Friends Friends of the Library, Montgomery County Maryland (240) 777-0020 FOL Grants Griffen- Moreland Scholarship No one loves libraries and librarians more than Friends of the Library. To help promote librarianship as a career, the Board granted a $500 academic scholarship to library associate Jo Stallworth. Ms. Stallworth is a Master of Library Science candidate in the School of Information and Library Science at the Catholic University of America. She hopes to expand programming for library customers and has been instrumental in establishing African American book groups and a film series at five branches. She currently works part-time in the cataloging department and at the Wheaton branch. When Matthew P. Fink retired last year as President of the mutual fund industry’s trade association, he planned to coast a bit. Little did he know his life would get so busy. He certainly didn’t suspect his interest in collecting rare books would lead him to Friends of the Library, as a Board Member on the marketing and development committee. Mr. Fink was employed by the Investment Company Institute, the national association of the mutual fund industry, from 1971 to 2004, and served as the Institute’s President from 1991 to 2004. Since retiring, he has also become a trustee of the Committee for Economic Development, a director of the Oppenheimer Mutual Funds, and a member of the NASD Investment Companies Committee. Mr. Fink is an honors graduate of Brown University and Harvard Law School. He resides in Chevy Chase with his wife Ellanor. Former Association Executive Joins Board of Trustees Help raise money for libraries this holiday season by participating in Shop to Care at Westfield Wheaton and Montgomery. Register at either mall at the Shop to Care kiosk Shop to Care from November 24, 2006 to January 14, 2007. Select Friends of the Library, Montgomery County to receive points for every dollar you spend. Help FOL raise up to $5,000 to benefit libraries. Visit www.westfield.com or call the FOL office at 240.777.0020 for more details. Vol. 17, No. 4, Winter, 2006 21 Maryland Avenue, Suite 310, Rockville, Maryland 20850 From the President Steven Snapp Celebrate Library Lovers Month I love Library Lovers Month. February is when everything we believe in really gets expressed. I hope you’ll be sure to join in this year—especially if you haven’t been part of the festivities in years past. Let’s face it: this is why you and I support FOL. There will be children’s entertainers and musical performances and author talks at branches everywhere. Some libraries will invite children to make Valentine cards describing their favorite library experience. Others will have volunteers stationed at the doors asking you to sign postcards addressed to our County Executive and Council President. Take the time to participate. We’ve been told time and again that they look at these messages…absorb them…and remember them when it’s time to vote on the county’s budget. Of course, we also ask elected officials to the libraries in this period. It’s their chance to see just how important and impressive every branch is. If you see one of them in your branch – in February or any time – don’t be shy. Step right up and say how fierce you are in your support…and how much you expect them to stand by Montgomery County Public Libraries. Your membership counts too. Please be sure you are a member…and that your membership is up to date. We need you to show that you’re a library lover all year long, not just for one month! To join or renew, visit www.folmc.org or send a check in the enclosed envelope. From the Executive Director Ari Z. Brooks, MSW Give the Perfect Gift and Give Back This year, I’m simplifying things. Instead of running around the mall or several different stores looking for gifts for people who already have everything they need, I’m making contributions to my favorite charities in the name of my loved ones. Join me in making this a stress-free holiday. Send a contribution to FOL to honor your wife, sibling or parents. We’ll make sure your special someone gets an acknowledgment. If you still have the urge to shop…visit our bookstores in Rockville or Wheaton for great selections of books, CDs and records (see coupon page 7). Better yet, buy a gift certificate and let your friend or loved one do their own shopping. If you can’t avoid the mall this holiday season, sign up for Shop to Care at the specially-marked kiosk of Westfield Montgomery or Wheaton and select FOL to benefit from your purchases. Whether you chose to shop or not, finding a way to give back will make your holiday season much more enjoyable and rewarding. In this issue… FOL Grants Griffen-Moreland Scholarship . . . . . . . . .1 Former Association Executive Joins Board of Trustees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Shop to Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 From the President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 From the Executive Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 From the Stacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 SDFCU conducts successful book drive . . . . . . . . . . .3 Joint Meeting to be held at new Rockville library . . .4 Library & Chapter News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Next newsletter deadline is February 3, 2007. 