Friends Friends of the Library, Montgomery County Maryland (240) 777-0020 Board of Trustees Elects New Member Frank S. Joseph Mr. Joseph is a writer and former Washington Post journalist who brings to the Board his skills as a publisher and publishing consultant. As a Board Member, he is interested in helping improve library outreach, especially in the minority and non-English-speaking communities. His first novel, To Love Mercy, published April 2006, is a story set in Chicago 1948 about blacks and whites, Christians and Jews, how children see the world, conflict and forgiveness. Visit www.tolovemercy.com for more information. He and his wife, Carol Jason, a sculptor and painter, live in Chevy Chase; they are the parents of Sam and Shawn. Welcome New Office Manager Anne-Marie Meegan Ms. Meegan replaces former office manager Stephanie France. She brings her extensive nonprofit experience to FOL having worked with local membership and civil rights organizations. Ms. Meegan has a background in library science and was the 2004–2005 Chesapeake Information Research Library Alliance Fellow at Georgetown University’s Lauinger Library. She can be contacted at Anne-Marie.Meegan@montgomerycountymd. gov or 240.777.0020. We’re moving! FOL is gearing up for our big move with the Rockville library to the new Town Center this fall. We’ll have a new and improved look along with a new address: 21 Maryland Avenue Suite 310 Rockville, Maryland 20850 Our telephone (240.777.0020) and fax (240.777.0066) num- bers will remain the same. Look for your invitation to our open house this fall. Ari Brooks & Anne-Marie Meegan at construction site of FOLs new home. Photo taken by Larry Rowland. Vol. 17, No. 2, Summer, 2006 99 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20850 From the President Steven Snapp FOL Helps Impact Library Budget If you don’t ask, you don’t get. That’s how FOL and the Library Board approached the budget process this year. We were especially confident because Council Member Nancy Floreen went on record with significant requests to her colleagues on behalf of MCPL. Here’s what I asked for in my testimony before the County Council: • $500,000 for materials (books, CDs, DVDs, etc.) • An extra $400,000 for facility enhancements like carpet and furniture • $1,000,000 for more front line staff throughout the system • $400,000 for three senior managers to help Director Parker Hamilton propel MCPL to bigger and better things As expected, it didn’t all survive the Health and Human Services Committee budget work sessions. However, it’s a great next step. We’re working hard to restore as much funding as possible. Thanks to Councilmember Floreen, and thanks to everyone who shows support all year long. We’ll make even more strides next year! Final budget decisions will have been made by the time this newsletter goes to print. Visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov and click on “about government” to see how MCPL fared in the FY07 budget. In this issue… Board of Trustees Elects New Member . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Welcome New Office Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 FOL is Moving! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 From the President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 From the Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 From the Stacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Library & Chapter News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 From the Executive Director Ari Z. Brooks, MSW Director on Leave By the time you read this newsletter, I will have started a new life adventure with the birth of my first child. But never fear; the office will be in the very capable hands of office manager Anne-Marie Meegan. Contact her at 240.777.0020 to join or renew your membership, register for the Literary Luncheon Series (see page 6) or learn about volunteer opportunities. Call business manager Jim Ludlum with your questions about the bookstores at 240.777.0688 (Wheaton) or 301.984.3300 (Rockville). Educators interested in big savings should plan to meet Jim at our back-to-school sale (see page 3). Have a great summer enjoying all the wonderful library programs brought to you by FOL and our ever- amazing chapters! Friends of the Library Newsletter Summer, 2006 2006 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Friendsof the Library Montgomery County, Maryland, Inc. Officers Steven Snapp, President Joy Bloomfield, Treasurer Pamela Kessler, Vice President David Stewart, Secretary Trustees Kevin Beverly Glynis Noyes Erica Cafritz, Shu-Ping Chan Bruce Saypool Student Representative Barbara Golden Carla Satinsky Members Emeritus Donna Goldman Frank Joseph Gary Shaivitz Muriel Ward Charles F. Eason, Jr. Honorable Rona Kramer Kim Watson Dr. Donald J. Fork Ann Meyer Honorable Mier Wolf John Murdock Staff Ari Z. Brooks, Executive Director and Editor James Ludlum, Business Manager Anne-Marie Meegan, Office Manager Barbara Anoskey Charles Dickison Ann King Andy Simpson Paula Benoist-Falwell Larry Diroll Linda McDermitt Jim Trosper Kathleen Blair Stan Hyman Jeff Peikin Claire Windsor Anthony Carter Judy Karo Les Rich Susan Wright The Friends of the Library is supported in part by funding