7 Essential Ways Friends Of The Library Montgomery County MD Champions MCPL In 2025

For residents of Montgomery County, Maryland, the Friends of the Library, Montgomery County (FOLMC) is more than just a volunteer group; it is the financial backbone that elevates the public library system beyond its publicly funded budget. As of December 15, 2025, the organization continues its critical mission to strengthen, promote, and champion the Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) through massive used book sales, strategic grants, and year-round community engagement. This article dives into the essential ways FOLMC is making a tangible, current impact on your local library and how you can participate in their vital work.

The core function of FOLMC is to provide supplemental funding, programs, and materials that augment public funding, ensuring MCPL can offer cutting-edge services and resources that enrich the lives of county residents. Their success is a direct result of community support, primarily channeled through the sale of millions of donated books and media.

The Power of a Dollar: How FOLMC Funding Transforms MCPL

The financial support provided by the Friends of the Library, Montgomery County, is the engine that drives many of the innovative and essential services offered by the Montgomery County Public Libraries. Unlike general operating funds, FOLMC's contributions are often targeted grants that allow MCPL to respond quickly to new technological needs and community demands, fostering a true culture of lifelong learning.

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• Fiscal Year 2025 Grants: In a testament to their ongoing impact, FOLMC secured a substantial grant amount, including a recent award of over $124,000 for Fiscal Year 2025, specifically earmarked to strengthen and champion the library system.
• Funding New Technology: A significant portion of the funds goes directly toward acquiring new technology and equipment that general budgets might not cover. This includes everything from updated computer workstations to specialized equipment for modern library programs.
• Enhancing Community Programs: FOLMC is the primary financial supporter for numerous popular community programs, ensuring that events like the NEA Big Read, various summer reading initiatives, and educational workshops remain free and accessible to all residents.
• Staff Development and Training: The organization also invests in the people who make the libraries run. Funds are allocated for staff development and training, ensuring MCPL employees are equipped with the latest skills to serve the diverse needs of the Montgomery County community.
• The Outreach Van Initiative: In a major recent initiative, FOLMC's support, often combined with grants like ARPA funds channeled through the Maryland State Library, has been instrumental in securing and supporting an outreach van. This vehicle allows the library to bring services directly to underserved communities and major county events.

The Ultimate Book Hunter’s Guide: FOLMC Used Book Sales and Bookstores

The famous book sales are the lifeblood of FOLMC, drawing thousands of book lovers, collectors, and casual readers from across the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. While the massive, periodic warehouse sales are legendary, the organization maintains a continuous presence through permanent bookstores and frequent branch booksales, ensuring that the revenue stream—and the opportunity to find a hidden gem—never stops.

Permanent FOLMC Used Bookstores: Open Year-Round

For the dedicated bibliophile, the two permanent used bookstores offer a constant source of deeply discounted books and media. These stores are entirely volunteer-run and are the most consistent way to support the library system.

• The Rockville Bookstore: Located in Rockville, Maryland, this bookstore provides a huge selection of fiction, non-fiction (including politics & history, biography & memoir), and specialized collections.
• The Wheaton Bookstore: Situated within the Wheaton Library and Community Rec Center, this location is a convenient stop for residents in the eastern part of the county, offering used books at a deep discount.

The Branch Booksale Calendar: Dates and Pricing

Throughout 2025, FOLMC chapters host regular, smaller-scale booksales at various Montgomery County Public Libraries branches. These events are perfect for finding specific genres or media at incredible prices. The pricing structure is remarkably affordable, making literacy and reading accessible to everyone:

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• Standard Pricing: Hardbacks are typically priced at $1.00, while paperbacks are only 50 cents. Children's books are often half price, making it a budget-friendly outing for families.
• Germantown Library Booksale: These in-person booksales are a consistent event, typically held every second Saturday of the month.
• Chevy Chase Library and Davis Library: These branches are also known for hosting regular booksales, often featuring a wide variety of used books, DVDs, and other media for children, teens, and adults.
• Potomac Friends of the Library: The Potomac chapter also hosts monthly booksales, contributing to the overall FOLMC mission.

More Than Books: The FOLMC Impact on Community and Culture

The work of the Friends of the Library extends far beyond simply selling used books; it is a comprehensive effort to foster a vibrant intellectual and cultural community in Montgomery County. This commitment to lifelong learning is evident in their support for specific cultural and educational entities.

1. Supporting Local Authors and Artists: FOLMC is a key partner in events like the MCPL Local Author Showcase, which provides a platform for local writers to meet readers, host discussions, and sell their work. This initiative directly supports the county's creative economy and literary culture.

2. Volunteerism and Community Stories: The entire operation—from sorting millions of book donations to staffing the permanent bookstores and branch sales—is powered by dedicated volunteers. The organization relies on this massive network of community support, which is often highlighted through community stories and volunteer spotlights.

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3. Advocating for Library Value: Beyond fundraising, FOLMC serves as a powerful advocate, increasing public awareness of the library's value and needs to local government and residents. Their advocacy ensures that the Montgomery County Public Libraries system remains a high-priority public service.

In conclusion, the Friends of the Library Montgomery County MD is a successful model of how a nonprofit can provide essential supplemental funding to a public institution. By supporting their bookstores, attending a branch booksale, or simply making a donation, you are directly contributing to new technology, enriching community programs, and ensuring that the Montgomery County Public Libraries remain a world-class resource for every resident in 2025 and beyond.