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From the Director

From December 23, 2014 through January 1, 2015, MCPL experienced a breakdown of the server that hosts our main business system. This breakdown, caused by a parts failure, greatly impacted our ability to efficiently and effectively serve our customers.
After repairing the server, technicians from IBM, Inc., the manufacturer, advised MCPL that the server hardware was at the end of its service life and future problems might be difficult or impossible to repair. Keeping this is mind, MCPL worked with the Department of Technology Services (DTS) to identify preventative measures. It was determined that MCPL would fare better with a hosted system.
We received approval to negotiate permanently moving our main business system to a hosted implementation, sometimes referred to as a "Cloud" solution, which will run our entire system over the Internet. This is the same type of operations and business arrangement implemented by DTS this past fall for the County's main email system and used successfully by many other library systems, including the District of Columbia Public Library, Cecil County Public Library, and Anne Arundel County Public Library.
Based on the information provided, we believe this new hosted solution will have minimal disruption for customers; will be more cost effective over the long term; and will provide MCPL with better maintenance and response arrangements.
Arrangements for the contract and the permanent transition to a hosted solution are now underway. Implementation will occur on an expedited basis within the next six weeks.
Thank you to our customers for their patience and understanding during the outage, and I am proud of the dedication of MCPL employees who always rise to the challenge during any situation.
The time and work that is going into our new improved system reflects our ongoing commitment to providing quality customer service to all residents of Montgomery County.

B. Parker Hamilton, Director
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Save the Date
All MCPL branches and offices will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2015 in observance of Presidents' Day.
Library Lovers Month
February is Library Lovers Month. Stop by one of the many programs around the County. Events include special storytimes, parties, and concerts. Additionally, many branches will have special stations for telling us why you love your library.
Making a Difference: African American Women and the Civil Rights Movement The Germantown Library will feature an exhibit that showcases photographic images and stories of African American women who were instrumental in shaping the modern Civil Rights Movement from the 1950s-1960s. The exhibit is on loan from the Enoch Pratt Free Library. Check our website for more Black History Month events.
Celebrate Lunar New Year Stop by Bethesda Library February 14 at 11 AM as we Celebrate Chinese New Year with a performance by the Madison Chinese Dance Academy. Additional events will be held throughout February at library branches around the County.
Snapshot Day 2015 - We Want You in the Picture! February 18, 2015, is Library Snapshot Day: One Day in the Life of Montgomery County Public Libraries. Snapshot Day provides MCPL an opportunity to collect statistics, pictures, and stories that show how people love and use their libraries. Join us for a variety of activities which will take place throughout the day at many MCPL branches.
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Did You Know . . .
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...that you have free access to the Oxford African American Studies Center online with your library card? It has a comprehensive collection of scholarship, over 10,000 articles, available online that focuses on the lives and events which have shaped African American and African history and culture. There you can find biographical information, images, maps, primary source material, and much more. It also includes timelines on a variety of topics including literature. It's perfect for school assignments or personal research!
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Come experience the music of Harp Happy!, a quartet of Celtic harpers, on Wednesday, February 11, 1 - 2 PM! In celebration of Library Lovers month, Harp Happy! will play an array of love songs from around the world, including songs from England, Ireland, Wales, New Zealand, China, Japan, Persia, Poland, Greece, Sweden, Israel, Latvia, and the United States. Styles include classic to pop - including a special Elvis medley! This event is fun for all ages and is sponsored by Quince Orchard Library and Friends of the Library, Quince Orchard Chapter. Call 240-777-0200 for more information.
Chinese New Year Celebration: Year of the Sheep!
Usher in the Chinese New Year 4713, Year of the Sheep, with the Gaithersburg Chinese School on Saturday, February 21, 11 AM - 1 PM! Enjoy folk dancing and performances at 11 AM, and arts and crafts at 12 PM. Space is limited. Fun for all ages. This event is presented by the students and staff of Gaithersburg Chinese School and sponsored by the Friends of the Library, Quince Orchard Chapter. Additional events will be held throughout February at library branches around the County.
For more Quince Orchard Library events, including entertaining storytimes and book discussions as well as all MCPL programs, please check our Calendar of Events.
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"Once you learn to read, you will be forever free." - Frederick Douglass
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FY16 Operating Budget Forum
Monday, February 2, 7 - 8:30 PM, County Executive Leggett will hold an FY16 Operating Budget Forum at the Bethesda Chevy-Chase Regional Services Center, 4805 Edgemoor Lane, Bethesda. This forum is free and open to all.
New Venture Workshop: Ready Set Go!
Interested in starting your first business, but want to find out more information on what to expect? This free workshop on February 3, 11 AM to 1:30 PM is for you! Experienced business consultants will share what to anticipate when starting a new business including, information on the legal and licensing requirements, the business plan, the different financing options, preparing a marketing strategy and all the perks and drawbacks that come with the life of an entrepreneur. Visit the website for the Department of Economic Development to register for this workshop and to see other available workshops and seminars.
Town Hall Meeting
County Executive Isiah Leggett will hold a town hall meeting on Tuesday, March 31 at 7:30pm at White Oak Middle School.
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Spring 2015 Literary Luncheons
Join FOLMC for their Spring 2015 Literary Luncheon Series, held at the Strathmore Mansion in North Bethesda, Maryland on March 19 and April 16, 2015. Each luncheon features an author talk and book signing, as well as a catered lunch. A limited number of books will be available for purchase on-site during the luncheon. This lecture and lunch series is brought to you with financial support from the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County. Visit the FOLMC website to register.
Not a member? Join today to support FOLMC and get special discounted rates for events, receive the quarterly newsletter, and other benefits of membership!
 Thursday, March 19, 2015 Speaker: Kathryn O'Sullivan Kathryn O'Sullivan is a cozy mystery novelist and playwright whose works have been featured in theaters including the American Globe Theatre and the Kennedy Center. Murder on the Hoof is the second book in the Colleen McCabe mystery series set on North Carolina's Outer Banks.
Library After Dark Mark your calendars for FOLMC's first annual Library After Dark event on April 18 at Rockville Memorial Library, with the theme "Card Catalog to the Cloud." FOLMC will highlight MCPL's forward momentum into the 21st century as a vibrant community space, and we expect county elected officials and library supporters to attend. At the event FOLMC will announce the winner of the Library Professional of the Year award, which will honor a library professional or team that supports the mission, vision, and values of the library system. The event also features a wine tasting, dessert bar, light hors d'oeuvres, performances by local musical groups, and the announcement of the Charles W. Gilchrist Award winner. More information is coming soon!
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Library Board members, past and present, along with Library Advisory Committee (LAC) members, attended the County Executives FY16 Operating Budget Forums.
Interested in being a part of the "orange movement" to promote public libraries? Become a member of your local LAC. Stop by your local library branch for more information.
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