newsletter logo
February 2016
Where the County Reads, Where the County Meets, Where the County Learns 
In This Issue
Quick Links
MCPL Website
From Our Collection

All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely is a powerful story about two American teenagers and the role of race in our society. Read an interview with the authors from their visit to MCPL.
Save the Date

Library Closed

 

Presidents' Day 

Monday, February 15

 

The Wheaton branch will close in early March in advance of the start of new building construction. Customers are reminded that during this closure, they may use other nearby branches, such as the Olney and Silver Spring branches, or any branch that may be convenient.

 

Library Lovers Month Kickoff

February 6, 11 AM
Silver Spring Branch

Featuring entertainers "the grandsons, Jr." and will include door prizes and activities for children.

 

Observances

 

American Heart Month

Black History Month

Lunar New Year

February 8

Ash Wednesday

February 10

Valentine's Day

February 14

Susan B. Anthony Day

February 15

 

Find more events happening around the County on our Calendar of Events.

Your Monthly Inspiration

"I just knew there were stories I wanted to tell." -Octavia Butler
County Events

Washingtonian of the Year 2015

County Executive Leggett was recently honored as a "Washingtonian of the Year" by Washingtonian Magazine at a luncheon at the Willard Intercontinental in Washington DC. Read the profile in the magazine.

 

National Girls and Women in Sports Day Expo

February 13, 11 AM - 2 PM
Westfield Montgomery Mall
7101 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda

Montgomery County's first HERtime2shine expo in celebration of the National Girls and Women in Sports Day. The event is free to attend. HERtime2shine will emphasize the benefits of active sports participation for girls, regardless of their age or ability and empower girls to get involved in sports.

From the Director

 

I am pleased to announce that MCPL is entering into a partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) that will result in all MCPS students receiving an MCPL library card. This project, "Library Link," is a response to the White House ConnectEd Library Challenge that was introduced by President Obama in April 2015.

 

The ConnectED Library Challenge is a program that encourages communities throughout the country to create or strengthen partnerships so that every child enrolled in school can receive a library card. The program calls upon library directors to work with their elected officials and school leaders to provide wider access to the learning resources and books of America's libraries.

 

On January 13, 2016, County Executive Leggett; MCPS Interim Superintendent Larry Bowers; Councilmember George Leventhal; and Board of Education members Patricia O'Neill, Christopher S. Barclay, Philip Kauffman, Jill Ortman-Fouse, and Rebecca Smondrowski launched the ConnectED Library Challenge with a kick-off event at MCPS' Harmony Hills Elementary School. On January 19, 2016, County Executive Leggett; Timothy Warner, Chief Engagement and Partnership Officer for MCPS (representing Mr. Bowers); and I attended the ConnectED White House Conference where the County Executive was one of the featured speakers.

 

MCPL and MCPS will work to ensure all MCPS students have a library card by 2017. This will include every elementary, middle and high school student. The time table for the ConnectED Library Challenge is:

  • January-June 2016: students at 134 MCPS elementary schools will receive library cards.
  • September-December 2016: students at 38 MCPS middle schools will receive library cards.
  • January-April 2017: students at 25 MCPS high schools and 5 MCPS special schools will receive library cards.

 

  B. Parker Hamilton signature

 

 

B. Parker Hamilton, Director  

  

Meet MCPL

kwaku Kwaku Badu Armooh started working with MCPL as a Library Desk Assistant (LDA) in January 2000 when he was in graduate school. In 2015, Kwaku Armooh became a merit part-time LDA. Kwaku also works full-time with people who have developmental problems. Kwaku believes in treating everyone equally and is always customer focused.

Sue Merewitz is an Office Services Coordinator in the Director's Unit. Sue's career began with MCPL in 1970 in Cataloging and Processing. She left the Department in 1972 and returned in 1987, as part of the Public Services Unit. Sue and her husband spend their spare time doing volunteer work with Adopt a Boxer Rescue and Phoenix Landing Parrot Rescue. Sue's favorite TV Show is Game of Thrones. Winter has come!

Clotilde Puertolas
Clotilde Puertolas is a Program Specialist in Public Services. She joined MCPL in 2011 after working at the Montgomery County Commission for Women. She enjoys taking long walks, reading, sketching, listening to music, laughing, and spending time with family and friends. She feels fortunate to be involved in an organization that makes a difference to so many people every day.
 
MCPL Moving Forward

Twinbrook Branch Reopens!
 
"Residents can look forward to enjoying a bright updated building to access a world of information including print material and technical and digital resources, all free of charge," said County Executive Leggett.

"I'm excited for everyone to see the newly refreshed Twinbrook branch awash in vibrant, welcoming colors and enjoy all the added features and services," said MCPL Director Parker Hamilton.

...that February is Black History Month and MCPL has free events, books, and online resources to help you learn and celebrate? Be sure to explore the Oxford African American Studies Center online where you can read articles, primary sources, maps, timelines, and more. Looking for biographical information online? Try Biography in Context for information on the lives of notable African Americans. Listen online to jazz, blues, gospel, ragtime, folk songs, and more through American Song and Jazz Music Library. Learn about the Lincoln Park History Project, a partnership to preserve the cultural heritage of one of Rockville's oldest African American communities. Start your journey exploring Black History today at MCPL!
FOL Happenings

FOLMC's Rockville Bookstore is Expanding!

 

The FOLMC is thrilled to announce that their Rockville bookstore has grown, especially as they prepare to temporarily close the Wheaton Bookstore location (while the Wheaton branch is rebuilt).

 

They have more than doubled the square footage to offer an even better selection of all your favorite gently used magazines, music, movies, video games, comics, and of course books (fiction, children's, reference, you name it!). The additional space will also allow them to host events in a new partnership with MCPL, including author talks and children's storytimes.

 

Join them for hot drinks and sweet treats at their Grand Opening on February 2! Find more information online, including hours and location.

 

Did you know they also have an online bookstore featuring rare and collectible items? Visit often to see the frequent inventory updates.

Library Board Happenings

Libraries Matter Members of the Library Board will be participating in Maryland Library Day on February 3, 2016.
 
Each year, the Senate and House of Delegates declare a day in February as Library Day. Members of the Maryland Library Association Legislative Panel and other library representatives meet with Senators, Delegates and their aides to promote library issues and encourage support for libraries. In the evening, a reception is held to honor the legislators, recognize their efforts and thank them for their support.
 
Montgomery County Public Libraries | 240-777-0001 [email protected]