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Montgomery County Public Libraries to Host Dental Health Fair, with Free Oral Screenings, at Long Branch Library on Saturday, April 22

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will host a Dental Health Fair at the Long Branch Library from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, April 22. The Dental Health Fair will provide free oral health screenings for all ages (from young children to older adults) and general information about dental care, hygiene and dental services. The Long Branch Library is located at 8800 Garland Ave. in Silver Spring. No registration is required to attend.

The Dental Health Fair is part of the Narratives and Medical Education (NAME) Project. NAME is an experimental National Institutes of Health funded project that brings together different disciplines focusing on the role of racism in health care, specifically in dental care disparities. The free screenings will be provided by students of the Dental Hygiene Program at the University of Maryland (UMD) School of Dentistry.

The Dental Health Fair is a collaboration between UMD School of Dentistry, UMD College Park, UMD Libraries at the Universities at Shady Grove and MCPL. For more information, visit https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/8213238 or contact Clotilde Puértolas at [email protected].

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Animation Workshops for Tweens and Teens Will Be Available Free During MCPS Spring Break April 3-7 at Montgomery County Public Libraries

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will offer several free animation workshops geared toward ages 10-15 during the week of April 3-7, which will be spring break for Montgomery County Public Schools. The workshops will be facilitated by cartoonist, illustrator and animator Leila Cabib. Registration is required to attend each workshop. Art supplies for use during the workshops will be provided to attendees.
Workshops times, dates and locations:

The workshops are funded in part by an Arts in Education Grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.For more information contact Clotilde Puértolas at [email protected].

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Local Authors to Present ‘Writing and Publishing a Memoir’ Free Program at Olney Library on Sunday, March 26

Per Montgomery County: Olney Writer’s Group authors and members Kaitlyn Jain and Amy Chan Zhou will present a free program open to all residents on “Writing and Publishing a Memoir” at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 26, at the Olney branch of Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL). Each recently published their memoirs and will have advice and tips for anyone who has been considering writing a memoir of their own. The Olney Library is located at 3500 Olney-Laytonsville Rd. in Olney. Advance registration is not required to attend, but seating is limited.

Ms. Jain and Ms. Zhou will describe the genesis of their writing projects, how they stayed motivated, their participation in and support from the Writer’s Group and the steps taken to successfully publish their works. A question-and-answer session will be part of the workshop. Light refreshments will follow. Ms. Jain is the author of Passports and Pacifiers: Traveling the World, One Tantrum at a Time(2021), which was published by Boston BELS Publishing. Ms. Zhou wrote Flowing with the Pearl River (2022), which was published by Santa Monica Press. Both memoirs can be found on Olney Library’s local author shelf and in MCPL’s catalog.

For the past nine years, the Olney Writer’s Group has been based at the Olney Library. It involves local writers representing a wide range of genres. “According to the branch supervisor at Olney Library, there is great interest in preserving family stories and histories in the Olney community,” said MCPL Director Anita Vassallo. “We are thrilled to host members of the Olney Writer’s Group who recently accomplished this goal and can share their experiences with others.” To learn more about the upcoming workshop, visit Writing & Publishing a Memoir – In-person – Montgomery County Public Libraries (libnet.info). The program is supported by the Friends of the Library, Montgomery County.

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‘Hatchlings’ Program to Help Expectant and New Parents Build Skills as Babies’ Earliest Teachers to be Offered in March at Montgomery County Public Libraries

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Public Libraries in March will be participating in “Hatchlings: Ready to Hatch,” a Maryland State Library-sponsored program developed by Betsy Diamant-Cohen, the creator of Mother Goose on the Loose. The Hatchlings program helps expectant and new parents build the skills to be their child’s first teachers. Programs will be offered on Thursday, March 16, at the White Oak Library; Saturday, March 25, at the Wheaton Library (in Spanish and English); and Tuesday, March 28, at the Long Branch Library (in Spanish and English).

All three classes will concentrate on Part One of the program, which is called “Ready to Hatch.” It uses songs and fun activities to help expectant parents learn about their baby’s brain and body development and how to set their child up for success by encouraging reading from the start. Attendees will receive a free book, an early literacy activity calendar and bilingual Spanish/English song sheets.
Registration is required for Hatchlings: Ready to Hatch. Space is limited to expectant parents.

