MOCO Libraries Hours Are Being Extended Starting Jan. 2

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — Library goers will now have more time to browse through the shelves, as Montgomery County Public Libraries are scheduled to expand their hours starting Jan. 2.

Most libraries are currently open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and from noon to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. The new hours will be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

“One of my highest priorities is to work towards providing equity of service to our community members,” said MCPL Director Anita Vassallo in a statement. “By equalizing and restoring hours at all of our branches, we are taking a huge step in continuing this mission. I thank everyone who was involved in this process, as well as our customers for their patience.”

Maggie Nightingale in Poolesville — which is currently closed for a refresh — and the Noyes Library for Young Children are two exceptions to the hours expansion.

“Our libraries are critical gathering epicenters throughout our communities where many residents rely on, not just access to books, but to the internet as well,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich in a statement. “I appreciate the work of our employees and I thank our residents and patrons of the library for their patience as we worked to ensure that our libraries are COVID safe and accessible for both visitors and employees.”