from the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County. This newsletter is published four times a year by Friends of the Library and is available free-ofcharge. If you would like to receive this newsletter via e-mail, please send a written request to ari.brooks@montgomerycountymd.gov. Friends of the Library 99 Maryland Avenue • Rockville, MD 20850 Tel: (240) 777-0020 • Fax: (240) 777-0066 • URL: www.folmc.org From the Stacks Jim Ludlum, Business Manager Attention Teachers, Parents and Homeschoolers FOL is about to have the biggest back-to-school sale in its history. We have nearly 500 boxes of new and used children’s books to sell, some priced at just .25 cents. Mystery and comic book lovers will be in for special treats as well. You’ll also want to stock up on special history and science titles for those infamous “school research projects.” Teachers with valid school identification can make tax-free purchases. Special discounts apply for purchases over $50. This is an amazing opportunity to get great books at unheard of prices and build your classroom or home libraries before school starts! Don’t forget—we accept VISA and MasterCard. Back-to-School Sale August 21 to 24 10am to 8pm Wheaton Book Sale Meeting Room #2 11701 Georgia Avenue 240.777.0688 For directions, visit www.folmc.org. Library & Chapter News Parker Hamilton, Library Director Montgomery County Public Libraries—Where the County Reads The summer of 2006 is a very spe cial and exciting year for MCPL. As many of you know, we have been celebrating Summer Reading for children and teens for more than 20 years. This year’s theme is “Clue into Reading” which provides lots of mystery reading, fun activities and programming for children and teens. The Summer Reading program runs from June 14 until August 19. This year I’m also delighted to announce MCPL’s first ever Summer Reading program for adults. Adult summer reading is an innovative program inspired by the One Book One Community project, with the twist that each reader chooses his or her own book. The theme is: This Summer…Read the Book You’ve Always Meant to Read. I would like to challenge Montgomery County readers to participate by telling us about the book they choose to read either online at the library website www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library or at their local library, June 14 to September 10. At the end of the summer there will be drawings for prizes of bookstore gift certificates. We are also asking well known Montgomery County personalities to tell us about the book they’ve always meant to read. Look for their quotes on the library website throughout the summer. Now, more than ever we can certainly say: Montgomery County Public Libraries, Where the County Reads. Summer, 2006 Friends of the Library Newsletter Bethesda Chapter Judy Gilbert Levey, President Bethesda Library Reaches Out to the Community Our Summer Reading programs will have something for everyone, with programs especially for adults, teens and elementary students. Bethesda Friends hopes to provide extra copies of books on our local school reading lists. Over 20 teens met at the Bethesda Library in April to sign up for the new Bethesda Library Teen Readers Program. It’s not too late to sign up for this opportunity to read new books, some before they are published and/or part of the Library collection. Signup information, including a parental permission form and a student information form, can be obtained at the Bethesda Library, 7400 Arlington Road. The program runs throughout the summer, with two optional meeting dates, July 11 and August 8 at 7pm. These get-togethers will give teens an opportunity to discuss the new books, and hopefully meet one of the authors. For more information, contact Kathie Weinberg at Kathie.Weinberg@montgomerycountymd.gov. or klweinberg@comcast.net. Bethesda Friends has also been forging outreach programs to help bring our library into the community. In the coming months, we will be working with a low-income housing development to establish a library in their community recreation center. We’ll be stocking the bookshelves with books from our book sale donations as well as newly purchased books and dictionaries. In addition, we are working with two homeless facilities to help meet their needs for books, dictionaries and resource materials. Chevy Chase Chapter Anne Core, President Summer Fun for Everyone! Why should kids have all the fun? Mark your calendar for the Readers’ Tea on June 14 at the Chevy Chase Library to introduce Montgomery County Public Libraries’ new Summer Reading program for adult readers. Fear not though, great kids’ programs continue. The Washington Opera’s free workshop for elementary school age children is June 17 at 11am. Call the library at 240.773.9585 to register. Preschool film programs begin June 22 at 10:30am. Monday evening programs for chil dren age 5 and older begin June 19. Be sure to pick up information about the ticket policy. Teen readers are invited to “Clue into Reading” and win prizes in the Summer Reading program. Visit the Information Desk at the Chevy Chase Library located at 8005 Connecticut Avenue or visit the website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library for more details. Damascus