MoCo Libraries

‘Summer Reading Challenge’ Held by MoCo Public Libraries Had 12,958 Participants, Helped Chesapeake Bay

By MCS Staff

The “Summer Reading Challenge” held by Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) had an enthusiastic participation level of 12,958 students ages 17-and-under. This summer’s program, under the theme of “Oceans of Possibilities,” was conducted in partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), the Washington Nationals and the Friends of the Library Montgomery County (FOLMC).

The Summer Reading Challenge began on June 15, just as schools were concluding for the 2021-22 school year. In addition to encouraging students to read during the summer, the program had the additional goal of contributing to the “Save the Chesapeake Bay” efforts.

Go to ‘Summer Reading Challenge’ Held by MoCo Public Libraries Had 12,958 Participants, Helped Chesapeake Bay Read more

‘Launchpads’ Loaner Tablets for Children Are Now Available at Four Montgomery County Public Libraries

By Patrick Herron

Launchpads are populated with carefully chosen content of various themes including educational apps, games, videos, stories and activities focusing on specific topics.

Launchpads will be available from the MCPL branches of Long Branch, Maggie Nightingale, Marilyn Praisnerand White Oak. Customers can place holds on the Launchpads to have them transferred to their closest MCPL branch for pick up.

Go to ‘Launchpads’ Loaner Tablets for Children Are Now Available at Four Montgomery County Public Libraries Read more

Montgomery County’s Long Branch Library to Close Temporarily from Aug. 4-7 for Needed Repairs

By Patrick Herron

The Long Branch Library is located at 8800 Garland Ave. in Silver Spring,

The book drop will remain open for returns while the building is closed. During the closure, Long Branch Library users are encouraged to use other MCPL branches for checking out books and other materials, and using the catalog and internet computers. Nearby branches are the Brigadier General Charles E. McGee in Silver Spring, Wheaton and White Oak libraries.

Go to Montgomery County’s Long Branch Library to Close Temporarily from Aug. 4-7 for Needed Repairs Read more

Workshops for Job Seekers and Entrepreneurs Available in July

By Patrick Herron

In collaboration with Montgomery College, MCPL is debuting a new MC @ the Library series featuring this month:

In collaboration with the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System and the Purple Line Corridor Coalition, MCPL is offering a new series: “The Purple Line Corridor to Success!” Four sessions in July will feature tools available from the library to help customers acquire or sharpen basic digital literacy skills:

Go to Workshops for Job Seekers and Entrepreneurs Available in July Read more

‘Grandreaders’ Program Pairing Seniors Reading to Young Students Will Be Available this Summer Through Montgomery County Public Libraries and Partners

By Patrick Herron

“We are delighted to resume this in-person program at MCPL,” said MCPL Director Anita Vassallo. “This program is designed to improve students’ ability to read more fluently and with better comprehension and to keep their reading skills sharp during the summer.”

The Grandreaders Program will run for five weeks, from the last week of June until the end of July, at the Aspen Hill, Gaithersburg, Wheaton and White Oak libraries.

Go to ‘Grandreaders’ Program Pairing Seniors Reading to Young Students Will Be Available this Summer Through Montgomery County Public Libraries and Partners Read more

Silver Spring Library to be Formally Named for Late Tuskegee Airman Brigadier General Charles E. McGee on Saturday, June 18

By Patrick Herron

The Silver Spring Library is located at 900 Wayne Ave. in Downtown Silver Spring.

The renaming of the branch follows an executive order signed by County Executive Elrich on Feb. 28 to honor the achievements and life of Brig. Gen. McGee, who was a County resident and passed away at age 102 on Jan. 16. He served as a fighter pilot and member of the 332nd Fighter Squadron, famously known as the “Tuskegee Airmen,” an all-Black unit in World War II. He later flew combat missions in the Korean and Vietnam wars.

Go to Silver Spring Library to be Formally Named for Late Tuskegee Airman Brigadier General Charles E. McGee on Saturday, June 18 Read more

Summer Reading Challenge! to Be Held at Montgomery County Public Libraries Beginning June 15

By Patrick Herron

MCPL’s Summer Reading Challenge! offers children and teens a chance to fill their summer with great books and fun learning activities, as well as in-person and virtual events. This year, MCPL and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation are greening up Summer Reading by keeping plastic out of the waste stream. As children read and complete missions, MCPL will help plant trees, restore oyster beds, and improve animal habitats throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

An indoor-outdoor Kick-off event will be held on Saturday, June 18 at the Rockville Memorial Library. The event will include:

Go to Summer Reading Challenge! to Be Held at Montgomery County Public Libraries Beginning June 15 Read more

The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services Will Offer a Free Community-Based Diabetes Self-Management Program at Germantown Library on June 22.

By Patrick Herron

The Diabetes Self-Management Program was created at Stanford University and is a nationally recognized diabetes prevention and management program. The program covers the physical aspect of managing diabetes, as well as the emotional aspect and is designed to improve an individual’s A1C and reduce complications associated with diabetes.

The program has demonstrated proven health benefits and complements the diabetic medical management services people receive from their providers. Participants will enhance their ability to maintain active and fulfilling lifestyles, improve problem-solving and decision-making skills and address the challenges of living with diabetes. Workshop topics include improving food choices, increasing physical activity and practicing coping skills to maintain nutrition and a healthy weight.

Go to The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services Will Offer a Free Community-Based Diabetes Self-Management Program at Germantown Library on June 22. Read more

COVID-19 Test Kits and N95 Masks Still Available at Montgomery County Libraries

By Patrick Herron
Courtesy MCPL

Kits and masks are available on a table or cart near the library service desk. Residents can get two test kits and four adult N95 masks per person per day. Each kit contains two tests. If you are unable to access COVID test kits or masks due to a disability, you can request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act by contacting 240-777-2982. Request rapid test kits for your organization.

Rapid tests produce results 15 minutes after you complete all steps.

Go to COVID-19 Test Kits and N95 Masks Still Available at Montgomery County Libraries Read more
View More Stories