On June 30, we will close out fiscal year 2018 (FY18) and wrap up the second year of our FY17-20 Strategic Plan. With the funding recommended by the County Executive and approved by County Council, we have been able to achieve many of the strategic objectives that support our goal of making Montgomery County a more literate, connected, strong and vibrant, and delighted community. Our accomplishments for FY18 include:
- Adding Lynda.com to our suite of career and education resources allowing MCPL card holders access to top sources for online learning.
- Launching LearningExpress Library to offer free access to nearly 1,000 online tutorials, practice tests, and e-books to help customers of all ages.
- Refreshing and reopening five branches: Aspen Hill, Little Falls, Quince Orchard, White Oak, and Connie Morella (Bethesda).
- Adding back hours and services to three branches: Little Falls, Kensington Park, and Twinbrook.
- Making Early Literacy and After School Edge Tablets from AWE Learning available in 17 of our 21 branch locations. Children and their parents or caregivers can use the AWE tablets to practice both early and digital literacy skills while having fun.
- Celebrating the diversity of Montgomery County and acknowledging the immigrant experience through the NEA Big Read Montgomery program.
- Holding our 2nd comic convention, MoComCon, at the Silver Spring Library.
- Beginning our second series of well-received Contemporary Conversations @ MCPL.
- Implementing the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten initiative to encourage early literacy skills and family engagement.
- Offering library cardholders free access to more than 30,000 films, with the popular on-demand film streaming service, Kanopy.
- Offering a robust series of programs focused on business, workforce development, and financial literacy.
- Providing the opportunity for residents to earn their high school diplomas through Career Online High School, including nine who have graduated!
Thank you to our stakeholders for their support of Montgomery County Public Libraries. With their commitment and continued funding, we will be able to sustain our vision of being an open, inviting, and vital gateway to the information and ideas that strengthen and enrich Montgomery County.Labels: From the Director, June 2018