2 Friends of the Library Newsletter Winter, 2006 2007 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Friends of the Library Montgomery County, Maryland, Inc. Kevin H. Beverly Ellen Butts Shu-Ping Chan Ann Dorough Matthew P. Fink Donna S. Goldman Honorable Rona Kramer Ann Meyer Glynis A. Noyes Carla Satinsky Bruce Saypol Gary Shaivitz Sara Silver Student Representative Erica Cafritz 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-of- charge. If you would like to receive this newsletter via e-mail, please send a written request to staff@folmc.org. Friends of the Library 21 Maryland Avenue, Suite 310 • Rockville, MD 20850 Tel: (240) 777-0020 • Fax: (240) 777-0066 • URL: www.folmc.org Staff Officers Trustees Steven Snapp, President David O. Stewart, Vice President Joy F. Bloomfield, Treasurer Frank S. Joseph, Secretary Barbara Anoskey Paula Benoist-Falwell Kathleen Blair Charlene Blake Anthony Carter Charles Dickison Larry Diroll Stan Hyman Judy Karo Ann King Lauren Martino Linda McDermitt Les Rich Andy Simpson Jim Trosper Claire Windsor Susan Wright Ari Z. Brooks, MSW, Executive Director Anne-Marie Meegan, Office Manager James Ludlum, Business Manager From the Stacks Jim Ludlum, Business Manager What’s so special about a “special sale?” FOL holds special sales several times during the year in the lobby and meeting rooms at the Wheaton Regional Library. As you know, all of our materials are donated. Over the course of a few months, employees collect books and other items that might appeal to a certain customer, such as comic book collectors, foreign language speakers or romance novel enthusiasts. We store these CDs, comics, movies, and higher priced books until we have an interesting variety of material, and then have a special sale. For example, in August we had our first back- to-school special sale featuring thousands of children’s books and educational materials for the classroom. The special sale attracted teachers and home-school parents from all over the county. Special sales are very appealing to frequent shoppers because they can see new and interesting things all at once instead of having to hunt for them in the stacks. On occasion, we have special sales at our Rockville location. Look for details on our website www.folmc.org/bookstores/index.htm, in The Gazette or The Washington Post Book World. The special sales are a special opportunity for sure. But don’t wait for a sale to shop at our stores, because the prices are always special. State Department Federal Credit Union conducts successful book drive The State Department Federal Credit Union donated hundreds of books to FOL during National Credit Union Youth Week. Community Outreach Coordinator Susan King said employees wanted the books to benefit a worthy cause such as helping to enhance libraries. Ronald Schneeberger, Business Development Manager, delivers to manager Kathy Blair at FOL bookstore. SDFCU is a non-profit full service financial institution with headquarters in Alexandria Virginia and five branches in the DC Metro area. You, your company, organization or group can conduct a book drive at your workplace, school or place of worship. Make sure books are gently used and can be resold. Bring them to either store in boxes or bags. Be sure to take a photo when you deliver them and email to staff@folmc.org with a photo caption. Winter, 2006 Friends of the Library Newsletter Joint Meeting to be held at new Rockville library The joint meeting of the Library Board and Friends of the Library will take place on December 13. All Library Advisory Committees and Friends of the Library Chapters are invited to attend. The evening will start with library tours and a technology fair, followed by the business meeting. Learn how to advocate for public libraries all year long. RSVP by calling 240.777.0033. Library & Chapter News Parker Hamilton, Library Director Staff Development Day Deemed Success During October, MCPL had the opportunity to offer a full day dedicated to staff development thanks to the generous funding from Friends of the Library, Montgomery County. The staff heard from reputable speakers in technology and got acquainted with the latest