Chapter Donna Bangor, Secretary A Busy Winter Leads to a Busy Summer Train Day is always a major event at the library which continues to grow each year. This past November, staff member Anita Fry coordinated displays of train layouts, music, food, and story and movie time for more than 1,500 people. In January, the producers of C-SPAN videotaped and aired the Damascus Adult Book discussion group’s conversation about John Adams by David McCullough. Staff member Chris Lundy leads the group that meets every third Wednesday of the month at 7:30pm. To celebrate Library Lovers Month in February, local author Susan King attended high tea at the library. She spoke about the publishing process, from “idea to bookshelf.” Also in February our county council representative Mike Knapp received hundreds of Valentines children created to remind him how much they love their library. Damascus Friends is looking forward to a great summer, with support going to the Damascus Day parade on July 7, the Damascus Fair on September 8 and 9 and of course, the Summer Reading program. Amy Alapati, children’s librarian, is planning the annual summer sleepover. Fifty Volunteer Treasurer Wanted Damascus Friends is seeking a Treasurer to help manage funds raised to support the library. The qualified candidate should have an interest in libraries and basic bookkeeping skills. The current Treasurer is willing to train and mentor. Contact Library Manager Karen Miller at 240.773.9440 or Chapter President Earl Patrick at 301.253.2305 for more details. 4 Friends of the Library Newsletter Summer, 2006 eight-to-ten-year olds will enjoy a presentation by a local author, readings and films, raffle and door prizes, and pizza. For more information about the sleepover or other library programs call 240.773.9444. Davis Chapter Evelyn McDonald, President Davis Treats Adult Patrons to Book Talk by Michael Dirda The Summer Reading program starts on June 20 with storyteller Diane Macklin doing “Once upon an Adventure!” On June 28 Tracey Eldridge performs “Rhythm ’N Clues” interactive singing with instruments. The Maryland Science Center presents “Play Ball,” a program for first graders and up. July 18, Mike Rose presents a magic show “Mysteries & Magic.” July 25 the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair presents a live animal program. And the season ends with “Reptiles Alive!” on August 2. All programs are at 7pm at the Davis Library. Next newsletter deadline is August 1, 2006. Adults have not been neglected. On June 14 as a special treat, Davis will host Michael Dirda, Washington Post book critic who will discuss his new book, Book by Book: Notes on Reading and Life. Adult Book Club discussions are held the third Wednesday of the month at 7pm. The Davis Library offers Internet & Computer Classes for Beginners every Saturday at 9:15am. It’s free but registration is required. Call 240.777.0922 to register or to find out more about our programs. Fairland Chapter Betsy Matthews, President Fairland Says Goodbye to a Dear Friend After 20 years of volunteer service to MCPL, Fairland chapter president Elizabeth “Betsy” Matthews retired this May. Betsy was instrumental in advocating for the new Fairland library. She has been an active member of the Chapter since she and the late Sue Perella founded it. Fairland library recognized Betsy at a volunteer appreciation reception. We are very thankful for Betsy’s visionary leadership and her great gardening skills! Fairland Friends is seeking volunteers to assist with ongoing fundraising, membership recruitment and financial management. Call 240.777.0020 if you are interested in serving on the Board as the Membership Chair or Treasurer. Germantown Chapter Marynell Wallace, President Germantown Community Awaits New Library Opening Germantown Friends is still busy fundraising for enhancements for the new library through our Buy a Brick program. Community residents along with businesses are ordering bricks to be inscribed with their names for the walkway of the new library. Children are participating, often donating their own money to provide items for the children’s section and other parts of the library. Contact Marynell Wallace at mndw@texncal.com to buy your brick and be a part of Germantown history. Stay tuned for further information about our grand opening! Summer, 2006 Friends of the Library Newsletter Announcing the NINETEENTH ANNUAL Literary Luncheon Series The 2006/2007 Season will kick off on October 19 with first-time novelist Amy Sheibe who will present What Do You Do All Day. On November 16, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Haynes Johnson will discuss his book The Age of Anxiety: McCarthyism to Terrorism. All programs are held at Strathmore Hall Arts Center in the Mansion and begin at 11:30am. Call 240.777.0020 or visit www.folmc.org to register. Little Falls Chapter Susan J. Schmidt, President Little Falls Friends has many friends to thank. The Springfield Garden Club and the Friends are proud of their neighborhood teens. Led by Susan Zeccardi, French and Patty Caldwell, Chris Smith, T. DiMisa and Mark Nicholas, Boy Scout Troop 15 and Crew 15 of the Little Flower Ventures did a remarkable job planning, getting funding, and working on the walkway, path and