Our public libraries in Bethesda, Chevy Chase and Potomac are fantastic! Not only do they offer tons of programs for children and adults of all ages, the people who are responsible for Children's Services go above and beyond to assist families in a variety of ways. Macaroni Kid BCCP periodically posts interviews with our Children's Services Librarians so we can all get to know them a little better and take advantage of what our libraries offer. If you missed my interview with Cindy Gil with Potomac Library, please click here.
Below, read more about Cassandra Malik, Head of Children's Services at Connie Morella Library (Bethesda).
Which programs are generally the most popular at Connie Morella Library?
We have a number of popular programs! Over 3000 children and adults have attended children’s programs at the Connie Morella Library since June. Our storytimes are especially well-attended; we had 90 people at our Family Storytime earlier this week.
Are there any new children's programs planned for this school year?
The biggest change to our fall calendar is that we are increasing the number of storytimes we offer. We will have a Toddler and Preschool Storytime every Tuesday at 10:30 am, and either a Baby Storytime or Build and Learn with DUPLO® program on Fridays at 10:30 am. On Thursdays at 4 pm, we will offer a rotating set of programs for elementary age children including Board Games, Read to a Dog, and Build and Learn with LEGO®. And we will offer a Pajama Storytime once a month on a Wednesday evening. I invite customers to visit the library or check out our website to learn more about our upcoming programs: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library/
Which picture books are the most popular in the Children's Section?
In August, picture books by Mo Willems, Dr. Seuss, and Stan and Jan Berenstain were the most popular with our customers. The Pigeon Needs a Bath! by Mo Willems and Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty are the two picture books checked out most frequently this past month.
Which YA books or series are the most popular?
The most popular YA series of the summer at the Connie Morella Library was The Warriors series by Erin Hunter, followed closely by Veronica Roth’s Divergent series. John Green remains one of the most popular YA authors, while The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is the YA book that customers checked out the most in August.
What might families not know about Connie Morella Library or the services available to them?
With school about to resume, I’d like to highlight some of the great online homework help resources the library offers. Children can access biography databases, the World Book online, and language learning resources either within the library or at home with a library card. To learn more about these and other resources, visit https://montgomerycountymd.libguides.com/kids/homeworkhelp
There have been some activities geared toward teens this Summer. Will that continue this school year?
Absolutely! We will continue hosting a weekly Teen Writers’ Club on Thursdays at 7:30 pm. We also have some exciting author events planned for teens this fall. The first one will be held on Monday, October 1st at 7 pm, when New York Times bestselling authors Ally Condie and Brendan Reichs will discuss The Darkdeep, the opening book in a darkly suspenseful middle grade series.
Is there anything else you'd like families to know about Connie Morella Library and/or its Children's Services?
There are so many ways to take advantage of the many wonderful free resources the library has to offer! Visit the library to attend a program or receive personalized reading suggestions. Check out a GoKit! to get your child excited about STEM or an AWE tablet to inspire learning. Prepare your child for kindergarten by participating in our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program. Check out books, audiobooks, music, and magazines in the library or remotely using our online resources. Stop by the Children’s Room at the Connie Morella Library any time to learn more!
Cassandra Malik, Head of Children's Services
Connie Morella Library, 7400 Arlington Road
Bethesda, MD 20814
(240) 777-0935
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