Montgomery County Public Libraries to Expand Hours

Per MCPL:

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will expand hours to the community back to pre-pandemic level effective Sunday, Sept. 12.

The operational hours for all branches, excluding Maggie Nightingale (Poolesville) and Noyes Library for Young Children, will be:

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Friday, Saturday, Sunday – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The hours and schedule for Maggie Nightingale (currently closed for a branch refresh) and Noyes libraries will remain as they currently stand.

“MCPL has taken a phased approach to resuming our services that were impacted by the pandemic. We reopened all of our physical buildings to the community on July 6,” said MCPL Director Anita Vassallo. “We then began to work to restore our operating hours, including those on Sundays. We know how much the residents of the County value being able to visit their public libraries, so we are very pleased to be able to expand our service hours.”

For additional information regarding visiting MCPL, visit: https://montgomerycountymd.gov/library/index.html

Montgomery County Public Libraries Offers Free Online Workshops for Job Seekers and Entrepreneurs in September

Per MCPL:

For Immediate Release: Monday, August 30, 2021

Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) is offering free online workshops and one-on-one sessions geared toward assisting job seekers and entrepreneurs throughout September. All workshops are free and offered virtually.

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

Throughout September: 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, Sept. 13: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/5512908
• Monday, Sept. 20: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/5513001
• Monday, Sept. 27: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/5512995

Wednesday, Sept. 15: 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/5193327

Tuesday/Thursday, Sept. 21 and 23: 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 and strategy of using LinkedIn as a tool to conduct a successful job search. Register: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/5125917

Wednesday, Sept. 22: 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/5514085

Monday, Sept. 27: 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/5514409

For more information on Montgomery County Public Libraries’ other virtual programs for all ages, visit the website. To sign up for MCPL’s newsletter, visit the subscription page.

Montgomery County Public Libraries Launches Brainfuse Services

Per Montgomery County:

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) has launched Brainfuse’s HelpNow, JobNow and VetNow online services. A library card is needed to access the services.

“We are so excited to be able to offer this array of resources,” said MCPL Director Anita Vassallo. “These are extremely important services that will help provide assistance to countless members of our community.”

• HelpNow – A unique tutoring and study suite designed for customers of all ages.
  • On-Demand One-to-One Online Homework
  • Comprehensive Writing Assistance
  • Homework Tools
  • Online Classroom
  • LEAP Learning Platform
  • The Adult Learning Center
• JobNow – A suite of services and powerful tools to help users in every step of their job search.
  • Resume Assistance
  • Career Planning
  • Interview Preparation
  • Adult Learning Center
• VetNow– Benefits, career, and academic assistance support for Veterans.
  • Live Benefits Navigator
  • Job Tools
  • College Skills

Montgomery County Public Libraries Offers Free Online Workshops for Job Seekers and Entrepreneurs in July

For Immediate Release: Monday, June 28, 2021

Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) is offering free online workshops and one-on-one sessions geared toward assisting job seekers and entrepreneurs throughout July. All workshops are offered virtually.

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

Throughout July – 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, July 12: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/5179499
• Monday, July 19: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/5191817
• Monday, July 26: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/5179566

Monday, July 12; 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/5059519

Wednesday, July 14; 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/5193152

Wednesday, July 14; 10 – 11:30 a.m. – Introducción al espíritu empresarial – Virtual – En asociación con el Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC)

Convertirse en un emprendedor exitoso requiere un trabajo arduo y una planificación minuciosa. Durante este taller presentaremos los siguientes conceptos:  Una evaluación de las características de los empresarios exitosos; Aclararemos algunos de los mitos y realidades de la propiedad de pequeñas empresas; Iniciaremos una autoevaluación para determinar si está preparado para convertirse en propietario de una pequeña empresa; Estableceremos un plan de acción para completar sus autoevaluaciones buscando comentarios de las partes interesadas, como familiares, amigos y clientes potenciales; Descubriremos los servicios proporcionados por el Maryland Women’s Business Center que pueden ayudarle a iniciar y hacer crecer su negocio. Register: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/5126184

Tues/Thurs, July 20 & July 22; 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/5125756

Thursday, July 22; 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/5236194

Tuesday, July 27; 12:30 p.m. – Proctored Northstar Assessment Test; Assess your Digital Literacy Skills

Demonstrate your digital literacy skills by taking a proctored Northstar Assessment test during a scheduled test session.  If you score 85 percent or higher, you’ll earn a Northstar Digital Literacy Certificate to share with your employers. Tests will be administered and monitored remotely – allowing you to take the test from the convenience of your home.  Request a Learner Account to get started:   https://mcpl.link/northstar-signup;  Registration is required to take a proctored test. Register:  https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/5126178

For more information on Montgomery County Public Libraries’ other virtual programs for all ages, visit the website. To sign up for MCPL’s newsletter, visit the subscription page.

