Per Montgomery County:
For Immediate Release: Thursday, January 27, 2022
Montgomery County Public Libraries invites residents to tell and record their stories about how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted their lives. The project “Living and Dying with COVID-19: The Maryland Stories” is part of a statewide initiative to record residents’ stories, which will become part of the Enoch Pratt Free Library’s Digital Maryland and Maryland State Archives collections. The collection of recordings will be available to the public. Feature stories will also be distributed with the assistance of National Public Radio flagship station, WYPR.
COVID-19 has dramatically impacted communities, disrupting daily lives in numerous ways. Some residents have lost family members, jobs, homes; others have been forced to rearrange their lives in other ways due to school closings or virtual learning. Everyone has a story to tell and share.
Residents can make appointments to record their stories at the Aspen Hill Library (4407 Aspen Hill Rd., Rockville) and the Davis Library (6400 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda) from February to January 2023. Days and times for recording are:
- Davis Library: Tuesdays, noon – 2 p.m. and from 6 – 8 p.m.
- Aspen Hill Library: Wednesdays, from 11 a.m. – noon and from 6 – 7 p.m.
For more information, contact the Davis Library at 240-777-0922 and the Aspen Hill Library at 240-773-9410.
Launched by the Global Z. Recording Project, the project was made possible by a grant from Maryland Humanities, through support from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Per Montgomery County:
County to Provide Rapid At-home Test Kits at Libraries Beginning Monday, Jan. 10
For Immediate Release: Friday, January 7, 2022
To make COVID-19 testing more available, Montgomery County residents can pick up free, rapid at-home test kits at any one of 19 Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) beginning Monday, Jan. 10. The iHealth COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test kits will be available on a first come, first served basis until supplies run out. Residents can receive a maximum of two test kits per person (each containing two tests) per visit.
The tests are recommended for asymptomatic people. People showing symptoms of COVID-19 should NOT go to a library distribution site and should contact their health care provider or make an appointment for a PCR test at one of the many locations providing testing throughout the community.
Library branches distributing kits from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday are:
Library branches distributing kits from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday – Thursday and 2 to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday are:
- Connie Morella (Bethesda)
- Germantown
- Kensington Park
- Long Branch
- Marilyn Praisner (Burtonsville)
- Olney
- Quince Orchard
- Rockville
- Twinbrook
- Wheaton
“Securing these tests, that are currently in great demand, will help our County mitigate community transmission from the Omicron variant surge,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “We appreciate the District of Columbia assisting us and thank our procurement team for their diligence to track down and acquire these tests. We are going to make sure these tests will be given out equitably and fairly throughout the community.”
The kits being distributed at County libraries were purchased directly by the County and deliveries will be ongoing for as long as supplies last and the Omicron surge continues. So far, the County has ordered nearly two million kits and 500,000 kits have been received so far.
“Rapid home tests for COVID-19 are important public health tools to help control the transmission of the virus and are more important than ever given the current spike in cases we are experiencing in our community,” said Council President Gabe Albornoz, who also serves as chair of the Council’s Health and Human Services Committee. “We encourage our residents to get tested and get boosted, while Councilmembers continue working with County Executive Elrich and our public health and emergency management teams to provide the resources needed to get our community through this latest phase of the pandemic.”
The iHealth Rapid Antigen test is an at-home test that enables a person to collect a specimen which shows whether the person has the nucleocapsid protein antigen from the virus which causes COVID-19. Test results are available in 15 minutes. Rapid test specimens are collected using a nasal swab. A swab is inserted into each nostril, one side at a time, the swab is then rotated around the inside of each nostril, to gather mucous. Detailed instructions on how to perform the self-test are included with each test kit.
In late November 2021, the County received 10,000 rapid test kits from the Maryland Department of Health and those kits were distributed to specific community-based organizations to be used for individuals identified as having an increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 or decreased access to available test sites because of their occupation, such as food service workers; their vaccination status or who live in areas of the community with lower vaccination rates; limited access to other testing resources due to access to health care, transportation or work hours; or due to a physical or developmental disability.
More information is available on the County’s COVID-19 testing page at www.MoCoCOVIDtesting.org.
Per Montgomery County:
For Immediate Release: Friday, January 7, 2022
To make COVID-19 testing more available, Montgomery County residents can pick up free, rapid at-home test kits at any one of 19 Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) beginning Monday, Jan. 10. The iHealth COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test kits will be available on a first come, first served basis until supplies run out. Residents can receive a maximum of two test kits per person (each containing two tests) per visit.
