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From the Director 
Three years ago, library advocates proclaimed 'Libraries Matter - No More Cuts.' The County Executive and Council heard their message and responded. Our advocates then began to promote, 'Libraries Still Matter - Build Them Up.' The County Executive and Council heard this message and responded. Over the past few years funds have been added back to Libraries' budget for materials, staffing and hours. This fiscal year, in response to feedback from our customers, the County Executive and Council have once again responded by allocating funds for additional service hours.
Beginning Sunday, October 5, MCPL branches will be open longer, with added service hours totaling 106 hours, 9.4 percent more than in fiscal year 2014. Sixteen branches will have expanded hours, joining the five branches whose hours were increased in FY13. The expanded hours at the Silver Spring branch will go into effect when the new library opens later in this fiscal year. In addition, four more branches will be open on Sundays from 1 to 5 PM bringing the total number of branches with Sunday hours to 13.
To further enhance the system, funding for materials acquisition was increased for the current fiscal year by $500,000. This is the largest materials budget ($5,350,000) since FY10.
The expanded hours, staffing and collections were announced September 9 at a news conference at the Rockville Memorial Library attended by local library community advocates and representatives; County Executive Isiah Leggett; County Council President Craig Rice; Council Vice President George Leventhal; Councilmembers Phil Andrews, Roger Berliner, Marc Elrich, Nancy Floreen and Nancy Navarro; and Gaithersburg Mayor Sidney Katz.
On behalf of our residents and staff, I am really happy that our library advocates, Mr. Leggett and County Council are sending the same message - Libraries Matter!
B. Parker Hamilton, Director
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Teen Read Week: October 12-18
Visit our Teensite to see the many resources you can use to help turn your dreams into reality!
Celebrate National Reading Group Month
 The 2014 One Maryland One Book selection, The Distance Between Us: A Memoir by Reyna Grande, an eye-opening book about life before and after illegally immigrating from Mexico to the United States, will be the topic of book discussion groups at Potomac Library on October 15, 1 PM and at Davis Library on October 15, 7 PM.
For more book discussion groups, visit our Calendar of Events.
Selfie Reflections on Saturdays
 Create your autobiography of the photographic world using Mac-based software such as iPhoto and Adobe Creative Suite. Saturdays from 11 AM - 1 PM, October 4, 11, 18 and 25, at Long Branch Library. Call 240.777.0910 or Register ONLINE.
Learn how to use Pinterest
On October 29, 10 AM - Noon, come learn how to use the social bookmarking website, Pinterest, and make a Pinterest inspired craft! The workshop at Long Branch Library will cover creating a Pinterest account, how to navigate the website, and how to create and share boards and pins and end with a DIY/maker project that would also reuse materials from MCPL as a way to reduce waste and encourage upcycling. A valid email address is required. Registration is required.
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Did You Know . . .
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 . . . you can find authoritative, biographical information for free and online with Biography in Context? The information on each person comes from reference books, magazines, and newspapers. You can even find primary source material as well. Don't have a specific person in mind that you want to know more about? Besides searching the name of the individual, you can also search by occupation and nationality. Try their Browse People to find individuals based on a category. There are many categories to choose - from Actors to Young Adult Writers. This is perfect for biography research assignments, to celebrate heritage history months, and for learning more about fascinating lives. Happy learning!
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Programs at Davis Library
Halloween Fun for Kids at Davis Library!
Come to Halloween Storytime on Wednesday, October 22 at 10:30 AM. Special books, music and activities with a Halloween theme for children from 2 to 6 years old, accompanied by an adult caregiver. No registration needed.
Also in the Halloween spirit, you are invited to Davis Library on Saturday, October 25 at 10:30 AM for Halloween Stories and Crafts. This program includes slightly scary stories and crafts for Halloween. Fun for the whole family, wear a costumes if you'd like! No registration needed.
Great Program for Adults
Come get "Cary-d" away with Cary Grant and Ingrid Berman at a showing of Hitchcock's spy thriller Notorious (1946) at Davis Library on Friday, October 10. Light refreshments will be provided by the Davis Friends of the Library. You may bring your own brown bag lunch. Show starts promptly at noon. Part of the Senior Cinema Series at Davis Library.