Details on the three dates and locations available in March:

In October, participants will be invited to return with their newborns for Hatchlings: In the Nest. The autumn program is a series of four sessions intended for babies up to four months old and their parents and caregivers.

The Hatchlings program aligns with Montgomery County’s strategic plan to address kindergarten readiness and targets equity focus areas. It is presented in partnership with the Mother Goose on the Loose: Hatchlings pilot program series, the Maryland State Library and the Silver Spring Judy Center Early Learning Hub.

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Montgomery County Public Libraries Celebrates ‘Read Across America Week’ March 2-6 with Volunteers Pairing with Children in Reading Program

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Public Libraries is partnering with the Jewish Council for the Aging Heyman Interages Center (JCA), or Interages, to celebrate “Read Across America Week” by providing a reading program at selected branches. The special week is March 2-6. The one-on-one program will pair JCA volunteers with children between kindergarten and third grade. The volunteers have been recruited, vetted and trained by JCA in communication and intergenerational interaction. Reading sessions will be at the Gaithersburg and Wheaton libraries.

“Getting our young people inspired to read is one of the most important things we can do in providing great educations for our upcoming generations,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Having a reading partner often is the key to making reading fun and interesting. The Read Across America program in which Montgomery County Public Libraries partners with the Jewish Council for the Aging is a model program we should duplicate wherever possible—including right at home.”

Children can bring their own book to the reading sessions or select one from the library. Participants can just drop-in to the program. Advanced registration or appointments are not needed.
The program dates, times and locations:

  • Saturday, March 4. 1-3 p.m. Gaithersburg Library, 18330 Montgomery Village Ave., Gaithersburg.
  • Sunday, March 5. 1-3 p.m. Wheaton Library, 11701 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring.

For more information about the program, contact Clotilde Puértolas at [email protected].

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County Executive Elrich to Join Montgomery County Public Libraries for Reopening of Potomac Branch on Saturday, April 15

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich will join Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL), other officials and community members at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 15, for ceremonies reopening the Potomac Library. The branch has been closed since May 22, 2022, for significant renovations. The Potomac Library is located at 10101 Glenolden Dr. in Potomac.
“The Potomac Library is an important epicenter for local residents to learn, meet and have access to critical resources, such as computers, classes, events—as well as free COVID rapid tests and facemasks,” said County Executive Elrich. “This re-opening has been eagerly anticipated, and we are thankful for the patience and understanding of the library’s patrons during this renovation. I want to thank Montgomery County Public Libraries, the Department of General Services and the Friends of the Library for their work to improve this library for the next generation.”

The renovation work included the replacement of all flooring, reconfiguration and updating of shelving, painting throughout, a new service desk, new lighting, redesign of the children’s reading nook, installation of security equipment, the addition of lounge seating and study areas, replacement of the entry doors, creation of a family restroom and the updating of interior and exterior signs.

Work was also performed to bring the building into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“We are so excited to reopen our Potomac branch to its community members, who we know have been anxiously anticipating this day,” said MCPL Director Anita Vassallo. “I hope they will be as pleased as we are about all the refurbishments.”

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Formal Plaque Unveiled to Recognize the Renaming of Rockville Memorial Library

Per Montgomery County: A formal plaque has been dedicated at the Rockville Memorial Library recognizing the name change from the original Rockville Library. The name change for the branch of the Montgomery County Public Libraries system was instituted in 2010 at the request of Gold Star families—those who have lost a family member in U.S. military conflicts—and the County Commission on Veterans Affairs.

The plaque is located on the first-floor lobby of the library, next to a digital display honoring the County’s Fallen Heroes. The Fallen Heroes digital display honors County residents killed in action dating to World War I

The Commission on Veterans Affairs has a “Fallen Heroes” website with the names of County residents killed in action. Military and private information are part of the tributes, many of which contain photos. The Fallen Heroes website can be found at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/fallenheroes

The words on the plaque include:

“To honor County residents Killed in Action in service to our Country in military conflicts since our County’s founding in 1776, the Rockville Library was renamed the Rockville Memorial Library at the request of Global War on Terror Gold Star family members and the Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs.”

