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March 2015
Where the County Reads, Where the County Meets, Where the County Learns 
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From the Director

 

The Silver Spring Library began service in 1931 in the East Silver Spring Elementary School, and was one of the first of seven independent libraries to form Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) on July 1, 1951. The current site was built on land donated by the Hecht Company.

 

In preparation for the opening of the new Silver Spring Library, at 900 Wayne Avenue, the current library building will be closing to the public at 5 PM on March 15, 2015. The branch will be open from 1 to 5 PM that day and will host a closing event for the Silver Spring community from 3:30 to 5 PM commemorating 58 years of library service.

 

For assistance in managing accounts during the closed period, please speak with any Silver Spring Library staff member; call Ask-a-Librarian at 240 777-0001; or review information on the Silver Spring Blog

 

Please remember that once the current Silver Spring Library closes, there are other nearby branches that can be used, such as Long Branch, White Oak, Wheaton, or any branch that may be convenient. Find all branch hours and locations.  

 

There is much hard work to do in the coming weeks. This will give us the time needed to close the current building down. Once we occupy the new building and assess the work that remains, we will be ready to announce an opening date.

 

The new site will be the fourth home for the Silver Spring Library.

 

 

  B. Parker Hamilton signature

 

 

B. Parker Hamilton, Director  

  

Save the Date

March Book Battle runs March 2 - 30

 

Beginning Monday, March 2, local book lovers are invited to vote online for their favorite books. This is our second annual March Book Battle. This year's battle features separate categories for teen and adult books and children's books. Vote today! 

 

Celebrate Irish-American Heritage Month at MCPL!  

 

We are celebrating Irish-American Heritage with displays and events across the County! Visit Marilyn J. Praisner Library on March 7 at 3 PM for the Culkin School's Irish Dancing Program, or join Gaithersburg Library on March 14 at 2 PM for the Duffy Irish Dance School. Look for an event or display near you and join our celebration.

 

Bring your laptop, tablet or smart phone to Aspen Hill Library on Tuesday, March 17 at 6:15 PM to learn about job search directories, business databases, Microsoft tutorials and resume software online. Basic to intermediate computer skills are needed to benefit from this program. To attend, call 240-773-9410 or register online. Limited space is available.

Teens, fight back against hackers, trackers and phishing! This event will be held at Davis Library on March 17 at 6 PM. Teens will learn how to protect their privacy from online tracking, hacked device cameras, vulnerable public WiFi networks, and other threats during this lively and informative session about computer security. To attend, call 240-777-0922 or register online.

For more events happening around the County, check our Calendar of Events.
Meet MCPL

Chris Freeman began his work as MCPL's Public Services Administrator for Branch Operations and Customer Service on December 15, 2014. Chris came to MCPL from sunny California - a decision he may be questioning with weather like this - and we are very happy to have him. Chris supervises all aspects of the 21 branches that make up Montgomery County Public Libraries.

 

Mary Ellen Icaza is MCPL's Virtual Services Manager with responsibility for the library's online presence via the website and social media. Mary Ellen previously worked for MCPL as the Electronic Services Librarian and returned to the library system in 2012. She is excited about bringing library services to online customers.

 

Judith Taylor is the first face you see when visiting MCPL's Administrative Offices, and the first voice you hear when calling. Judith makes customers and staff feel welcome. For the nine years Judith has been with MCPL, she has had the same bright smile and warm demeanor. 

 

Twinbrook Library's new branch manager, Will Wheeler, began his duties there on May 19, 2014. Will came to MCPL from neighboring Georgetown University. He said he was "very, very, excited to join the innovative and broad-reaching community of librarians at MCPL."

Did You Know . . .
 ...that 12 MCPL branches offer free English Conversation Clubs? People can practice speaking English with a friendly group. Everyone is welcome and can come as often as they like. Registration is not required. Want to practice speaking Spanish? Olney, Quince Orchard, and Rockville Memorial offer Spanish Conversation Clubs. Happy language learning!
MCPL Moving Forward
We are pleased that our Conversation Clubs were featured in two articles and a video by Aline Barros of Montgomery Community Media
. You can read:
Library Quote
alcott quote "Some books are so familiar that reading them is like being home again." - Louisa May Alcott
County Happenings
 

EITC Free Tax Preparation 

 

If you made less than $53,000 in 2014 you may qualify for the EITC FREE tax preparation. IRS-certified volunteers from nonprofit and public agencies will e-file your taxes and direct deposit your federal and state tax refund for FREE!

 

Montgomery County Dolphin Tank 

 

On March 26, 6 - 9 PM, Springboard Enterprises, Montgomery County Department of Economic Development, and Launch Workplaces present The Dolphin Tank at:

 

Launch Workplaces

9841 Washingtonian Boulevard, Suite 200

Gaithersburg, MD 20878.

 

We swim alongside you. Friendly feedback NOT a feeding frenzy.

What happens in the Dolphin Tank?

  • You give your 2 minute pitch;
  • A panel of seasoned entrepreneurs tells you what they liked about your idea and you; you also get valuable feedback based on their expertise;
  • We ask the audience if they have questions, suggestions or advice;
  • It's all about the network effect - getting actionable insights from knowledgeable people who may be able to make that needed connection.
Who can pitch? Any entrepreneur with an early stage company or idea (later-stage will also be considered).
Who should attend? Those with experience working with start-ups, investing, entrepreneurship, or just a real interest in learning more about how to pitch a company!

Applications to pitch will be open until Friday, March 13th. Register online.
FOL Happenings
 

Library After Dark, April 18, 2015 

 

You're invited to FOLMC's first annual Library After Dark fundraising event on Saturday, April 18 at the Rockville Memorial Library. The theme, "Card Catalog to the Cloud," will highlight MCPL's transformation into vibrant community spaces with new technology, educational programs, and everyone's new favorite books. The event starts at 7:30 PM and will feature a local wine tasting, dessert reception, and the presentation of two awards: the FOLMC's first Library Professional of the Year Award, as well as the Charles W. Gilchrist Volunteer Award.

 

Mariposa Poetry and the talented students at Adventure Theatre MTC will also perform during the event and there will be a raffle of unique author experiences.

 

Visit our Library After Dark page for more information and to purchase tickets. We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Library Board Happenings

 

On February 18, Montgomery County Library Board with MCPL; Friends of the Library, Montgomery County, Inc. and local Friends of the Library chapters; and the Library Advisory Committees celebrated the fifth annual
Library Snapshot Day: One Day in the Life of Montgomery County Public Libraries.

At left, Library Board member Amishi Sabnis reads to children at Noyes Library for Young Children.

Check out all the Snapshot Day photos online.

 

Montgomery County Public Libraries | 240-777-0001 mcpl.checkusout@montgomerycountymd.gov