New Montgomery County Library Rules

In case you missed it this week, Montgomery County Public Libraries instituted new policies on February 1st regarding food and drink, cell phones, and your library account:

• Food and drink – other than water – is no longer permitted in the library, due to a decrease in the County’s ability to clean library branches.
• Cell phones must be set on vibrate as a courtesy to other library users.
• In order to ensure accuracy of library accounts, customers without their library cards must show proof of identity when checking out materials. Borrowers must have an active library account and be in good standing to check out materials. Customers should have their library cards in hand when checking out.

These all seem very reasonable. Cell phones shouldn’t be ringing and disturbing fellow patrons. But if they needed to make this rule formal, they must have been ringing. If you’re hungry or thirsty while in either of our Rockville libraries, you can easily pop over to local businesses for some refreshments.

Take A Survey About Computer Use At The Library

The Montgomery County Public Libraries would like to know about your computer use at their library branches. How do you use the Internet and public catalog computers in the branches? Are you successful in finding the help you need with the available equipment? They’d like to know your suggestions regarding applications for smart phones, online tutorials, e-book delivery, etc.

The survey only takes a few minutes and can be found online here. The survey is accessible from any computer and is available through Friday, December 3, 2010, so, take it right now.

Your answers will help evaluate and improve computer services.

Is Chinese Food More American Than Apple Pie?

The Friends of the Library, Montgomery County (FOLMC), have invited author Jennifer 8. Lee to VisArts at Rockville and she thinks so. Their third annual “Read, Eat & Give” fundraiser will be held on Wednesday, October 27, from 7 to 9:30 PM.

Ms. Lee is a former New York Times journalist and author of the Fortune Cookie Chronicles. In the book, she demonstrates Chinese food’s American heritage while addressing such questions as:

• Who writes the fortunes in fortune cookies?
• Why do we eat General Tso’s sweet and spicy chicken?
• What’s with Chop Suey?
• What is the “Great Kosher Duck Scandal”?
• How is Chinese food in Brazil different from in Italy or America?
• Is it true that Chinese restaurants outnumber McDonald’s, KFC, and Burger King restaurants combined?

After her lively discussion, she’ll sign copies of her book which will be available for sale at the event.

“Read, Eat & Give” takes reading to a new level by creating an enhanced experience through the exploration of food and drink. A slideshow presentation will combine with samples of Chinese food — both old favorites and new fare — donated by Meiwah, a Chinese restaurant in Friendship Heights.

Admission is $35 for individuals and $60 per couple. FOLMC members receive a 10% discount on the admission cost. This includes the price of non-alcoholic beverages and food. The event’s recommended for those who are 13 years of age or older. To purchase alcoholic beverages, attendees must be at least 21 years of age and show a valid photo ID. Actual tickets will not be issued, so names will be held at the door.

$10 raffle tickets will be sold throughout the evening for prizes such as weekend getaways, professional services and beauty baskets.

We couldn’t help by notice our TBD Network connection: community news reporter Kathy Park of ABC 7/WJLA and TBD/ NewsChannel 8 is the mistress of ceremonies. She is also the anchor for weekday morning newscasts on TBD TV. A Silver Spring native, one of her many interests is discovering new places to eat.

This year’s corporate and public sector sponsors are VisArts, Montgomery County Public Libraries, Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce and Law Offices of Shu-Ping Chan, Esq. Individual sponsors are Tina and Don Slater, Sandra Schwartz, and Celia and Leonard Schuchman.

Montgomery County Celebrates National Snapshot Day

Ike Leggett Photo by Aileen Klein

This morning County Executive Ike Leggett kicked off Snapshot Day for the Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) at the Rockville Memorial Library. Snapshot Day is an American Library Association initiative to give libraries a way to show what happens in a single day by taking photos.

Throughout the day, customers have been photographing programs and services to document the variety of activities that take place. The photos will be uploaded to Flickr on the Maryland Library Association’s site.

Snapshot Day gives advocates the chance to prove how their libraries are appreciated and used. In addition to taking photos, the staff is collecting statistics by actually counting people. Today our Rockville Memorial Library will highlight how many books were checked out, but they’ll also be asking people what they are doing in the library to find out if they are seeking a job or doing their homework, etc.