technological advances. The training received high ratings for the choice of speakers, topics and facilities at the University of Maryland at Shady Grove. During lunch, MCPL recognized and congratulated staff who have Materials Management employees Kusum Ashar, Kathy Le, Renee Moss and Linda Burroughs at MCPL Staff Development Day. achieved 5, 10 and 15 years of service, as well as presenting this year’s Staff Awards. The majority of participants reported positively on having an entire day dedicated to staff day, and recommended including more technology and customer service-oriented training in future sessions. Bethesda Chapter Judy Gilbert Levey, President Concert at Bethesda Library Bethesda Library patrons celebrated the World Series in late October with an all-about-baseball program sponsored by the Bethesda Chapter. Mascots Homer and Bunt from the Bethesda Big Train greeted library patrons, Agency Manager Keith Fleeman performed Casey at the Claudia Levey, Mascots Homer & Bat, author Larry Moffi Bunt and Agency Manager Keith signed his new book, Fleeman celebrate baseball. The Conscience of the Game: Baseball’s Commissioners from Landis to Selig and Big Train managers led a discussion about how to move up from Little League through recreational play, school teams and on to college. In September the Chapter sponsored an outreach project with children from the Agency Manager Keith Fleeman Paddington Square performs Casey at the Bat while Big Train Mascot Homer looks on. complex to set up a library in their recreation room. Bethesda community donors to the library’s book sale supported the collection of books for children and adults to get the library underway. FOL Volunteer Barbara Marblestone (background) and children at Paddington Square setting up the new library at their apartment complex. 4 Friends of the Library Newsletter Winter, 2006 Upcoming programs in Bethesda will include an open rehearsal of the NIH Philharmonia (www.nihphil.org) on February 13 at the Bethesda Library. The public is invited to sit in from 7:30 until closing as the group rehearses. The repertoire for that evening is: Concert no. 3, “A Lovers Tryst” Clara Schumann—Variations on a Theme of Robert Schumann, op. 2 Johannes Brahms—Serenade no. 2, op. 16 Robert Schumann—Symphony no. 4, op. 120 Chevy Chase Chapter Anne S. Core, President Recycle Your Red Hot Romances Now you can double the pleasure of a good romance novel—by donating it when you’re done! The Chevy Chase Chapter is collecting barely used romance novels for a special sale in February during Library Lovers Month. Just bring your gently used hardbacks or paperbacks to the Connecticut Avenue entrance and place them in the designated space. You may pick up a donation receipt at the Circulation Desk. Even if you’re not a romance reader, the ongoing book sale is a great way to support the library. Donate your used books on the Connecticut Avenue side, and browse the books for sale on the parking lot side. All money from the book sale goes to enhancing the Chevy Chase library. In addition, the Chapter has created a Library Lovers Month Planning Committee. Library Lovers Month, celebrated each year in February, is a month-long recognition of the value of libraries. The group will plan events to promote and raise funds for the library while providing opportunities for families and individuals to celebrate our library. If you like planning events or programs, or have ideas for an event you’d like to see, please contact Anne Core at annecore@aol.com. Davis Chapter Evelyn McDonald, Past President Programs for tots, teens and big people, too The Davis Chapter held its annual meeting on October 16 to review the year’s activities and financial state, welcome new board members and elect new officers. The Board expressed appreciation for the leadership of Evelyn McDonald, who served as President of the Chapter for the previous year and has moved to Florida. The Acting President Ellen Collier and the Board welcomed new members Dorothy Broadman, Linda Hubbard, and Xinomara Velazquez. New signage, paid for by the Chapter, has been installed in the Children’s Room. The signage looks great and is in upper case and lower case to promote early literacy and reading readiness. Upcoming Children’s Story times series includes: • Teeny Tiny Tots (0–12 months) on November 16, December 14 at 10:30 a.m. • Bright Stars (12–23 months) on November 3 and December 1 at 10:30 • Time for Two’s (24–36 months) on November 14 and December 5 at 10:30 • Preschool Story time (3–5 year olds) on November 8 and December 6 at 10:30 or 2:00 The 3rd & 4th Grade Book Club meets the second Tuesday of each month at 4:00 p.m. The book selection for November 14 is The Mystery of Mr. Nice by Bruce Hale. The