Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) still have a lot to offer while the branches are closed due to the coronavirus public health emergency.
These services include easier access to some library resources as well as virtual programming opportunities for all ages.
Residents who do not currently have a library card can sign up online for the new Digital Library Card. With this residents have immediate access to most online services and resources. The Digital Library card does not expire. The libraries previously offered a temporary card which was valid for 30 days. Digital Library Cards can be obtained online at https://mcpl.link/DigitalCard, and can be exchanged at any MCPL branch for a full-service library card once branches reopen.
In anticipation of customer demand for online resources, MCPL has also purchased additional copies of popular ebooks and e-audiobooks to shorten hold times and launched Udemy, a video-based learning platform. MCPL has also opened access to online resources to anyone whose library card was previously blocked.
MCPL online resources also include e-magazine and e-newspapers; online courses including Lynda.com; streaming videos, music and movies; language learning such as Rosetta Stone and Mango Languages; art and crafts through Creativebug; and more than one hundred more digital resources. All of MCPL’s digital resources can be accessed at https://mcpl.link/DigitalResources.
With the temporary closure of library branches, library programming has gone virtual. Storytimes are streaming at a variety of days and times, and many adult programs have moved online as well, with a focus on workforce development. Virtual programs can be found at https://mcpl.link/VirtualPrograms. MCPL’s popular Ask-a-Librarian feature is still available to help with information requests or to assist with online resources, at https://mcpl.link/ask-a-librarian.