new garden of our Library. Their project was successful because of the donations from American Plant Food, TW Perry, Jack T. Irwin Stone and Aggregate Industries. Special recognition to Joe Caldwell for his dedication and making our Library beautiful! Once again, the Friends is proud to co-sponsor the Summer Reading program for our neighborhood children. We hope you will enjoy the wonderful programs and activities planned during the coming months. The Literary Salon has ended for the season and we would like to thank Dr. Karen Arnold for leading us in fun and interesting conversations, Lorrie Barse for taking good care of us, and Lucy Freeman for steering us in the right direction. Look for new and exciting books to share in the fall. Boy Scout Troup 15: Paul Nicholas, Kevin Boland, Will Holdrich, JP Raynal, Chase Smith, Chris DiMisa, David Cantwell, Tommy Vince, Gus Holdrich and Marc Aurnault. Ventures Crew 15: Monica Herman, Kara Herman, Lisa Sundeen, Melissa Longano, Angie Kaufmann, Maria Kaufmann, Elizabeth Lent, Ainsley Smith, and Carolijna Acevedo. Olney Chapter Nena Ickes, President Olney Needs Books Donate your new and gently used books for the Autumn Fest book sale on October 14. Bring your donations to the library starting September 17. The library is located at 3500 Olney-Laytonsville Road in Olney. No textbooks, encyclopedias or magazines. Call the library at 301.570.1232 for more details or directions. Rockville Chapter Ellen Sachs, President The new Rockville library is opening in Fall 2006 and the Rockville Friends invites everyone to a gala celebration on November 11, 2006. The gala will take place at the new library and will include food and entertainment. In addition, we’ll hold two “Sneak Peek” tours of the library building before it opens to the public for FOL members. The dates for these Sneak Peeks will be determined as we get closer to the opening day. The new Rockville library will be Montgomery County’s largest library and will include the Special Needs library and a new collection of Russian language materials to go along with the materials in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean. 6 Friends of the Library Newsletter Summer, 2006 Quince Orchard Chapter Literacy TutorNeeded The Literacy Council of Montgomery County needs volunteers to teach adults to read, write and speak English. You do NOT need to know a foreign language and hours are flexible. Please call 301.942.9292 to register for an upcoming orientation session or email info@literacycouncilmcmd.org. Looking for your place in the world? Join the literary community at the Writer’s Center. 4508 Walsh St., Bethesda, MD 20815 (301) 654-8664 www.writer.org Workshops Readings Book Gallery Elizabeth Cookson, President Happy Birthday, Quince Orchard! Quince Orchard celebrated its sixth birthday last December. Many of us can now celebrate six years of friendship through volunteering at the library. For Library Lovers Month this year, the Library staff arranged two sessions—a concert with local blues musicians, Jay Summerour and Warner Williams and a discussion about local blues traditions with Kip Lornell. In April, Quince Orchard Friends supported the Indian community’s Utsav, a wonderful celebration with music, dance and food. In May, we participated in Earth Day at the Travilah Quarry. This is always a day of great fun and attracts a huge crowd. Join us on the first Saturday of the month (except during the summer) for a book sale at the library. Come early since the line starts forming before the library opens at 10am. Quince Orchard Friends is currently working on the Annual Community Day set for June 17. This day brings area residents to the Library to listen to music; eat popcorn; browse the community offerings; attend Penny Theatre and magic shows; and climb on the old Aggregate fire engine, as well as enjoy many other activities including a great book sale. If you didn’t join or renew your membership at the end of the year, don’t worry. There’s no time like the present to give. Your tax-deductible contribution will still help enhance our libraries. Send your check made payable to FFrriieennddssoofftthheeLLiibbrraarryy,,MMoonnttggoommeerryyCCoouunnttyy, 99 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20850. Or visit wwwwww..ffoollmmcc..oorrggto donate online. Our libraries will thank you over and over again! Name: Address: Phone: Email (optional): . Enclosed is my check . Please charge my credit card: . VISA . MasterCard . American Express Card # Exp. Date: Name as it appears on card Authorizing Signature Summer, 2006 Friends of the Library Newsletter Montgomery County, Maryland, Inc. Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Rockville, MD Permit No. 6280 99 Maryland Avenue Rockville, MD 20850-2389 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Friends’ Bookstore at Wheaton Library 11701 Georgia Avenue 240.777.0688 • Monday–Thursday: 10am–8:30pm • Friday: 10am–4:30pm • Saturday: 9am–4:30pm • Sunday: 1pm–4:30pm during the school year only when the Wheaton Regional Library is scheduled to be open to the public. Friends’ Bookstore at Randolph Hills Shopping Center 4886 Boiling Brook Parkway 301.984.3300 • Monday–Thursday: 10am–9pm • Friday–Saturday: 10am–6pm • Sunday: Noon–6pm