...that you can research before you purchase a product or a service for free from MCPL? We have Consumer Reports articles you can access online which provide unbiased product testing and ratings information. If you are interested in a service and not sure what company to go with, have a look at Washington Consumers' Checkbook. (This database is only available at our library branches.) We're happy to provide you with the resources you need to make informed consumer choices! |
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From Our Collection
 The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House by Kate Anderson Brower reveals everyday life in the White House through the eyes of the butlers, carpenters, painters, cooks and other members of the permanent staff. Through first person interviews and archival research, Brower reveals the dedication, professionalism and care with which the White House staff serve each First Family. |
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Library Closed
Christmas Holiday
Thursday, December 24, closing at 6pm
Friday & Saturday, December 25 & 26, closed
New Year's
Thursday, December 31, closing at 6pm
Friday & Saturday, January 1 & 2, 2016, closed
Hour of Code
December 7-13
Explore coding through fun activities for children and teens throughout the County.
Jingle Bell Jazz for Kids
December 7, 4-5 PM
Potomac Library
Liven up your holiday season with a jazzy take on some familiar festive tunes presented by Christiana Drapkin! All ages are welcome. No registration needed.
Meditation for a Stress Free Holiday and Beyond
December 12, 1-2 PM
Rockville Memorial Library
Join Sangeeta Prasad, long time meditator, as she discusses the extraordinary effect of meditation.
Twelve Days of Winter Break
December 23-January 3
Damascus Library
Visit the Damascus branch for fun events throughout winter break.
Find more events happening around the County on our Calendar of Events.
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| | "I think so often how lucky we are to have a library and the staff we have at the Bethesda Library, but I don't say thank you nearly enough... We applaud you." - Bethesda Library Customer |
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Winter Wonderland
December 5, 1-4 PM
Veterans Park
Celebrate the holiday season in downtown Bethesda with a variety of performances, live ice sculpting, a visit from Santa Claus and more!
Bauer Holiday Craft Show
December 5, 10 AM - 4 PM
Community Recreation Center
14625 Bauer Dr, Rockville
Assortment of vendors. Items for purchase include jewelry, fiber arts, holiday items, photography, pottery, wood work, and more. Admission is free.
County Executive's FY2017 Operating Budget Forums
All meetings begin at 7 PM.
January 6: Eastern Montgomery Regional Services Center
January 11: Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center
January 20: Silver Spring Civic Center
January 21: Mid-County Community Recreation Center
January 25: BlackRock Center for the Arts
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 Trish Higgins has been a Desk Assistant at the Damascus branch for eight years. She also worked there previously as both a Page and a Circulation Substitute. Looking back, she said that she started early preparing to work in a library. At age ten, she volunteered in her local library in New Jersey working with the card catalog (back when there were actual cards). When not helping people at the library, Trish loves to read and watch old movies. Her appreciation of things of yesteryear extends to her interest in vintage accessories and fashion.  Prior to joining MCPL in 2000, Arlene Means worked in libraries at IBM Corporation and Johns Hopkins University. Arlene has held positions at the Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Olney, and Wheaton branches. Since 2010 she has been the Adult Services Librarian II at the Silver Spring branch. This year she enjoyed being part of the team that opened the new library on June 20, 2015. Arlene says, "I love being a librarian. Every day is different and learning new things is part of the job." In her free time, Arlene enjoys reading mysteries, history, and historical fiction as well as spending time outdoors.  Mark Santoro is a librarian on the Virtual Services team. He started working for MCPL in 2007 and has also worked at the Davis and Potomac branches. He reads alternative history, science fiction, and pop social science books like Freakonomics. He runs for peace and quiet and bikes for fun. Mark lives in Rockville with his wife and four children. |
 Food for Fines - A Win-Win! In support of the County's 2015 Community Service Week, MCPL held a "Food for Fines" program from October 16 - 31. During this time, customers could bring canned goods and non-perishable food items to pay for existing fines or hold fees. One food item equaled one dollar off on library fines/fees. Approximately 240 bushels (6,000 pounds) of food were collected and all food collected was donated to the Manna Food Center. "Food for Fines" was a great way for customers to clear up their outstanding library fines while helping some of our neediest neighbors.  Thanksgiving Parade Montgomery County Public Libraries staff and their families were excited to participate in the 2015 Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade, which was held in Silver Spring on November 21. Thanks to everyone who came out to join us for a fun event! |
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FOLMC Board Recruitment
Feeling inspired to do even more for our library system? Friends of the Library, Montgomery County (FOLMC) is looking for library devotees to join our board. Serving on the FOLMC Board of Trustees offers many benefits. Join us and take advantage of opportunities to:
- Make a difference in our community.
- Expand your personal network with other accomplished professionals.
- Add boardroom experience and leadership to your resume while broadening your existing skill set.
- Get special insight into the economy and community development.
- Learn more about local events, organizations, and resources.
Terms begin each January. Our current board is comprised of professionals from a variety of fields, including finance, fundraising, human resources, and marketing. We would love to speak with you about how you could contribute to our mission.
If you think you might be a good fit or know someone who would, please contact the FOLMC office at 240-777-0020 or email Executive Director Ari Brooks at abrooks@folmc.org.
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Congratulations to the 2015 Library Advisory Committee (LAC) Award recipients.
 The 2015 Eleanor Ablard Award was presented to the Olney LAC. The Olney LAC was reactivated in November 2013 after being out of existence for three years due to the closure of the Olney branch for remodeling. Since that time, this diverse group of individuals has worked as a team with full dedication to assist in the reopening of the Olney Library and making it the heartbeat of the Olney community once again.
 Judy Boggess, past chair of the Silver Spring LAC, was presented with the David Chiles Member of the Year Award. Ms. Boggess' passionate work has ensured that the Silver Spring LAC represents both the existing customers of the Silver Spring Library and the community it serves. She took great care to develop a diverse LAC that considers not just the needs and wants of the people at the table, but those of the constituent community. Judy has been a tireless advocate for making sure everyone's voice is heard, and that together they create a better Silver Spring Library community.
The LAC Awards were presented by the Library Board on November 18 during the annual Joint Meeting.
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