Per MCPL:

For Immediate Release: Monday, November 29, 2021

Montgomery County Public Libraries is offering online workshops and one-on-one sessions geared toward assisting job seekers and entrepreneurs throughout December. 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 December – 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, Dec. 6: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/5815170
• Monday, Dec. 13:  https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/5815222
• Monday, Dec. 20:  https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/5835481
• Monday, Dec. 27: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/5835485

Monday, Dec. 6: 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/5835574

Wednesday, Dec. 8: 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/5835642

Tuesday/Thursday, Dec. 14 and 16: 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/5648279

Wednesday, Dec. 15: 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. Register: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/5835844

Wednesday, Dec. 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/5194274

Program Contact: Adrienne Vanlare, [email protected]

There are a few days left to complete the online survey about the future of the Chevy Chase Library!

The library is in need of repairs and upgrades and there are two possible scenarios on how to move forward. Complete the survey ➡️ buff.ly/3bXxaM4.

The Chevy Chase Library was originally included in the approved CIP for Library Refurbishments. The Library Refurbishment level of effort (LOE) project provides a structured process to modernize all 21 library branches over 20 years with new technologies and service delivery improvements which reflect the latest in 21st century library trends at much less costs than renovations.

Before each library refurbishment, DGS completes a building analysis. During the building analysis for the Chevy Chase Library, the County learned that the cost to renovate the Chevy Chase Library far exceeds the budget allotted in the approved CIP for Library Refurbishments.

The facility assessment completed in November 2019 included a comprehensive evaluation of all building systems, ADA access, hazardous materials and site conditions, along with an order of magnitude cost estimate for recommended remediation over the near and long terms.

The analysis was revised in March 2021 to correct a discrepancy between the Order of Magnitude Cost Estimate Summary in the Executive Summary of the report and the costs included in the body of the report. After review by the consultant, it was determined that the Order of Magnitude Cost Estimate Summary was correct and adjustments were made to the balance of references in the report.

Given the extensive renovations required, the County decided to explore the possibility of leveraging the property for residential development thereby offsetting the costs of a replacement library on site. On April 1, 2020 the County issued a Request for Developer Expressions of Interest(RFDEOI) for the Chevy Chase Library site. The RFDEOI was not a formal solicitation to gather and evaluate proposals, its purpose was to evaluate interest from the development community. The County initially planned to host a community forum to discuss the solicitation in Summer 2020, but could not due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, the public was invited to leave comments under the Comments tab to facilitate public comment and feedback. We continue to welcome public comments on this project. All input received to date is posted for review.

DGS and Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) staff attended a virtual meeting of the Friends of the Library, Chevy Chase Chapter on November 17, 2020. DGS staff made a brief presentation, providing a status update and answering questions. More than 70 people attended the Zoom meeting. DGS stated that the goal is to develop options for the Chevy Chase Library that the County Executive could consider for the FY23-28 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). One possible scenario is full-scale renovation of the existing 16,000 square foot library. The second scenario might include a newly constructed 20,000 square foot library achieved through a public-private partnership and a mixed-use project to include residential development to offset the costs of a replacement library on site.

On October 16 and October 20, 2021, DGS-OPD and MCPL held informal drop-in sessions at the library to present these two scenarios to community members and receive feedback. To learn more about the office hours, please click the October Office Hours tab. We are continuing to receive feedback via comment cards at the Chevy Chase Library, the Comments tab on this website, and the online survey which is open through Monday, November 15 at noon. DGS and MCPL will brief the County Executive on community input after the survey closes.

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 Public Libraries Offers Free Online Workshops for Job Seekers and Entrepreneurs in October

Per MCPL:

For Immediate Release: Monday, September 27, 2021

Montgomery County Public Libraries is offering online workshops and one-on-one sessions geared toward assisting job seekers and entrepreneurs throughout October. 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 October – 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, Oct. 4: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/5606554
• Monday, Oct. 11: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/5606565
• Monday, Oct. 18: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/5606593
• Monday, Oct. 25: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/5606599

Monday, Oct. 18: 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/5614643

Tuesday, Oct. 19: 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. Brought to you in partnership with the Maryland Women’s Business Center. Register: https://mcpl.libnet.info/event/5616426

Tuesday/Thursday, Oct. 19 and 21: 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/5136250

Wednesday, Oct. 20: 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/5193344

Thursday, Oct. 21: 4-5 p.m. Job Searching in the Digital Age

Learn how to use social media and tools such as LinkedIn in your job search. You’ll also earn about new opportunities for freelance work and how you can supplement your income in innovative ways.  This program is in partnership with Senior Planet, https://seniorplanet.org/. Join the program via this Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81979360844 or dial in at 301 715 8592; Meeting ID: 819 7936 0844

Wednesday, Oct. 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/5614664

Montgomery County Public Libraries Set to Roll Out New Library Catalog Oct. 4

Per MCPL:

Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will launch a brand-new online library catalog, Aspen Discovery, on Monday, Oct. 4.  MCPL’s online catalog is the tool customers use to explore the collection and find materials they want and need.

“After careful consideration, we made the decision to explore a new catalog that would offer greater customization,” said MCPL Director Anita Vassallo. “One of the most important elements is that features can be modified as MCPL changes and grows.”

The new catalog will allow:

• Seamless integration of MCPL’s physical and digital collections to see all formats of titles
• Creation of usernames and passwords by customers
• Faster, more accurate searches
• Creation of reading lists and reading histories by customers
• Browsing of the collection from a mobile device
• Customers to rate books

“We are excited to implement Aspen Discovery, which will greatly enhance our customers’ experience of using the library and make it even easier for them to discover the many great resources MCPL has to offer,” said James Donaldson, Assistant Director for Collection and Technology.

Montgomery County Public Libraries and Montgomery County Board of Elections to Celebrate National Voter Registration Day on Sept. 28

Per Montgomery County:

For Immediate Release: Monday, September 13, 2021

The Montgomery County Board of Elections (BOE) will provide information tables at select branches of Montgomery County Public Libraries on Tuesday, Sept. 28 in celebration of National Voter Registration Day. The BOE seeks to create broad awareness of voter registration opportunities to reach voters who may not register otherwise and to ensure everyone can vote during next year’s primary gubernatorial elections on June 28, 2022.

BOE information tables will be located at the following branches on Sept. 28:

Noon –2 p.m.

Marilyn J. Praisner Library, 14910 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville

Olney Library, 3500 Olney-Laytonsville Road, Olney

Rockville Memorial Library, 21 Maryland Ave., Rockville

5–7 p.m.

Connie Morella Library (Bethesda), 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda

Gaithersburg Library, 18330 Montgomery Village Ave., Gaithersburg

Silver Spring Library, 900 Wayne Ave., Silver Spring

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

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