Mission Statement

Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) provides equitable access to information, ideas, and experiences that spark imagination and expand possibilities for all. The department's libraries are an essential component of a just and equitable community, where all can thrive and grow.

MCPL'S VALUES

Discovery - MCPL is a champion of curiosity, exploration, and growth. MCPL supports members of the community to expand their knowledge, learn new skills, spark ideas, and make connections.

Intellectual Freedom - MCPL believes in free, open, and confidential access to ideas and information for all as a cornerstone of a thriving democratic society.

Equity - MCPL believes all residents of Montgomery County deserve equal and inclusive access to all the library's resources, regardless of race, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, income, education, language, disability, and/or immigration status.

Respect - MCPL strives to treat everyone with kindness, provide a safe and welcoming environment for all, and honor the knowledge and lived experience of all members of the community.

Service - MCPL connects members of the community with the information they want and need, as efficiently as possible. MCPL anticipates and adapts to the changing needs, desires, and expectations of community members.

Community - MCPL is the backbone of the community, a place to connect with each other. MCPL forges strong, reciprocal relationships with residents, community organizations, and other County departments in service of our shared goals.

Budget Overview

The total recommended FY27 Operating Budget for the Department of Public Libraries is $56,955,401, an increase of $2,006,962 or 3.65 percent from the FY26 Approved Budget of $54,948,439. Personnel Costs comprise 81.25 percent of the budget for 254 full-time position(s) and 159 part-time position(s), and a total of 377.31 FTEs. Total FTEs may include seasonal or temporary positions and may also reflect workforce charged to or from other departments or funds. Operating Expenses account for the remaining 18.75 percent of the FY27 budget.

In addition, this department's Capital Improvements Program (CIP) requires Current Revenue funding.

County Priority Outcomes

While this program area supports all eight of the County Result Areas, the following are emphasized:

• Thriving Youth and Families
• A Greener County
• Effective, Sustainable Government
• A Growing Economy

Program Performance Measures

Performance measures for this department are included below (where applicable), with multi-program measures displayed at the front of this section and program-specific measures shown with the relevant program. The FY26 estimates reflect funding based on the FY26 approved budget. The FY27 and FY28 figures are performance targets based on the FY27 recommended budget and funding for comparable service levels in FY28.

Initiatives

• Increased participation for all age categories in the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge program by 24.7%.

• Pivoted both the MCPL website workforce page and several programming offerings to focus on displaced federal workers during the start of the calendar year. The website drew over 4,000 visits during January 2025, and the programs were at capacity with large waitlists.

• Planning programs and robust marketing to celebrate Montgomery County Public Libraries' 75^th Anniversary. Includes reflecting on MCPL's past with a look forward to the next 75 years.

• Increase security guard services at five branches: Brigadier General Charles E. Lee Library, Gaithersburg Library, Germantown Library, Rockville Memorial Library, and Quince Orchard Library.
• Host first MCPL Innovation Day in Fall 2026 to foster creative thinking and collaboration across MCPL units to build a change readiness culture aligned with MCPL's values.

• Launching the first Local Author Showcase to provide space for local talent, delight visitors by celebrating Montgomery County's homegrown authors, and create community around literature and writing.

Innovations and Productivity Improvements

• Eliminated the Point-of-Sale (POS) systems to offer free printing in all branches to improve customer service.

• Implemented updated barcode scanners at all service points to allow scanning of drivers' licenses when creating new customer accounts, reducing time and typing errors when entering information into KOHA.

• Replaced the 15-year-old legacy public computer management software which resulted in a more consistent customer experience and easier workflows for staff and customers.

• Launched MCPL's first mobile app, providing more accessible and streamlined access to MCPL's catalog and digital resources.

• Upgraded all servers to eliminate service outages and improve the staff and customer experience using MCPL computers.

• Developed a fully digital Incident Reporting System, automating staff workflows, enhancing permission security, and auto-storing reports in an archived, searchable database.

• Implemented software development for KOHA (MCPL's Integrated Library System) so customers' preferred names appear in their library customer accounts.

• Developed an MCPL staff off boarding application, automating approval workflows between supervisors and MCPL units in order to ensure departing employees meet all requirements prior to leaving the County.

• Realigned the administrative structure to combine branch operations under one administrator to promote effective communication and standards and to tie central programming and outreach efforts closer to the branch libraries.

• Collaborated with TEBS to implement Mobile Device Management for MCPL issued cell phones, allowing all devices to be secured, identifiable, inventoried, and updated remotely in one location.

• Developed new SharePoint Page Templates for Supervisors and Information and Circulation staff to streamline access to resources.

Program Descriptions

  Administration

The Office of the Director has the responsibility for the overall management and leadership of the department. The Director's Office also oversees strategic planning and evaluation of services, public relations with the community, marketing the department's services, partnerships, Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), and the Library Board. The Director's Office directly...

  Library Services to the Public

MCPL consists of 23 library sites including the Noyes Library for Young Children, the Montgomery County Correctional Facility Library, and the Collection Management Center.Library services are available to all County residents, Maryland residents, and those working or attending school in Montgomery County, free of charge. Library customers use MCPL services...