County's Public Library System Kicks off 50th Anniversary Celebration

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Contact: Harriet Henderson, 240-777-0012
For Immediate Release: February 28, 2001

County's Public Library System
Kicks off 50th Anniversary Celebration

In 1951, seven independent libraries turned over their properties and administrative controls to Montgomery County in return for a promise of "better public library service."

Today, county and library officials returned to one of those seven - now Noyes Children's Library in Kensington - to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the Montgomery County Public Libraries.

County Executive Douglas M. Duncan joined Harriet Henderson, director of the County's Public Libraries, and representatives from various branches and programs within the system, to kick off a year-long celebration and introduce three new anniversary-related items: a commemorative quilt, a new departmental logo and a new gold library card.

Quilt

Reflecting the theme "50 years of Montgomery County Public Libraries: The Past Builds the Future," the quilt was unveiled by Duncan and Norman Finkler, the second director of the Department of Public Libraries, who served from 1969 to 1980. Each of the 22 branches, plus special and administrative units designed and contributed a square. The quilt and an accompanying brochure were funded by the Friends of the Library.

"The quilt's theme captures the character and strength of our 22 neighborhood libraries, as well as particular units," said Henderson. "We are extremely thankful to the Friends of the Library for making this project a reality."

Henderson acknowledged the major role played by two Rockville residents in assembling the quilt: Georgeanna Lunking assembled the work and Sandy Ulman embroidered the wording on the top and bottom banners. She also recognized Anne Marie Rounds of G Street Fabrics for providing overall advice and guidance.

The 50th Anniversary Quilt will be on display at public libraries throughout the county during the year. Call a local library for the exhibit schedule.

Logo

The new departmental logo will be used on printed materials, as well as on signs and other forms of identification for the department. The center of the design combines a computer keyboard and pages of an open book, representing the forms in which patrons may access information in 21st century libraries - via new technology and through the standard printed word.

Gold Library Card

The special issue library card designed for the anniversary celebration is available at all public libraries in Montgomery County. Customers may exchange their current card for the commemorative version, which is available as a card or key chain style.

Referring to the promise made by the county to the independent libraries 50 years ago to provide "better public library service," Duncan said "I'm proud to stand here and say, 'We have delivered on that promise.'

"One of the things that has made our system so successful for the past 50 years is the dedication of the people who have staffed each library," he added. " I salute them for their commitment to making this network of branches a true cohesive system."

For more information about library services, log onto www.montgomerylibrary.org.

For additional information about 50th anniversary events/programs, log onto www.montgomerylibrary.org/ne.html or stop by any Montgomery County public library.

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