Laura Berthieume Photo by Aileen Klein

Children from the kindergarten class at Beall Elementary and first grade of Christ Episcopal attended the event and they were treated to stories read by Mr. Leggett, Montgomery County Police Chief Thomas Manger, Past President of the Friends of the Library, Rockville Chapter and School Board Member Laura Berthiaume, and District 17 Senator Jennie Forehand. Mr. Leggett in particular knew how to interact with the kids and was just as good as any first grade teacher would have been. To show their appreciation for Mr. Leggett’s efforts, the Friends of the Library (FOLMC) presented him with his very own READ poster.

Jennie Forehand, Tom Mangers & Laura Berthieume while Ike Leggett reads. The children reacted to his storytelling. Photo by Aileen Klein.

Aileen Klein from the Friends of the Library thanked Mr. Leggett and Senator Forehand for all they have done to keep our county libraries among the best in the country. She also expressed appreciation for the expert guidance of library director Parker Hamilton. During her remarks, Ms. Klein explained how FOLMC will be helping during the county’s budget shortfall:

The Friends of the Library has been adjusting to its budget cuts and just recently voted to step up – on an emergency basis – money designated for collections. Even though we cannot come close to making up for the $3M collections budget cut, we will be helping to lessen the gap and our chapters will be helping too. Even though this may mean a temporary reduction in new technologies, programs, and other projects that we have traditionally bought for MCPL, we realize these are unusual times, and both staff and patrons have been telling us that collections are the area that is feeling particularly squeezed, so we will be trying to respond as best we can.

Ari Brooks (FOLMC), Parker Hamilton, and Irene Padilla (State Libraries). Photo by Aileen Klein

The 16 champters of FOLMC want to do everything possible to help. Today’s snapshots should encourage their efforts by demonstrating how loved and utilized these community hubs are in our County.

Contributor Opinion by Aileen Klein: Montgomery County Public Library Cuts

The following piece was submitted by Aileen Klein and edited by Cindy Cotte Griffiths. The information on policies, fees, and the budget was provided via memorandum from Parker Hamilton, the Montgomery County Public Library Director.

The operating budget that was approved for MCPL was $28.8 million and 348 positions, an approximate 23.1% reduction in budget since the FY10 approved budget. This is a drastic cut considering that in FY07 the operating budget was $40M. Collectively, these reductions will increase waiting times for customers at services desks, result in slower accomplishment of library operations functions, and decrease the accessibility and availability of library materials.

Not only has the budget decreased, but the number of library patrons has increased tremendously during this time period. It seems when the economy is bad, people turn more and more to their libraries to help them find jobs, use the free computers, access the free internet, and get free help from the librarians. Many people applying for jobs are unfamiliar with doing so on-line and need help from the library staff.

Changes in policy and fees

The following changes in policies and fees were instituted on July 6, 2010:

• The number of holds a customer can place was limited to 15 holds (down from 35) per library card. This includes Interlibrary Loan requests.
• Library accounts of customers who owe more than $25 (was $15) were blocked. Customers are not be able to place holds, check items out, or renew items.
• A $2 replacement fee for lost or stolen library cards was reinstated.

These are the major features of the FY11 MCPL operating budget:

1. Consolidation and reduction of library service hours into three levels, effective July 6th, 2010.

2. “Year round” service on Sundays runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at seven branches (it was eight
branches). For the seven branches (including the interim Gaithersburg location which hours have yet to be determined) that are open on Sundays, there will be a reduced complement of both information and circulation staffing. The Sunday branches are Bethesda, Germantown, Marilyn J. Praisner, Rockville, Wheaton, Silver Spring, and the Gaithersburg Interim Facility.

3. A reduction of 80 merit system positions from virtually all units and position classes in the Department; a countywide staff furlough; and reductions to Sunday, Substitute, and Page authorization levels.

4. Staff-led programs will focus on early literacy, all other programming will be done by Central Administration (using FOLMC grant funds) and/or volunteer-led efforts, with a substantial amount of volunteer-led programming being supported by the Friends of the Library Chapters as supported by local book sale efforts.

5. A 45% reduction in the library materials (books, magazines, CD’s, DVD’s, etc) budget, down to a base of $3 million.

6. Significant reductions in administrative and support staff and general operating expenses, and support for the Literacy Council of Montgomery County. These reductions include substantial reductions in office supply budgets for all units, suspension of equipment purchasing, and aggressive targets for the reduction of paper, toner, and mailing costs.

