Contact: Parker Hamilton, 240-777-0023

For Immediate Release: July 30, 2001

Montgomery County Public Libraries
Appoints Early Childhood Services Coordinator

The Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) has announced the appointment of Saroj Ghoting to head the Early Childhood Initiative for the Montgomery County Public Library System.

As the Early Childhood Services Coordinator, Ghoting will be responsible for ensuring that the necessary early resources are provided to help preschoolers and their families develop skills to ensure that the children are ready to learn when they enter school.

She will also serve as MCPL's representative to the County's Early Childhood Initiative, as well as to the Maryland State Ready at Five, and the Maryland Association of Public Library Administrators' Birth to Four initiatives.

The first major project undertaken by Ghoting is to provide library literacy workshops to the early childhood community, parents and caregivers. The workshops will target parents who need support and will help them share books with young children, prior to their entering school.

"We are fortunate to have Saroj Ghoting head our libraries' early childhood initiative," said MCPL Director Harriet Henderson. "Her knowledge of Montgomery County and her experience serving children, parents and caregivers is essential for the implementation and success of our services to children, their families and the people who care for them."

Ghoting brings more than 25 years experience as a children's librarian to her new position. Prior to accepting the post, she served as Children's Librarian at the Rockville Library and, in other positions, she has worked with young children and with the childcare and early childhood community.

Ghoting said, "We are basing our early childhood services on current research in how children learn. Public libraries are a key resource for parents and caregivers, and we want to make sure we are providing proven techniques to help all preschool children enter school ready to learn."

For more information about library services for young children and their adult caregivers, contact Saroj Ghoting at 240-777-0005 or email ghotis@mont.lib.md.us.