The tests are recommended for asymptomatic people. People showing symptoms of COVID-19 should NOT go to a library distribution site and should contact their health care provider or make an appointment for a PCR test at one of the many locations providing testing throughout the community.
Library branches distributing kits from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday are:
Library branches distributing kits from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday – Thursday and 2 to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday are:
- Connie Morella (Bethesda)
- Germantown
- Kensington Park
- Long Branch
- Marilyn Praisner (Burtonsville)
- Olney
- Quince Orchard
- Rockville
- Twinbrook
- Wheaton
“Securing these tests, that are currently in great demand, will help our County mitigate community transmission from the Omicron variant surge,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “We appreciate the District of Columbia assisting us and thank our procurement team for their diligence to track down and acquire these tests. We are going to make sure these tests will be given out equitably and fairly throughout the community.”
The kits being distributed at County libraries were purchased directly by the County and deliveries will be ongoing for as long as supplies last and the Omicron surge continues. So far, the County has ordered nearly two million kits and 500,000 kits have been received so far.
“Rapid home tests for COVID-19 are important public health tools to help control the transmission of the virus and are more important than ever given the current spike in cases we are experiencing in our community,” said Council President Gabe Albornoz, who also serves as chair of the Council’s Health and Human Services Committee. “We encourage our residents to get tested and get boosted, while Councilmembers continue working with County Executive Elrich and our public health and emergency management teams to provide the resources needed to get our community through this latest phase of the pandemic.”
The iHealth Rapid Antigen test is an at-home test that enables a person to collect a specimen which shows whether the person has the nucleocapsid protein antigen from the virus which causes COVID-19. Test results are available in 15 minutes. Rapid test specimens are collected using a nasal swab. A swab is inserted into each nostril, one side at a time, the swab is then rotated around the inside of each nostril, to gather mucous. Detailed instructions on how to perform the self-test are included with each test kit.
In late November 2021, the County received 10,000 rapid test kits from the Maryland Department of Health and those kits were distributed to specific community-based organizations to be used for individuals identified as having an increased risk of exposure to COVID-19 or decreased access to available test sites because of their occupation, such as food service workers; their vaccination status or who live in areas of the community with lower vaccination rates; limited access to other testing resources due to access to health care, transportation or work hours; or due to a physical or developmental disability.
More information is available on the County’s COVID-19 testing page at www.MoCoCOVIDtesting.org.
# # #
Per Montgomery County:
For Immediate Release: Thursday, November 18, 2021
The Twinbrook branch of Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will close temporarily on Saturday, Nov. 20 at 6 p.m. for replacement of a plumbing line. The construction is estimated to take up to four weeks.
The book drop will remain open for returns while the building is closed. Twinbrook customers are encouraged to use other MCPL branches for checking out books and other materials and using the catalog and internet computers. Nearby branches include Aspen Hill, Kensington Park, and Rockville Memorial.
Electronic access to the MCPL website will not be affected by the temporary closure. Customers are asked to check the website for updates.
Beginning Monday, November 15, residents can register to pick up a Take and Make Chanukah Menorah at Wheaton Library.
Visit https://mcpl.libnet.info/events?=undefined&r=thismonth&term=menorah
to register.
Per MCPL:
Pick up a Take and Make Chanukah #Menorah starting tomorrow, 11/15 through 11/30. We supply the craft and you will provide the tape/glue, scissors, crayons/markers, & fun! Register for an open pickup date at https://t.co/a2SSPWFttR #Chanukah pic.twitter.com/uyqYTpOMC8
— mcpl_Libraries (@MCPL_Libraries) November 14, 2021
“This Chanukah Menorah craft can be picked up Monday, November 15 through December 6, 2021. We supply the craft and you will provide the tape/glue, scissors, crayons/markers,and fun!”
Per MCPL:
Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) is offering free online workshops and one-on-one sessions geared toward assisting job seekers and entrepreneurs throughout November. All workshops are offered virtually.
An internet connection and a device (such as a smartphone, tablet or computer) are required for participation.