As the County Executive has stated in several forums, we find ourselves in an unprecedented crisis. Hard choices had to be made and acted upon. MCPL was given a target to meet, and we proposed the best library system we would build from the ground up, given our new and substantially reduced target.

These are difficult times for the County and the library system in particular. It is our continuing mission, despite the challenges we face, to connect our residents with knowledge, ideas, and information, and to be Where the County Reads, Meets, and Learns.

How You Can Help

The Friends of the Library (FOL) is the fundraising branch of the library system, much as a PTA is to the school system. The FOL is made up entirely of volunteers and is always looking for more people to help. There are so many things to do, especially now when our library is being used so heavily. The Friends of the Library is the one who will be paying for the children’s programs, arranging for and running author talks, special events, and book sales for the public.

Rockville is fortunate to have two libraries, Rockville Memorial Library in Town Square and the Twinbrook Library at 202 Meadow Hall Drive. Both are seeking new members and volunteers.

You may contact the Rockville Friends of the Library by emailing [email protected] or the Twinbrook Friends of the Library by emailing [email protected].

You will be welcome at either.

Both of our libraries have programs and events which can be seen by going on the Friends of the Library website. There is a calendar on the front page and details of events can be found by selecting the individual library on the left side of the page.

The main way that the FOL raises money is through membership ($25/year), donations, and book sales. The Rockville Chapter holds weekly book sales each week at Out to Lunch Wednesday’s in front of Giuseppe’s Pizza from 11-2. Their big winter book sale will be held on Saturday, November 13.They are always seeking volunteers to help with their many book sales and book sorting activities.

I urge you to get involved and support our libraries.

By Aileen Klein, Vice President FOL, Rockville Chapter and FOLMC Board of Trustees

This is a Contributor Opinion. Rockville Central encourages readers to submit such pieces for consideration — the more voices the better. Simply send them to [email protected]. We ask that all such contributions be civil and we reserve the right to edit (in consultation with the author) or reject. Contributor opinions should not be seen as reflecting opinions held by Rockville Central editors, as they are just as frequently at odds with our own views. That’s the whole point! Please also note that Rockville Central does not endorse candidates in election campaigns. Supporters of all candidates are encouraged to submit opinion pieces for consideration.

Art Demos At Rockville Memorial Library

Judith Heartsong in her studio

VisArts goes next door to a neighbor! Several artists are bringing their skills to the Rockville Memorial Library for a very special program, Reading and the Arts: An End of Summer Celebration for Children and Their Families on August 21, 2010 from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM.

Two separate programs will include story readings from art-related picture books. The first story time will be in the morning at 10:30 AM and the next at noon. The art demos will follow the storytimes.

At 11 AM until noon, the first set of demonstrations will feature Karen Askin showing basic wheel and clay techniques, Judith HeartSong demonstrating watercolor still life, and Anne Sanderoff-Walker showing weaving techniques on a studio loom as she makes a scarf. If you are interested in reading more about Judith and Anne’s work, read my Rockville Living article Handcrafted Locally And Destined to Last A Lifetime where I featured their work.

Anne Sanderoff-Walker with her loom

The second set of demonstrations, beginning at 12:30 PM, includes Eileen Martin’s fused glass, Bertrand Mao’s Chinese calligraphy and traditional Chinese painting, and Janet Barnard’s table loom weaving. When I’ve visited Eileen’s studio I’ve stared in awe at how she masterfully bends glass.

All these passionate artists are sure to inspire the kids AND the adults. Together they are crossing innovative frontiers in the art world. Free opportunities to witness their talents should never be missed.

Sponsored by the Rockville Chapter of the Friends of the Library and VisArts, the event will also include snacks and prizes. Registration is not necessary.

Six Montgomery County Libraries Begin Year-Round Sunday Service

As we noted in June, Sunday hours were eliminated at all public libraries due to budget cuts. However, beginning August 15, 2010, several Montgomery County public libraries will be open on Sundays all year round (except on certain major holiday weekends). These include:

Bethesda
Germantown
Marilyn J. Praisner
Rockville Memorial
Silver Spring
Wheaton.

Only open in the afternoon, the hours will be 1 to 5 PM.