Wayne Miller, a Vietnam veteran who chairs the Commission on Veterans Affairs, said it was important that the building in Rockville Town Center have the plaque.

“The Commission on Veterans Affairs is grateful to Montgomery County Public Libraries for collaborating with the Commission to dedicate and honor county service members who were killed in action,” said Mr. Miller. “Sometimes, people enter a building with a name on it and never think about how that name occurred. This wording on the plaque is a powerful tribute to those who lost their lives protecting the freedom this country knows today, and we are grateful to the Gold Star Families who have worked with us on this tribute to our County’s Fallen Heroes.”

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich was on the County Council when it was decided to rename the library.

“The Rockville Memorial Library is one of the finest libraries in our system, and having it named in memory of County residents killed in action is an appropriate tribute,” said County Executive Elrich. “I think this plaque will remind everyone about the ultimate price of war and it will serve as a proper reminder of why this building has its name.”

Council President Evan Glass commended the Gold Star families and the Commission on Veterans Affairs for their efforts to have the plaque created.

“The Rockville Memorial Library represents a powerful tribute to those who have lost their lives while serving honorably in the U.S. Armed and Uniformed services,” said Council President Glass. “I want to extend my appreciation to our County’s Gold Star families who advocated to bring this tribute to life, and to the Commission on Veteran Affairs for creating a digital archive of our County’s fallen heroes, which I encourage all residents to explore.”

Anita Vassallo, director of Montgomery County Public Libraries, said the Rockville branch has a special name in relation to the other branches in the system.

“The renaming of the Rockville Memorial Library in memory of County residents killed in military service to their country was a great honor for Montgomery County Public Libraries,” said Director Vassallo. “We are proud of the digital display highlighting each resident and their service. The addition of the commemorative plaque completes the installation, and we encourage County residents to visit the Rockville Memorial Library to learn more about our fallen heroes.”

For more information about the County Commission on Veterans Affairs, go to https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HHS-Program/ADS/CVA/CVAIndex.html.

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‘It Happened in Rockville: Remembering Two Lynchings’ Exhibit at Wheaton Library Through Feb. 28

Feature photo of the Montgomery County Jail building in Rockville (1935), where John Diggs-Dorsey was dragged from to his lynching on July 27, 1880 courtesy of Montgomery History.
Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Lynching Memorial Project’s “It Happened in Rockville: Remembering Two Lynchings” exhibit is being displayed at the Montgomery County Public Libraries’ Wheaton branch through Feb. 28. The exhibit will be available during library open hours.

The Wheaton Library is located within the Wheaton Library and Community Recreation Center complex at 11701 Georgia Ave. in Wheaton. The exhibit, launched in collaboration with Peerless Rockville and Montgomery History, memorializes and honors two men who were lynched in Rockville—John Diggs-Dorsey in 1880 and Sidney Randolph in 1896. It also honors George Peck, who was lynched in Poolesville in 1880. The exhibit is intended to reveal the history of these fatal miscarriages of justice that happened in Montgomery County, to remember the victims and to promote reconciliation and healing.

Working closely with the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery, Ala., and the Maryland Lynching Memorial Project, the exhibit is part of a larger effort to advance the cause of reconciliation in Maryland and advocates for public acknowledgement of these murders. As highlighted in a proclamation by the Montgomery County Council on Sept. 26, 2021, the exhibit “reminds us of our responsibility to understand our history and to work to repair and heal the damage of the past by acting in the present.”

For more information about the exhibit, contact Chris Borawski at [email protected] or the Montgomery County Lynching Memorial Project at [email protected].

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Montgomery County Public Libraries Celebrates ‘Library Lovers Month’ with Kickoff Special Virtual Event on Saturday, Feb. 4

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL), the Montgomery County Library Board and Friends of the Library, Montgomery County, Inc. (FOLMC) will kick off “Library Lovers Month” with a family friendly virtual event at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4. To celebrate the beginning of Library Lovers Month, Jacqueline Means (the STEM Queen) will demonstrate the hands-on STEM activity “Let’s Make Snow” for elementary-aged students.