Release ID: 21-498
Media Contact: Monika Hammer 240-463-2442

Reopening Date for Wheaton Library Moved to June 14

Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) has announced that Wheaton Library will reopen to the public on June 14. The service hours for the branch will be:

• Monday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Tuesday: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Wednesday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Thursday: 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Friday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Sunday: Closed

Wheaton Library, along with the seven additional branches reopening on June 14 and the six branches reopened to the public on June 1, will follow newly adjusted opening procedures which include no appointments, no capacity limits, and no social distance requirements.

Holds to Go service will be discontinued prior to the reopening of the branch.

More information on library openings can be found here.

Noyes Library for Young Children to Reopen on July 6

Per MCPL:

For Immediate Release: Friday, May 28, 2021

Montgomery County Public Libraries’ (MCPL) Noyes Library for Young Children, 10237 Carroll Place, Kensington, will reopen to the public on July 6. The service hours are:

Monday – Closed
Tuesday – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday – 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Thursday – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday – Closed
Saturday – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

“We are so pleased to be able to reopen our Noyes branch,” said MCPL Director Anita Vassallo. “This tiny library has an enormous impact on the County’s youngest residents, offering books, programs and a warm, inviting space specifically for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.”

On July 6, all MCPL branches will have reopened to the public with the exception of Germantown Library, which is currently closed for a refresh project.

Reopening schedule:

June 1

Connie Morella Library, 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda
Gaithersburg Library, 18330 Montgomery Village Ave.
Marilyn J. Praisner Library, 14910 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville
Olney Library, 3500 Olney-Laytonsville Road
Rockville Memorial Library, 21 Maryland Ave.
Silver Spring Library, 900 Wayne Ave.

June 14

Aspen Hill Library; 4407 Aspen Hill Road, Rockville
Damascus Library; 9701 Main Street, Damascus
Davis Library; 6400 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda
Little Falls Library; 5501 Massachusetts Ave., Bethesda
Long Branch Library; 8800 Garland Ave., Silver Spring
Potomac Library; 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac
Quince Orchard Library; 15831 Quince Orchard Road, Gaithersburg

July 6

Chevy Chase; 8005 Connecticut Ave., Chevy Chase
Kensington Park; 4201 Knowles Ave., Kensington
Maggie Nightingale; 19633 Fisher Avenue, Poolesville
Noyes Library for Young Children; 10237 Carroll Place, Kensington
Twinbrook; 202 Meadow Hall Drive, Rockville
Wheaton; 11701 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring
White Oak; 11701 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring

New Deaf Culture Digital Library Website Released.

Montgomery County Public Libraries and the Deaf Culture Digital Library (Maryland DCDL) have teamed up to create a newly improved website.

The Maryland Deaf Culture Digital Library is a digital resource with extensive information relevant to the Deaf community. Topics on the website range from family resources, Deaf history, Deaf literature, videos in American Sign Language, to volunteer opportunities.

Kelby Brick, director of Maryland Governor’s Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, said in a press release that the website, “will be a key step in DCDL’s development.” Ahead of the website’s publishing, Brick looks “forward to the launch of the website that reflects how rich the Deaf culture is.”

The website can be found here.

By Amy Lusignan

MoCo Libraries Offer a New Way to Celebrate National Read a Book Day

Every year on September 6, readers come together to celebrate National Read a Book Day. Normally, this day could be well spent by visiting a local library and bringing a stack of books back home. Right now, you might be hesitant to collect books from your local Montgomery County Public Library. Did you know that our MoCo libraries have a new reading app?

Libby is a service that allows you to check out e-books and audiobooks from the Montgomery County Public Library system. Now, you can browse through electronic stacks of books ranging from adult fiction to picture books.

Libby is free and only requires an electronic device, library card, and an internet connection. The app can be downloaded on any device that runs on iOS, Android, or Windows 10+.

Featured photo courtesy of the Montgomery County Public Libraries Facebook page.
By Amy Lusignan

Montgomery County Libraries begin new Holds To-Go Service

Library card owners can go online and put books on hold, and receive notification when they are available.  They then can make an appointment to pick up a bag with their items in it for a contactless book check-out.

Photo courtesy of Montgomery County Public Library’s Facebook.

By Lexi Shapiro