In a Montgomery County announcement, County Executive Ike Leggett noted:

Residents have expressed a desire for year-round Sunday service and with library services so much in demand these days, we wanted to find a way to fill their needs in spite of budget cutbacks. I am pleased to say we have achieved that goal.

We’ll have our Rockville Memorial Library open on Sundays when the parking at the City of Rockville Town Center garages is free. This results in a doubly good situation for library patrons.

Current Rockville area library hours are now:

Rockville Memorial Library:
Monday – Thursday, 10:00 AM – 8 PM, Friday, Saturday, 10 AM – 6 PM, Sunday 1 – [ 6] 5 PM. Sunday hours are 1-5 PM.

Twinbrook Library:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, 10 AM – 6 PM, Tuesday, Thursday, 1 – 8 PM.

Parking Garage And Library Changes This Week

This Thursday, July 1, 2010 the >parking rates and hours in the three City-owned Rockville Town Square garages will change. You now must pay a $1 flat fee to park during the day on Saturdays. We all will have to get used to the change. Don’t walk away without paying. The fine is $40.

The new rates and hours for the garages at 215 N. Washington Street, 330 Hungerford Drive (Route 355) and 30 Maryland Avenue are:

Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 6 PM, $1 per hour;
Monday through Friday, 6 to 10 PM, $1 flat fee;
Saturday, 7 AM to 10 PM, $1 flat fee; and
Parking is free after 10 PM Monday through Saturday, all day Sunday and City holidays.

The parking meters in Rockville Town Center will continue to require payment of $1 per hour between 7 AM and 10 PM, Monday through Saturday. Parking at the meters is free after 10 PM Monday through Saturday, and all day on Sundays and City holidays.

All the Town Center parking options are here.

Libraries:

Also on July 1, 2010, you will no longer be able to park for free in the City garages to visit the Rockville Memorial Library. Montgomery County had to eliminate the parking reimbursement to the City of Rockville during the budget cuts. Parking is free on Sundays but the Library will be closed on Sundays after July 6th.

Library Hours Starting July 6th are confusing because they are different for our two libraries:

Rockville Memorial Library:
Monday – Thursday, 10:00 AM – 8 PM, Friday, Saturday, 10 AM – 6 PM.

Twinbrook Library:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, 10 AM – 6 PM, Tuesday, Thursday, 1 – 8 PM.

Parking has always been free at the Twinbrook Library.

Once we’re used to these changes, this should be it for a while. I’ll miss the library visits on Sunday afternoon.

Summer Reading Program Cancelled For 2010

Sadly, the >Montgomery County Public Libraries website posted the following announcement:

Due to budget cuts, Montgomery County Public Libraries has fewer staff to implement a Summer Reading program in 2010.

We will have free programs in the libraries from July 12 through August 24, including presentations by the Maryland Science Center and Reptiles Alive!, plus puppet theater, magic shows, and music programs. We will not be distributing reading gameboards, prizes, or coupons.

The program required visiting your library with your kids on a regular basis in order to receive rewards. Those of us who need deadlines will have to make a habit of going to the library without the incentives.

But all is not lost. The library website has reading lists for each grade from pre-K to high school to help find some good summer reading. The blue tabs at the top of this page make it easy.

If your school doesn’t require a summer reading log, you can still choose to keep track of your reading with this reading log.

Here’s the Rockville Library Event Listing and the Twinbrook Library Event Listing.

You can choose a program by subject:
Science
Stories and Theater
Music
Animals
Magic.

Without the Summer Reading Program, parents may need to make an extra effort to get the kids to the library, but keep reading! Teachers can always tell if you made the effort when students return to school.

Officially Named Rockville Memorial Library

>

Today a ceremony was held to rename the Rockville Library. Daniel Campos who is running for Maryland State Delegate for District 17 (which includes the City of Rockville) attended, and we are pleased to share his first-hand report.

The renaming of Rockville Library to Rockville Memorial Library was a fitting and poignant beginning to this Memorial Day weekend. Active duty military, as well as veterans from past conflicts, including Korea, Vietnam, and even the Battle of the Bulge were present, as were family members of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country to preserve our freedom.

County Executive Isiah Leggett and Maryland Veterans Affairs Secretary Edward Chow, both Vietnam veterans themselves as well other elected officials offered words of tribute to our veterans. The ceremony concluded with a moving rendition of “Taps” followed by the unveiling of Rockville Memorial Library signs as a reminder to us all of the ultimate sacrifice to those who have served our nation so honorably and those who continue to serve today.

