Montgomery County Public Libraries Earns National Innovation Award from Urban Libraries Council for “REAL Change”

For Immediate Release: Thursday, September 13, 2018

Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) has received an Honorable Mention Award in the “Civic and Community Engagement” category from the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) for the Reading and Educating to Advance Lives: REAL Change program.

The award is part of ULC’s Innovations Initiative that showcases leading “best” and “next” practices that demonstrate the value and impact of public library service in the 21st century. The practices embody ideas, approaches and insights that other libraries can adapt.

The REAL Program, coordinated by the Jewish Council for the Aging’s Heyman Interages® Center, the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and MCPL, helps children and families make good use of time while waiting for HHS services at four County offices.  It provides community book collec­tions, information resources on literacy and healthy habit development for caregivers; and guidance on using the public library.  More than 3,000 children and families have used REAL program services and resources since 2016, including connecting with volunteers and accessing more than 2,000 books. The collab­oration has also strengthened the relationship among partner organizations, their staff and volunteers.

“We are absolutely delighted to be recognized by the UCL for this program,” said MCPL Acting Director Anita Vassallo. “Partnerships with other County Departments such as HHS and non-profits like the Jewish Council of the Aging allow us to reach community members far outside our walls and make an impact on their lives.”

Vassallo accepted the award at the ULC’s Innovations Celebration during the organization’s Annual Forum in Baltimore.

More information about the Innovation Initiative and the 2018 award recipients is available here.

For information about Montgomery County Public Libraries, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library.

Release ID: 18-668
Media Contact: Clotilde Puertolas 240-777-0198