Gala 50th Anniversary Reception Planned For Montgomery County Public Libraries; Local Notables, Celebrities To Present Awards

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Contact: Diane Leatherman, 240- 777-0020

For Immediate Release: March 23, 2001

Gala 50th Anniversary Reception
Planned for Montgomery County Public Libraries;
Local Notables, Celebrities To Present Awards

A gala reception celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Montgomery County Public Libraries will be held at the Pooks Hill Marriott on April 26, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Hosted by the Friends of the Library, the event will include a cocktail buffet, silent auction, musical entertainment and an awards ceremony honoring five Montgomery County residents/groups for their generous contributions to the local library system.

PUBLIC ADVOCATE AWARD (Joint Award)
Presented to County Executive Douglas M. Duncan by Marian and Michael Dirda and to the Montgomery County Council by Natalie and Jess Atkinson;

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE AWARD
Presented to the Gazette Newspapers by The Honorable Constance and Anthony Morella;

CORPORATE SERVICE AWARD
Presented to Westfield Shoppingtown (Wheaton) by Diane and Reginald Felton; and the

CHARLES W. GILCHRIST VOLUNTEER AWARD
Presented to Susan Temin (Special Needs Library) by Reverend Gina and Arch Campbell.

All proceeds will benefit the "Friends' Endowment for the Future," which Friends President Susan Schmidt explained “is a permanent commitment to our public libraries that provides additional resources to the most immediate and sometimes most pressing needs that cannot be funded in the County's budget process.

“The Friends of the Library and their Endowment will ensure that our public libraries grow and flourish, serving as cultural centers and public gathering places as well as valuable community resources for many years to come,” Schmidt said.

Montgomery County Public Libraries Director Harriet Henderson said, “Montgomery County residents have benefited from a vital library system for more than 50 years. So, we thank the Friends for hosting this event where we can recognize some individuals and organizations for their support of our public library system in various ways through the years.”

Henderson said, “We also thank the Friends for their leadership in establishing the Endowment that will provide another means of contributing to a library system valued by so many residents.” Other 50th anniversary events planned include a photo contest, production of a 15-minute historical video, and special programs at various branches. The anniversary quilt also will be exhibited at branches throughout the county through the end of the year. For more information on anniversary events, log onto www.montgomerylibrary.org/ne.html or stop by any Montgomery County public library.

The Friends of the Library is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting our public libraries through programs such as "Born to Read," "Teen Read Week," and the "Summer Reading Program," which reaches nearly 25,000 school-age children.

Tickets for the reception are $85 per person; $160 per couple. To purchase tickets or to receive more information, call Diane Leatherman at 240-777-0019.

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