We will remember our brave service men and women not only this Memorial Day weekend, but each and every time we enter through the library doors or see this wonderful place in Town Square.

<

I went over and snapped a few pictures of the new signs.

Thanks Dan!

Contributor Opinion By Jacquie Kubin: Your Libraries Need You!

>Dear Neighbors:

With budget cuts your libraries need your help as they are being considered for additional cuts in hours they are open, services and amenities. It could mean drastically reducing your library services, or even closing your local library.

Hearing dates before the County Council are April 13, 14, 15 and 16th at 7pm held at the Council Office Building, 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, MD 20851.

You are encouraged to attend and speak out on behalf of your, and all, libraries. You much call in advance (240-777-7931) to sign up to speak. Each speaker will receive 3 minutes. If you wish a procedures document for speaking at a Public Hearing, please email me directly.

The Library needs people to attend these hearings, but if you cannot, please WRITE your state legislators, county councilmember, newspapers and electronic sources. At the end of this email is a listing of names and email addresses. Let them all know that you care about our library and want to keep it intact and whole. Here are some ideas you can use in your messages.

And if you are not a member of the Friends of the Library please visit our website, making sure to “click” your favorite library so that your donation funds go to your library.

If you have questions, need more information or want to let me know that you will be attending please email me and I will make sure you get the response you need.

Thank you for your action. Please cc me on your emails so that we can keep track of the number of letters sent. And please add Judy Hruz, editor of the Gazette (info also below) to your CC list. Let her know that this is important and deserves media attention.

Thank you in advance for helping.

Best,

Jacquie Kubin
President
Friends of the Library, Twinbrook Chapter

This is a contributor opinion. Rockville Central encourages readers to submit such opinions for consideration — the more voices the better. We especially welcome people who disagree with us. We ask that all such contributions be civil and we reserve the right to edit (in consultation with the author) or reject. Contributor opinions should not be seen as reflecting opinions held by Rockville Central editors, as they are just as frequently at odds with our own views. That’s the whole point!

Kids Eat Free on Tuesdays, But Where?

Readers have been asking where the kids can eat for free at Rockville Town Square on Tuesday nights. The subject even came up at our elementary school planning meeting last night.>

Tuesday nights from 6 PM to 8 PM at Rockville Town Square are tons of fun with free activities for kids of all ages: a rock climbing wall, minature golf, baseball, dance and a velcro wall, plus special performances. Although we haven’t been able to go because mom (me!) has lots of meetings, we want to go before the festivities end on July 22nd.

While you are visiting Town Square, make sure to stop by the Rockville Library and participate in the Summer Reading Club entitled “Catch the Reading Bug”. Sign up at the library before July 31st and receive free prizes as you return with your reading logs throughout the summer.

Now back to kids eating free! The Rockville Town Square website lists the following information:

Austin Grill
(Every Tuesday - Lunch/Dinner. For each adult entrée purchased, up to two kids get a free item off the kid’s menu.)

Bobby’s Crabcakes
(Lunch/Dinner. Free peanut butter & jelly or marshmallow fluff sandwich with milk. Minimum $15 adult purchase)

Fractured Prune
(Lunch/Dinner. Free donut with minimum $5 purchase.)

Gifford’s Ice Cream & Candy Co.
(Lunch/Dinner. Free small cup for kids with an adult purchase. All day)

Gordon Biersch
(Offer valid lunch only, from 11am-4pm. One free kid’s meal (off the kid’s menu) per one adult entrée.)

Greystone Grill
(Lunch/Dinner. One free kid’s meal with purchase of an adult entrée;. Dine-in only.)

La Tasca
(Lunch/Dinner. One child per adult. Minimum $15 purchase.)

Lebanese Taverna
(Lunch/Dinner. Free kid’s meal with purchase of an adult entrée.)

Moe’s Southwest Grill
(Lunch/Dinner. Free kid’s meal with purchase of an adult entrée and drink. Kids 12 and under. Kid’s meal includes fountain beverage and cookie.)

Primo Italiano
(Dinner only, 4pm - close. One child size pasta with purchase of an adult entrée)

Robeks Fruit Smoothies & Healthy Eats
(Lunch/Dinner. Free Jr. Size smoothie with purchase of a 24oz or larger)

Stonefish Grill
(Lunch/Dinner. One free kid’s entrée with purchase of an adult entrée.)

