Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) reported that an array of digital services will be available for members of the community during the COVID-19 pandemic that has forced closures of the physical branches. Individuals will not be able to sign up for a Digital Library Card which will give members immediate access to most online services and resources.

From MCPL’s Press Release:

“Our buildings are closed, but the libraries are very much open for business,” said MCPL Director Anita Vassallo. “We are still here to provide information, recreation and education to our community, and we’ve taken significant steps to increase that service in the face of this health crisis.”

In anticipation of customer demand for online resources, MCPL has also purchased additional copies of popular ebooks and e-audiobooks to shorten hold times, and launched Udemy, a video-based learning platform. MCPL has also opened access to online resources to anyone whose library card was previously blocked.

Library programming has also gone virtual with children’s storytimes streaming at various times during the day and adult programs on workforce development.