To fully participate in the hands-on part of the program, registrants are invited to pick up a free activity kit before the program at one of the following libraries: Aspen Hill, Connie Morella, Gaithersburg, Kensington and Wheaton. The availability of activity kits is limited. Participants should call ahead to confirm availability.

Registration for the Library Lovers Month 2023 kickoff is required. Register at Library Lovers Month Kickoff Event 2023 – Montgomery County Public Libraries (libnet.info).

Library Lovers Month annually celebrates and showcases the importance of libraries in Montgomery County. Throughout February, library branches and FOLMC host special virtual events and activities to highlight the variety of resources and services MCPL provides year-round.

Library customers are encouraged to fill out and submit a virtual postcard telling why they love their library. The comments will be shared with elected officials. Library Lovers Month Kickoff 2023 is sponsored in partnership with Friends of the Library, Montgomery County, Inc. and the Montgomery County Library Board. For more information about the event, visit www.folmc.org.

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Online Workshops and One-on-One Sessions to Assist Job Seekers and Entrepreneurs Will Be Available Free in February from Montgomery County Public Libraries

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will offer online workshops and one-on-one sessions geared toward assisting job seekers throughout February. All workshops are free. The schedule of workshops:

  • Thursday, Feb. 2. 1-3 p.m. Interviewing for Success. Virtual*Learn how to differentiate yourself from other candidates, be Zoom ready, package your experience, tell your story, be ready for challenging questions and feel more confident in your next interview. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7707783
  • Mondays throughout February. 9:30-11:30 a.m. I.R.E. (Helping Individuals Reach Employment) Sessions. Virtual* Sign up to meet virtually/confidentially one-on-one with a career counselor for advice and assistance with your job search. Register at:
  • Tuesday, Feb. 7. 1-3 p.m. Job Search Strategies. Virtual* Learn about best practices for conducting a job search. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7707817
  • How to Apply for Jobs with Montgomery County Government
  • Tuesday, Feb. 14. 1-2 p.m. Google Drive Basics. Virtual* Learn how to use a cloud-based storage solution that allows you to save files online, access them anywhere from any smartphone, tablet or computer and collaborate with others. Learn how to use Google Drive. This month will include review of creating, saving and sharing documents created in Google Docs. Register at  https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7888388
  • Mondays throughout February. 2-4 p.m. at Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library, 900 Wayne Ave., Silver Spring. Job and Resume Help Program. Get help with job related topics. The 30-minute one-on-one appointments will be first come first served and will take place in Meeting Room 1 on the Third Floor. No registration required.
  • Monday, Feb. 6:   https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7901246
  • Monday, Feb. 13: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7901247
  • Monday, Feb. 27:  https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7901248
  • Wednesday, Feb. 15. 10-11:30 a.m. Engage with Entrepreneurship (English). Virtual.* Workshop will cover the fundamentals of building a business and help you determine if you are ready to become a small business owner. Presented in partnership with the Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC). Registration required.  Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7895837.
  • Digital Literacy Bootcamp, In-Person. Join Classroom 2 Community (formally Literacy Council of Montgomery County) for a workshop that will help you reach the next level in your professional career with an introduction to essential digital skills, from vocabulary to common tools like Google and Microsoft.
  • Monday, Feb 13 and 27. 10:15 a.m.-noon. Computer Class (basic) at Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library, 900 Wayne Ave., Silver Spring. A two-week class for adults, offering an introduction to using a computer. Perfect for beginners. Register at https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/7845294

*An internet connection and a device (such as a smartphone, tablet or computer) are required for participation.

For more information about programs, contact Adrienne van Lare at [email protected]

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Energy Assistance Programs and Energy Savings Information Tables Will Be Available at Montgomery County Public Libraries Through April

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Public Libraries will offer staffed information tables to learn about energy assistance programs and energy saving resources on seven select Mondays through April. The resource tables will be staffed by the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services and Pepco.

The displays will offer customers the opportunity to pick up applications for energy assistance and have questions answered about the program.
The resource tables will be implemented on from 2:30-5:30 p.m. at the following library locations:

For more information about the energy savings display tables, contact Clotilde Puértolas at [email protected].

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