Montgomery County Public Libraries

From 1893 until 1950, independent public or subscriber funded libraries provided limited services to residents of southern Montgomery County.

Nine independent library associations operated facilities located in Bethesda, Four Corners, Gaithersburg, Garrett Park, Kensington, Rockville, Sherwood, Silver Spring, and Wheaton.

In 2016, the MCPL released a strategic plan for Fiscal Years 2017-2020,[9] which includes four core aspects: The Public Libraries has a Library Board made up of twelve members appointed by the County Executive and one representing the School Board.

The Board makes recommendations to the County Executive on library-related issues, including facilities, collection, service areas, and personnel.

The Refresh program allows for technological and other updates on an accelerated timetable from the previous 25 year renovation cycle.

[12] The refresh program was recognized with the 2016 Top Innovator Award from the Urban Libraries Council.

[1] MCPL has physical and electronic book checkouts, magazines and e-magazines, audiobooks in various formats, and access to movie and television shows.

[17] MCPL also offers an Outreach Team that visits community events to share information about services and performs library card signups.

Anyone who lives, works, pays property taxes, or goes to school in Maryland, or who lives in the District of Columbia, or in Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, Fairfax, Loudoun, or Prince William Counties in Northern Virginia ca., regardless of age, can get an MCPL card.

For full library privileges, including checking out and placing holds on physical materials, it is necessary to register in-person.