Tag: MCPL

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Did You Know Library Branches

Montgomery County Public Libraries to Add Branch Service Hours in January

MCPL will offer additional hours of branch service to the community, effective Jan. 2, 2022. 

“Our libraries are critical gathering epicenters throughout our communities where many residents rely on, not just access to books, but to the internet as well,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “I appreciate the work of our employees and I thank our residents and patrons of the library for their patience as we worked to ensure that our libraries are COVID safe and accessible for both visitors and employees.”

The hours of operation at all MCPL branches, except Maggie Nightingale (Poolesville) and Noyes Library for Young Children, will be: 

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday – 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Friday and Saturday – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

The hours and schedule for Maggie Nightingale (currently closed for refresh) and Noyes libraries will remain as they currently stand.

“One of my highest priorities is to work towards providing equity of service to our community members,” said MCPL Director Anita Vassallo. “By equalizing and restoring hours at all of our branches, we are taking a huge step in continuing this mission.  I thank everyone who was involved in this process, as well as our customers for their patience.” 

For more information on MCPL services, please visit https://montgomerycountymd.gov/library/.

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Did You Know Library Branches

Montgomery County Public Libraries Set to Reopen Seven More Branches on June 14

A composite photo of seven reopening library branch buildings with blue text that reads "six more MCPL branches to reopen June 14"

Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) is announcing the reopening of seven additional branches to the public on June 14. The branches are:

Aspen Hill Library; 4407 Aspen Hill Road, Rockville
Damascus Library; 9701 Main Street, Damascus
Davis Library; 6400 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda
Little Falls Library; 5501 Massachusetts Ave., Bethesda
Long Branch Library; 8800 Garland Ave., Silver Spring
Potomac Library; 10101 Glenolden Drive, Potomac
Quince Orchard Library; 15831 Quince Orchard Road, Gaithersburg

These seven branches join six branches that will reopen to the public on June 1:

Connie Morella Library, 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda  
Gaithersburg Library, 18330 Montgomery Village Ave.  
Marilyn J. Praisner Library, 14910 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville  
Olney Library, 3500 Olney-Laytonsville Road  
Rockville Memorial Library, 21 Maryland Ave. 
Silver Spring Library, 900 Wayne Ave.  

“All of us at Montgomery County Public Libraries are pleased to take this step towards safely resuming in-branch services to our community members,” said Montgomery County Public Library Director Anita Vassallo. “Although the digital resources, virtual programs and “Holds To Go” service provided by our dedicated staff were incredibly popular over the past year, we know how much the residents of the County value being able to visit their public libraries, and we are looking forward to welcoming people back to our buildings.” 

All branches will follow newly adjusted opening procedures which include no appointments, no capacity limits, and no social distance requirements. Holds to Go service will be discontinued prior to the reopening of the branches.

The remaining branches will reopen on July 6, with the exception of Germantown Library, which is closed for a refresh project, and Noyes Library for Young Children.

For additional information visit MCPL’s website: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library.

Categories
Did You Know Library Branches

Montgomery County Public Libraries Goes Fine Free

As of February 1, Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will no longer charge overdue fines. We will also waive all existing overdue fines from customer accounts. The new policy ensures that all County residents have equitable access to MCPL resources and services, while eliminating the financial barrier of overdue fines. Customers who previously had outstanding late fines will now be able to resume borrowing physical and digital materials and access online library resources.

“We know that some people are reluctant to use the Library because they’re worried about the fines,” said MCPL Director Anita Vassallo. “We hope that anyone who stopped using our wonderful libraries will come back and take advantage of our great services.”

Checked out materials will continue to have due dates, and customers will receive notices when their materials are due to be returned. Customers will be responsible for returning materials and the cost of replacing lost or damaged materials.

MCPL joins more than 200 libraries across the country which have implemented a fine free model.  Libraries that have gone fine free saw increases in circulation, library card registrations, and materials returned that were previously thought lost. These libraries have not reported any increase in materials not being returned because of the new policy.

Do you need a library card? Sign up for a digital card here!