Throughout November – Every Monday: 9:30-11:30 a.m. H.I.R.E. (Helping Individuals Reach Employment) Sessions
Sign up to meet virtually/confidentially one-on-one with a career counselor for advice and assistance with your job search. Register:
- Monday, Nov. 1: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/5727060
- Monday, Nov. 8: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/5727065
- Monday, Nov. 15: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/5727127
- Monday, Nov. 22: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/5727226
- Monday, Nov. 29: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/5727277
Wednesday, Nov. 10: 2-3 p.m. Job Searching Tips and Resources for Veterans
Learn about key MCPL resources for job-seeking veterans – including an introduction to newly launched Brainfuse-VetNow. VetNow is an online tool that assists veterans with navigating the VA system, transitioning to civilian employment, and excelling in academics. The session will also feature the Maryland Department of Labor – and their services to assist veterans seeking employment. Register: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/5717157
Monday Nov. 15: 1-3 p.m. Job Search Strategies (in a Pandemic)
Learn about best practices for conducting a job search in the current (pandemic) job market. Register: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/5727336
Tuesday/Thursday Nov. 16 and 18: 5:45-7:45 p.m. LinkedIn Boot Camp (Part I / Part II)
This popular two-session/two-day workshop focuses on both the mechanics & strategy of using LinkedIn as a tool to conduct a successful job search. Register: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/5136279
Tuesday, Nov. 16: 10-11:30 a.m. Introduction to Entrepreneurship
Are you just starting your entrepreneurial journey? This workshop will cover the fundamentals of building a business and help you determine if you’re ready to become a small business owner. Presented in partnership with the Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC). Register: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/5727617
Wednesday, Nov. 17: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. How to Apply for Jobs with Montgomery County Government
Find out everything you need to know about applying for jobs with Montgomery County Government. Register: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/5193362
Wednesday, Nov. 17: 1-3 p.m. How to Prepare for your Virtual Job Interview
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: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/5727305
# # #
The Aspen Hill Library (4407 Aspen Hill Rd) will be holding a TEENtober event this Saturday, October 23 from 3-4:00pm. The event will feature a pumpkin painting contest for tweens and teens ages 11 and up.
Per Montgomery County Public Libraries:
Join us for a Halloween pumpkin painting contest for Tweens and Teens ages 11 and up. The Aspen Hill library will provide small pumpkins, paint, glitter and more, for your pumpkin creations! The winner will receive a $10.00 gift card and everyone will receive a sweet treat. This program is weather permitting, so please check the status if it is raining.
Germantown Library will have it’s grand reopening on Saturday, October 16. The library closed back in April for renovations.
According to MCPL, the scheduled work included
new flooring throughout public areas, new water fountains/bottle filling stations, new upper and lower-level service desks, sound dampening in the rotunda, painting of the stairway handrails, new shelving on the mezzanine, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) remediation throughout the building, including all restrooms.
Per Montgomery County:
For Immediate Release: Friday, October 1, 2021
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich invites residents to a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 16 at 10 a.m. to celebrate the grand reopening of the newly refreshed Montgomery County Public Libraries’ (MCPL) Germantown Branch located at 19840 Century Boulevard, Germantown.
“I am pleased that the Germantown Library will reopen its doors to the community with innovative upgrades that will improve the visitor experience for Germantown residents,” said County Executive Elrich. “Libraries are precious spaces throughout our County; these are the places where kids can first learn to read, where favorite books or authors are discovered and where the community gathers. Whether you are frequent user or have never stepped through the door, I encourage all residents to ‘check out’ the local library in your community.”
“We are so excited to reopen Germantown Library 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 new refurbishments.”
The refresh for the library includes new ergonomic sit-stand circulation and information desks; renovation of the public restrooms; new paint, carpet and other floor finishes; new furniture throughout most of the library; upgraded lighting with improved energy efficient and brighter LED lamps; drinking fountain with bottle filling station; new shelving in teen area; new interior signage and exterior building name sign; sound attenuation acoustic panels in the rotunda; new VOIP phone system; and ADA accessibility upgrades throughout.
Montgomery County Public Libraries to Launch New Catalog Monday
Per Montgomery County:
For Immediate Release: Thursday, September 30, 2021
On Monday, Oct. 4, Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will transition to Aspen Discovery, a brand-new library catalog providing customers with a new suite of features and a better online experience.
As part of this transition, from the evening of Friday, Oct. 1, until the morning of Monday, Oct. 4:
- The catalog search functionality will be limited or unavailable;
- Online library card applications will be unavailable;
- Online resources, including databases and e-books, will experience disruptions; and
- Customers will be unable to place holds or renew items checked out to their accounts.
Library branches will be open for in-person service on Saturday, Oct. 2, but service will be limited to the checking out of materials. Any items returned to library branches after Friday evening, will not be checked in until Monday. This means they will continue to show up on customer accounts, but they will be back dated when cleared.
“I thank our customers for their patience as we launch Aspen Discovery,” said MCPL Director Anita Vassallo. “We know they will be pleased with our new catalog once this transition is complete.”
