Welcome to the Montgomery County Public Libraries We want MCPL to be your destination for information, reading materials, cultural events and family programs. If you are not already one of our valued customers with a library card, I invite you to sign up for one today. Your library account gives you free access to books, DVDs, online resources and much more!

B. Parker Hamilton MCPL Director

Director’s Report – February 2012

Love Your Libraries

February is Library Lovers’ Month, a time to recognize the value of libraries and celebrate all types of libraries.

Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) is presenting a number of special programs in celebration of Library Lovers Month. Some of our exciting programs include: Chinese Lion dance performances; traditional West African music and dance by Anansegromma; a teen author event featuring L. Lockhart; and Mystery in the Stacks: An Evening of Chocolate. Please check our online Calendar of Events for complete program information.

If you love libraries and are looking for opportunities to support your local public library, here are just a few of the ways you can “love your library.”

• Share your library story with others. Promote the library by telling your friends and neighbors about the great books, online resources and programs at your library. Encourage them to use the library in-person and online through our website.
• Volunteer your time. There are many opportunities to use your skills. Consider volunteering your time to facilitate a book discussion group or lend assistance with a library event.
• Become a Friend. Join the Friends of the Library, Montgomery County, Inc. or the local Friends chapter in your community. For more information, visit the Friends of the Library website.

Friends of the Library Celebrates 30 Years of Service

Congratulations to the Friends of the Library, Montgomery County, Inc. (FOLMC) on their 30th anniversary. As a result of their hard work and dedication, MCPL is able to present fun and educational programs and move forward with innovative services.

On behalf of the entire Library staff, I want to thank the FOLMC and local Friends of the Library chapters for their support of library programs and services

FY 2013 Capital Budget

In mid-January, the County Executive presented his six-year Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 Capital Budget and FY 2013-2018 Capital Improvements Program (CIP).

The Six-Year Recommended Budget appropriates $102,662 million for library renovation and construction projects.  It includes funding for the completion of the Olney and Gaithersburg Library renovations and additions by spring 2013; and the completion of the new Silver Spring Library by fall 2014. 

Funds have also been included to plan, design and construct the joint Wheaton Library and Community Recreation Center, and the initial planning and design for the Davis and Potomac Library renovations.  Clarksburg Library is in the CIP with design to begin after FY 2018.

Public hearings and Council worksessions on the CIP will be held according to the schedule listed below.  You may also call 240-777-7900 or visit the County Council website for more information. 

• Public Hearings on CIP:  February 7, 8, and 9 at 7 p.m., 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville (Council Office Building, “COB”) 3rd Floor Auditorium
• Council Health and Human Services Committee Worksession on Libraries CIP:  February 15, 9:30 a.m. COB 7th Floor Hearing Room
• Council Joint Planning, Housing, and Economic Development/Health and Human Services Committee Worksession on Wheaton Library/Recreation Center:  March 5, 2 p.m. COB 7th Floor Hearing Room
• Council Health and Human Services Committee Follow-up (as needed) Worksession on Libraries CIP:  March 8th, 2 p.m., COB 7th Floor Hearing Room

For complete information about the Recommended Budget, you may visit the website of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

March Program Preview

MCPL kicks off the month of March with fun and entertaining programs like “Dragon Feathers’ presented by the ever popular Bob Brown Puppets.  Stay tuned for more information about library programs.  Connect with MCPL online, and follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

B. Parker Hamilton
Director

 

Archive of Past Director's Reports

January 2012
November/December 2011
October 2011
September 2011
August 2011
July 2011
June 2011
May 2011
April 2011
March 2011