For more Davis Library events, including e-book help sessions, English Conversation Club, storytimes, and book discussions, as well as all Montgomery County Public Libraries' programs, please check our Calendar of Events.
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Calling all TEENS, we want to hear from YOU!
We are designing a Digital Media Lab at Silver Spring Library, and we want to know what you think.
Are you an artist, designer, musician, photographer, or just someone looking to unleash their creative side?
Teen Focus Group
 Silver Spring Library
Thursday, October 9, 4-6 PM
Refreshments will be served!
Please sign up at the Silver Spring Information Desk or call 240-773-9420.
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Montgomery County Announces Celebrations during Hispanic Heritage Month
Celebrated since 1968, Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes the contributions to our communities and impact on our culture made by Hispanic and Latino Americans. It also provides an opportunity for residents of all backgrounds to participate in the celebrations and experience Hispanic food, art and entertainment. Visit the County's Website for local events that will occur during Hispanic Heritage Month throughout the County and region.
Germantown Oktoberfest
On Sunday, October 5, 12 - 7 PM, attend the Germantown Oktoberfest, a family-oriented festival, at High Point Farm, 23730 Frederick Road, Clarksburg. Enjoy scarecrow making, pumpkin painting children's games, wine tasting, music, crafts, exhibits and fireworks. Free admission.
Student Townhall Meeting
The Montgomery County Council is hosting its 5th annual Town Hall Meeting for Students on Wednesday, October 15, 7 PM at the Council Office Building in Rockville. The October meeting is open to high school and middle school students from public and private schools from around the County and to students from local colleges. The meeting will allow the participants to let Councilmembers know how they feel about specific issues and also will provide the opportunity to ask questions of the Councilmembers in an organized, but informal, setting. Students who wish to attend the meeting are asked to RSVP by calling 240-777-7931.
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Fall Literary Luncheon Series
FOLMC is proud to announce the Fall Literary Luncheon series, featuring three exceptional local authors at the Strathmore Mansion. Each event includes an author talk, book signing, and an optional catered lunch. For more information and to reserve your seat, please visit the Literary Luncheon page.
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Library Advisory Committee Achievement Awards
On September 10, Montgomery County Library Board presented its Library Advisory Committee (LAC) Achievement Awards.
The Eleanor Ablard Award was presented to the Gaithersburg LAC for their determination to continue meeting while the Gaithersburg branch operated from a temporary home at Lakeforest Mall. For over two years, while the permanent building was under construction, the Gaithersburg LAC met on the lower floor of the mall at an improvised location, where chairs and tables, normally meant for mall visitors, had to be hurriedly rearranged. Under the chairmanship of Christopher Dentel, the LAC members met to discuss the issues they deemed important for the Gaithersburg branch and their community. During this time, the LAC actively provided advice and input about the planning and structure of the future library from the perspective of the users, and how best the services could be utilized and optimized. When the building was ready, the LAC offered and rendered assistance in moving library books and rearranging shelves at the new facility. Their familiarity with the library issues and the needs of the library users proved an asset in organizing the resources. The LAC also actively helped with the grand opening ceremony of the Gaithersburg branch in January 2014, with Christopher Dentel being one of the speakers on this occasion. Recently, the LAC has been collaborating with Friends of the Library in identifying the best areas within the library for organizing a successful book sale event.
Steve Schmal was presented with the David Chiles Member of the Year Award. Mr. Schmal has been a member of the Chevy Chase LAC for many years and currently serves as its Chair. He has been diligent in his advocacy for both the robust continuance of Montgomery County Public Libraries' services and the provision of quality library services and enrichment programs for the Chevy Chase community. He has testified at numerous governmental hearings and forums in support of library system budgetary and programmatic needs. He has also rallied the Chevy Chase community to express their support of the library system.
 | | Board President Robyn Watts, Gaithersburg LAC Chair & Vice Chair Christopher Dentel and Bruce Goldensohn |
 | | Board Vice Chair/Chevy Chase LAC Liaison, Deborah Brooks and Chevy Chase LAC Chair Steve Schmal |
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