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Community Resources & Things to Do · Public library systems · 1 resource matching “Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL)”
Montgomery County
Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL)
Public library system; 21 public library branches, plus a branch in the County’s correctional facility
Cost
Library access is free; no service fees stated
Best fit
kids, teens, ya, families
Before you go
Open year-round. Check hours on the official site before travelling.
What's here
- Makerspace
- 3D printing
- Laser, CNC and vinyl cutting
- Sewing and textiles
- Recording studio
- Video production
- Creative software
- Proctoring and testing
- Teen space
- Kids' STEM
- Gaming, esports and VR
- Library of Things
Worth the trip for
Studio i Makerspace at Long Branch Library provided a teen-focused digital media lab with iMacs, MacBook Pros, iPad Air tablets, a scanner, video camera, USB audio recorders, microphones, headphones, and a green screen wall
What you can do here
Make 4
Makerspace
Studio i Makerspace digital media lab at Long Branch Library; maximum capacity 12 people
MakerSpace operated through an MCPL partnership with KID Museum in the lower level of Davis Library; 7,500 square feet
Rockville Memorial branch Makerspace
Source3D printing
Davis Library MakerSpace specifically names 3D printers
Davis Library MakerSpace specifically names laser cutters
3D-printing services are listed at Long Branch and Silver Spring
MCPL planned to implement 3D printing at all branches
SourceSewing and textiles
The Davis Library MakerSpace digital media lab integrates textiles
A proposed Library of Things collection included sewing machines
SourceRecord 3
Recording studio
Long Branch Studio i Makerspace includes USB audio recorders, microphones, and headphones
SourceVideo production
Long Branch Studio i Makerspace includes a video camera and green screen wall
Studio i Makerspace classes and workshops include video production, digital photography, storytelling, graphic design, music videos, social media, and animation
Free 12-week video-production classes for high school students in grades 9–12 were offered at five branches; instruction used Final Cut Pro
SourceCreative software
Studio i Makerspace includes Adobe Creative Suite 6
Studio i Makerspace includes Apple iLife applications, including iPhoto, iMovie, and GarageBand
Gandhi Brigade Youth Media classes used Final Cut Pro, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign
SourceLearn 4
Kids' STEM
Davis Library MakerSpace STEM and arts programming targeted elementary and middle school-aged children ages 6–14
Davis Library MakerSpace offered open-make drop-in sessions and structured workshops; examples included designing a robot and engineering weight-bearing cardboard structures
MCPL Go! Kits provide STEM learning through mini iPads, educational toys, and books; the kits were available at nine branches
MCPL children’s programming included astronomy, Reptiles Alive!, Maryland Science Center programs, and robotics
SourceHomework help
Brainfuse HelpNow provides live tutoring, writing assistance, and test-preparation tools
MCPL’s FY2018 and FY2019 program counts include 432 and 526 Homework programs, respectively
MCPL’s Grandreaders program used senior volunteers to help elementary-school children with reading
SourceCareer resources
Roadtrip Nation provides real-world career journeys and career exploration
CareerOnline High School allows users to earn a high school diploma online
MCPL provides public computers and office-productivity software for job searches, résumé writing, and completing applications
SourceNature and farm programmes
A Koiner Farm event offered STEM careers, art, and urban-farming programming
MCPL children’s STEM programming included Reptiles Alive!
MCPL children’s STEM programming included Maryland Science Center programs
SourceBorrow 1
Library of Things
MCPL’s Library of Things musical-lending program includes 29 instruments, six amplifiers, guitars, ukuleles, hand-drums, capos, slides, and guitar-pick variety packs
Library of Things instruments may be borrowed for 14 days by young people at least 14 years old or by parents borrowing for children under 14; access is free
A proposed Library of Things collection included power tools, sewing machines, computers loaded with specific software packages, 3D printers, and robotics kits
Customers with a Regular Library Card can borrow mobile hotspots, Kill-A-Watt meters, and thermal cameras for two weeks with no renewals
SourceTest & notary 1
Proctoring and testing
Brainfuse HelpNow provides live tutoring, writing assistance, and test-preparation tools
LearningExpress Library provides practice tests and skill-building exercises
SourceHang out 2
Teen space
Studio i Makerspace at Long Branch Library was designed with teens in mind; users older than 12 with an active MCPL account may use it after orientation and signing a user agreement
Teen technology volunteers can earn Student Service Learning hours by assisting digital media lab users
Teen Gaming Club at Aspen Hill Library is recommended for teens ages 13 and up and uses Nintendo Switch consoles
Montgomery County Public Libraries Teen Advisory Group serves teens ages 14–18
SourceGaming, esports and VR
Teen Gaming Club at Aspen Hill Library offers Nintendo Switch video games for teens ages 13 and up
MCPL reported Games as a children’s program category, with 288 programs in FY2018 and 210 in FY2019
SourceNamed branches in this system