With Aspen Discovery, customers will be able to:
- Access the public catalog via any mobile device
- Search the E-book and print collection simultaneously
- Browse all formats (print, e-book, audio book etc.) of a title within one search result
- Receive suggestions for other related titles to check out while waiting for a hold to be filled
- Review current checkouts, renew materials, and place holds online for physical and electronic materials
- Manage their own privacy settings for reading and search history
- View and pay fees online
- Save search alerts for arrival of new materials
- Select and change notification preferences (text, email)
- Add star ratings to titles
- Make purchase suggestions online
- Create, manage and share lists of favorite books
- Seamless integration of news, events and other communication
- And much more!
All customers’ current account information (checkouts, holds, fines, address and phone, etc.) will be available on the new system. Individuals’ library barcodes and personal identification numbers will remain the same.
Montgomery County Public Libraries and County Department of Environmentalt Protection Celebrate Energy Action Month in October By Offering Bulb Exchanges
Per Montgomery County:
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, September 29, 2021
The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection and Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will join together to celebrate October as Energy Action Month by offering the opportunity to exchange inefficient light bulbs for energy efficient ones. Bulb exchange events are scheduled at 19 County libraries. Energy Action Month is an opportunity to for residents to take proactive steps to lower their energy usage and their utility bills. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, lighting consumes 10 percent of the total electricity used in homes.
The light bulb exchange program offers an opportunity for residents to lower their utility costs by switching to more energy efficient LED (light emitting diodes bulbs). Replacing just five of the most frequently used light fixtures with energy efficient bulbs can save more than $65 a year in energy costs.
Compact fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs use one-third of the electricity, and last up to 10 times longer, than incandescent light bulbs. However, they also contain a small amount of mercury and should be handled carefully and always disposed of properly.
The County’s light bulb exchanges will give residents an opportunity to recycle the older bulbs the right way and lower their energy costs at the same time.
Residents can bring their old incandescent and used CFL light bulbs to the following MCPL branches in exchange for new LEDs. There is a limit of three bulbs per family at each event:
- Aspen Hill, 4407 Aspen Hill Road, Rockville – Friday, Oct. 1, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Chevy Chase, 8005 Connecticut Ave., Chevy Chase – Saturday, Oct. 9, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Connie Morella (Bethesda), 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda – Tuesday, Oct. 12, 1-3 p.m.
- Damascus, 9701 Main Street, Damascus – Wednesday, Oct. 13, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Davis (North Bethesda), 6400 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda – Thursday, Oct. 14, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Gaithersburg, 18330 Montgomery Village Ave., Gaithersburg – Friday, Oct. 15, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Kensington Park, 4201 Knowles Ave., Kensington – Saturday, Oct. 16, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Little Falls, 5501 Massachusetts Ave., Bethesda – Monday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Long Branch, 8800 Garland Ave., Silver Spring – Tuesday, Oct. 19, 1-3 p.m.
- Marilyn J. Praisner (Burtonsville), 14910 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville – Wednesday, Oct. 20, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Noyes Library for Young Children, 10237 Carroll Place, Kensington – Thursday, Oct. 21, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Olney, 3500 Olney-Laytonsville Rd., Olney – Friday, Oct. 22, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Potomac, 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac – Saturday, Oct. 23, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Quince Orchard, 15831 Quince Orchard Road, Gaithersburg – Monday, Oct. 25, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Rockville Memorial, 21 Maryland Ave., Rockville – Tuesday, Oct. 26, 1-3 p.m.
- Silver Spring, 900 Wayne Ave., Silver Spring – Wednesday, Oct. 27, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Twinbrook, 202 Meadow Hall Drive, Rockville – Thursday, Oct. 28, 1-3 p.m.
- Wheaton, 11701 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring – Friday, Oct. 29, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- White Oak, 11701 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring – Saturday, Oct. 30, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
For more information on lowering utility costs and keeping money in your pocket, visit www.MontgomeryEnergyConnection.org.
Montgomery County Reverses Decision to Return Public Libraries to Pre-Pandemic Hours
On Monday, Montgomery County announced that public libraries would be returning to pre-pandemic hours effective Sunday, Sept. 12.
Today, Montgomery County released the following statement, saying that there will be no change to the operating hours for the time being.
Per Montgomery County:
For Immediate Release: Thursday, September 2, 2021
Montgomery County Public Libraries’ (MCPL) hours will continue to remain as they currently stand while MCPL continues to evaluate restoring hours back to pre-pandemic levels.
There will be no change to the operating hours for all branches. The hours at local branches can be found at https://montgomerycountymd.gov/library/branches/index.html
