometown Award - Honorable Mention for this PSA.
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Wheaton Presents TGIF
Downtown Wheaton presents its 2014 TGIF Summer Series with music and movies on Friday evenings at the Wheaton Triangle (corner of Grandview Avenue and Reedie Drive). Concerts are scheduled for 7 to 8:30 p.m. and movies begin at dusk.
August schedule:
August 1 - The Lego Movie (G)
August 8 - Fast & Furious 6 (PG-13)
August 15 - Grupo Latino Continental (Latin)
August 22 - John Stone Reggae Band (Reggae)
August 29 - The Nighthawks (Roots Rock, Blues)
Maryland Senior Olympics
The 2014 Maryland Senior Olympics will be held from August 16 through September 28 at venues in Baltimore, Montgomery, Howard, Anne Arundel and Queen Annes counties and in the City of Baltimore. This year is a qualifying year for the 2015 National Senior Games in Minnesota. The event features more than 100 events in 23 sports on the state level, as well as non-qualifying participatory sports that include billiards, bocce, corn hole, croquet, disc golf and lawn bowling.
Participants must be 50 years of age and older. Maryland is open to out-of-state athletes. Registration deadline is two weeks prior to events. Download a copy of the 2014 Information and Registration Guide. For more information e-mail: info@mdseniorolympics.org or call 410-396-2920.
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Is the Library Advisory Committee for You?
The mission of a Library Advisory Committee ( LAC) is to advise the Montgomery County Library Board (MCLB) and the branch manager on issues of local interest and concern for the benefit of the community and Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL). These issues may include, but are not limited to, collections, services, and facilities. The LACs are the voice of the community operating on a grassroots level for each library branch or services section. A single LAC is designated to represent the needs of each local library or special services section of MCPL.
The local LACs are the eyes and ears of the MCPL system. It is through the observations and suggestions of LACs that MCLB can advise the MCPL director about what local library branches are doing well, and what needs improvement.
LAC activities/roles include:
- Participating in providing government officials with advice and counsel about libraries via MCLB. In support of positions taken by MCLB, may testify before County Council and/or appear at Council hearings.
- Communicating regularly with library users to improve awareness of issues of concern to them and to be able to tell the stories from their perspective.
- Recruiting others to join the LAC and to speak out for the libraries.
- Help to raise awareness of what the library system offers and local library branch needs.
- Communicate regularly with the community leaders, encouraging their involvement and interest in MCPL.
- Participate in library observances and activities.
- Build coalition with the Friends of the Library to form a nucleus of the effort to support MCPL.
- Build networking relationship with the Parent councils, PTAs, faculty and other groups with similar concerns in the community.
Interested in getting more involved? Become an LAC member. Download an application or visit your local branch to apply. Libraries Matter!
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