Davis Teen Book Club will meet on Saturday, November 25, to discuss Zoo, a novel by Graham Marks. The Davis Library Adult Book Group began its new season with discussions of Zadie Smith’s On Beauty. The group was pleased to note that Turkish dissident Orhan Pamuk was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature. Last spring the group read Pamuk’s Snow. The classic for this season was The Good Soldier by Ford Madox Ford. In December, the selection is Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War by Nathaniel Philbrick. January brings another award Winter, 2006 Friends of the Library Newsletter winner, Geraldine Brooks’ March. Book Club discussions are held the third Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. Information for all programs is available at the Library desks or by calling 240.777.0922. The Davis Library offers Internet & Computer Classes for Beginners every Saturday at 9:15 a.m. It’s free but registration is required. Please call 240.777.0922 to register. Little Falls Chapter Susan J. Schmidt, President Chapter Celebrates 15 Years The Little Falls Chapter had another used book sale in November. This time, all proceeds were donated to the “Hurricane Katrina-devastated” Mississippi libraries. Thanks to our neighborhood Boy Scouts who helped move boxes and sort books. We couldn’t have done it without them. Children’s picture book area in Biloxi and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina We would like to thank everyone who has joined as a result of our membership drive. These individuals and families understand the importance of our library to our community. If you haven’t sent in your membership or donation yet, please consider this holiday season a gift to the Little Falls Library. In 2007, the Chapter will be celebrating the 15th anniversary of its financial and volunteer support of the Little Falls Library. Look for special events and programs during the year. Olney Chapter Nena Ickes, President Olney has successful Fall Festival There was something for everyone at Olney Library on a beautiful mid-October Saturday featuring the day-long Special Book Sale, diverse performances and talks. Early Childhood Specialist Caron Dale brought Music on the Move to little ones. In a nod to National Crime Prevention month, Montgomery County’s Police Officer Luis F. Hurtado gave numerous hints for personal safety. Storyteller Elizabeth Thornton wove her tales with guitar accompaniment. The One-Step Magic Company delighted kids and grownups alike with their high jinks. Mother Goose shared her nursery rhymes and songs. Back by popular demand, and rounding out the day, the Olney Jazz Troupe’s big band sound was a hit for patrons throughout the library. Thanks to volunteers and staff who made the day a success! Rockville Library Rockville Chapter New Rockville Library Opens By the time you receive this issue, the new Rockville Library will be open to the public. The new facility is spacious and gorgeous. The two-story structure with high ceilings, lighting features and soaring staircase makes a great architectural statement and creates a new focus for the renewed Rockville downtown area. Come visit the spectacular new library and experience the state of the art in community libraries. Please remember us at your workplace givingprograms this fall Our new United Way/CFC designated number is 8729. 6 Friends of the Library Newsletter Winter, 2006 White Oak Chapter Frank Altrichter, President Motivational speaker and former Harlem Globetrotter Spencer ‘‘Spinny” Johnson appeared at the White Oak Library in October. “Spinny” Johnson presented an interactive, upbeat and dynamic program featuring fun and amazing basketball skills that focused on goal setting, determination and perseverance. Harlem Globetrotter Spencer “Spinny” Johnson NINETEENTH ANNUAL Literary Luncheon Series Spring 2007 Luncheons MMaarrcchh1155EE..EEtthheellbbeerrttMMiilllleerrAApprriill1199MMaarriieeAArraannaaStrathmore Hall Arts Center Mansion Lecture starts at 11:30 a.m. Lunch and book signing start at 12:30 p.m. Ticket prices from $17 to $24. Call 240.777.0020 to reserve your space. Get a jump onHoliday Shopping Get a jump onHoliday ShoppingFOL Bookstore Coupon Cannot be duplicated or combined with any other coupon. One per customer. Expiration date: January 14, 2006. Take $2 off your entire purchase of $10 or more at Rockville or Wheaton location. Winter, 2006 Friends of the Library Newsletter Montgomery County, Maryland, Inc. Non-profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Rockville, MD Permit No. 6280 21 Maryland Avenue, Suite 310 Rockville, MD 20850-2389 ADDRESS 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–8pm • Friday–Saturday: 10am–6pm • Sunday: Noon–6pm