County Library System’s MoComCon Going Virtual in 2021

MoComCon, the county library system’s annual celebration of everything related to comics, graphic novels and fandoms, is going virtual in 2021, according to an announcement on the system’s website. The all-day, all-ages event will be held Saturday, Jan. 16 and will include art, cosplay and essay contests for various age groups.

County to Open Former Library as Cooling Center During Heat Alert

The county will open the former Silver Spring library location today (July 20) as a cooling center in response to a declared heat emergency alert. The building at 8901 Colesville Rd. will open at 11 a.m. Monday and close at 7 p.m. In addition, the Silver Spring Civic Building has been designated a cooling center today as well, also from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Kefa to Leave Library Location, Bump ’n Grind to Take Over

Kefa Café will leave its location in the Silver Spring Library and open a café in the new Wheaton Library, while Bump ’n Grind will take over the Silver Spring spot. “We have been honored for the past five years to operate the coffee shop located on the grounds of the Silver Spring Library,” said Kefa’s co-owner Lene Tsegay in a statement, “and we are proud to have established a precedent for creating a welcoming and supportive community space for library customers.”

Takoma Park Seeks Citizen Preferences for Library Exterior Design

The City of Takoma Park is asking citizens to take a survey to indicate their preference for the exterior design of a renovated and reconstructed library, officials announced. The survey provides a review of three designs submitted to the City Council in February by RRMM Lukmire Architects. The presentation included a project cost estimate of more than $8 million for each design.

Some Restrictions on Parks, Libraries Lifted This Week

The county’s parks and library branches this week will begin lifting some restrictions imposed as part of the COVID-19 lockdown and offering certain services and amenities. Beginning today (June 29), Montgomery Parks will be reopening playgrounds to patrons under certain guidelines, and library book drops will open for returns (with some exceptions).

Long Branch Library to Close for Refurbishment

This Friday will be the last day that patrons can request a hold on books to be picked up at the Long Branch Library as staff prepares to shut the building for a refurbishment project. The library, located at 8800 Garland Ave. will close for six to nine months.

Upcoming Events, Feb. 14–21

Upcoming Events

Saturday is your chance to meet a young kangaroo or wallaby at the Silver Spring Library. There’s also a record fair and later that day, a comedy show at Silver Branch Brewing Co. Presentations on microplastics in the Chesapeake and synthetic turf will be offered on Tuesday, while on Wednesday, the Long Branch Library hosts a talk on the local Underground Railroad.

County Library Looking for Acts for Vinyl Day Contest

The county’s library system is looking for acts to enter the “Make Music Montgomery” contest that will take place during the Just for the Record—A Vinyl Day event on Saturday, April 18 at the Silver Spring Library. Acts can audition live or submit a recording. Each entry must include a live musical performance, though elements such as dance can be included.