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Montgomery County Announces Plans to Reopen Senior Centers and Libraries

For Immediate Release: Monday, May 10, 2021

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich has announced that six library branches will reopen on Tuesday, June 1 and the Holiday Park and Damascus Senior Centers will reopen on Monday, June 14.  

“Our library and senior center staff have provided valuable services and resources to our residents throughout this pandemic – in both traditional and innovative ways,” said County Executive Elrich. “As our residents and employees are reaching safe thresholds of vaccination, we are ready to begin reopening our library buildings and senior centers for in-person activities and engagement. This reopening process will continue to evolve as many of our buildings and facilities are currently temporarily repurposed for other pandemic-related needs. We appreciate everyone’s continued patience, understanding, and compliance to COVID-19 safe practices while we reopen these buildings.” 

The following six libraries will be open on an appointment basis for browsing and checking out materials, picking up holds, computer use, print/copy/scan services, information and circulation services. Collaboration rooms, study rooms, meeting rooms, and discovery rooms will not be available at this time. The hours at all branches will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; and noon to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. Additional information will be posted on the MCPL website as it becomes available.  

“All of us at Montgomery County Public Libraries are pleased to take this step towards safely resuming in-branch services to our community members,” said Montgomery County Public Library Director Anita Vassallo. “Although the digital resources, virtual programs and “Holds To Go” service provided by our dedicated staff were incredibly popular over the past year, we know how much the residents of the County value being able to visit their public libraries, and we are looking forward to welcoming people back to our buildings.” 

Holiday Park Senior Center located at 3950 Ferrara Drive in Silver Spring and Damascus Senior Center located at 9701 Main St. will open on Monday, June 14.  

“Reopening our facilities safely is one our highest priorities,” said Montgomery County Recreation Director Robin Riley. “COVID-19 has been hard for everyone and our seniors are one of the hardest hit groups. Throughout the pandemic we have successfully provided virtual programs and outdoor programs, and now we can safely begin the reopening of the Holiday Park and Damascus Senior Centers.”  

The Recreation Department provides seven senior centers. The Wheaton and White Oak Senior Center will continue to be COVID-19 vaccine sites. The Long Branch Senior Center will continue to be a full-time homeless shelter. The Margaret Schweinhaut and North Potomac Senior Centers will provide summer programming for hundreds of youth until the full reopening in August. Busing will provide young people from the Long Branch community an opportunity to participate in summer programming.   

The department will continue to expand virtual programs and outdoor programs. Hundreds of seniors are currently registered in senior sports programs, meet-up hikes and dance, fitness and arts programs.  

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Release ID: 21-336
Media Contact: Public Information Office 240-777-6507