Six MOCO Libraries Reopened June 1, Seven More Plan For June 14

ROCKVILLE, MD — Phase One of the reopening plan for Montgomery County libraries began Tuesday with six libraries opening their doors. The first six were chosen because of their size and location throughout the county.

The libraries now open are Gaithersburg, Connie Morella in Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring, Olney and Marilyn Praisner in Burtonsville. Seven more —Aspen Hill Library, Damascus Library, Davis Library, Little Falls Library, Long Branch Library, Potomac Library and Quince Orchard Library are expected to reopen on June 14.

The reopening means that Holds to Go, which offered residents a contactless pickup service, will end. All visitors will be required to wear masks and eating or drinking is prohibited, but there will be no appointments necessary, no capacity limits and no social distancing measures in place.

All other libraries in the county will reopen on July 6, with the exception of Germantown Library which is undergoing a "refresh" project.

The libraries have been offering virtual programming during the pandemic, including children's storytimes, yoga, book talks and writers' clubs. The libraries also lent out hot spots for people who could not access the internet and had a virtual Ask-a-Librarian service.

Some libraries in Washington, D.C., reopened as early as last summer. In nearby Prince George's County, six libraries reopened for the first time last month.

Libraries in Montgomery County that are already open:

• Gaithersburg
• Connie Morella in Bethesda
• Rockville
• Silver Spring
• Olney
• Marilyn Praisner in Burtonsville

Libraries opening June 14:

• Aspen Hill Library in Rockville
• Damascus Library
• Davis Library in Bethesda
• Little Falls Library in Bethesda
• Long Branch Library in Silver Spring
• Potomac Library
• Quince Orchard Library in Gaithersburg
• Wheaton Library in Silver Spring

Are you excited to return to in-person visits at the library? Do you need the resources the library has, or know someone who does? Email colleen.martin@patch.com for an upcoming story.

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