Sushi Damo
(Lunch/Dinner. One free child entrée per adult entrée purchase. Not valid with any other offers.)

Simply mention the Kids Day Event to the above participating restaurants for the Kids Eat Free special offer. Be aware that additional restrictions may apply. You should contact participating restaurants for more details.

County Decision on Rockville Library Parking

While visiting the >Human Service Advisory Commission this evening, Rockville City Councilmember Anne Robbins reported that the Montgomery County Council had voted to continue to fund two hours of free parking in the Town Center garages for patrons of the Rockville Library.

Anne said that she worked with Judge Irwin Cohen and County Councilmember Phil Andrews to stop the resolution which would repeal the Policy on Parking at County libraries. A group of citizens with signs also turned out to show their support for free library parking.

So for now, the County will continue to pay Rockville. You will still be able to punch your parking space number into the machine in the library lobby and enjoy free parking.

Support Free Parking At Rockville Library

>Rockville Central friend (and president of the Rockville Library Advisory Committee) Gayl Selkin-Gutman sends along a note that:

The County Council is scheduled to vote on the library parking issue tomorrow, June 10 at approximately 4:30 in the 7th floor hearing room. I spoke with Phil Andrews who suggested that those of us who want to attend should try to be there around 3 PM in order to get seats. (Bring reading material). I will prepare 8 x 11 signs that read “Keep Library Parking Free” so that our Council members know what we’re there for.

What Gayl is referring to is the possibility that the County Council may choose, contrary to a 2006 policy on the issue, choose to cease paying Rockville for free parking for library patrons. The amount involved is a pittance in the scheme of things: $84,000 is the figure I have heard, which is about the salary of one upper-mid level manager.

I don’t normally go public with my personal opinions on issues, but my opinion is that the Council should stick to its policy and keep the parking free.

In case you care to attend, the info is:

Montgomery County Council Office Building (COB) 7th floor hearing room
100 Maryland Avenue
Rockville, MD 20850

Contributor Opinion by Gayl Selkin-Gutman

The following >contributor opinion is by Gayl Selkin-Gutman, president of the Rockville Library Advisory Committee. She sent it along as an email originally, and I have reformatted it as an “opinion piece.”

If you listened to the last edition of Rockville Central Radio, you know that we discussed the fact that the Montgomery County Council appears poised to do away with a subsidy that makes free parking at Rockville Library possible. This contradicts a 2006 policy that the Council passed making parking free for all library patrons throughout Montgomery County.

My own opinion is that ending this subsidy, which I am told is $84,000 per year, is a bad move and sends the wrong message about the worth of public libraries. Libraries can turn areas that are otherwise strictly commercial in nature into civic hubs — witness what is beginning to happen in Town Square. This move would work against that, treating this important public institution as just another shop in a commercial center.

Enough from me. Here is Gayl’s note:

Dear Friends of the Library, Rockville Chapter and Members of the Rockville Library Advisory Committee,

As you may have heard, on Tuesday, May 13th the County Council plans to consider a hastily proposed resolution to eliminate the library parking subsidy. This means that the policy adopted in April 2006, enabling Montgomery county library patrons to park for free near all of the county’s libraries could be rescinded. The Rockville Library Advisory Committee seeks to encourage library use, and we support free parking at all county libraries. We believe that this resolution is the wrong way to go.

If you support free parking at the county’s libraries, please take the time to send an email, or contact your Council member to let them know of your support for this policy.

Following are some important points:

• The policy was established after significant input and deliberation – and should not be rescinded without allowing enough time to adequately inform the public, provide opportunities for sufficient input and understand the impacts of such a change.
• Requiring paid parking at only two of the 22 branches will deprive some county residents of equal access to their libraries.
• Imposing a parking fee would discourage library use for many patrons for whom driving is their only viable option for getting to the library.
• Many daytime library users, senior citizens on fixed incomes, the poor or the disabled, simply cannot afford to pay for parking

Thanks for your interest and support of the Rockville Library.

Rockville Central runs occasional, edited opinion pieces by contributors as well as other guest columns. Their views are not necessarily those of Rockville Central. We encourage you to join the growing list of contributors! To submit your piece for consideration, contact us.