Happy 25th Anniversary Poolesville Library!

Poolesville Library 25th Anniversary WindowThe Poolesville Library commemorated its 25th year at the Poolesville  Towne Center on Saturday April 16th at 2pm. This event concluded a week of celebration coinciding with National Library Week. We kicked off National Library Week a day early with a financial aid workshop for teens and parents. The library also hosted two locally produced films, Growing Legacy: the Agricultural Reserve in Montgomery County, MD and Community Cornerstones: African American Communities in Montgomery County, which highlighted the history and cultural heritage of the county. In addition to our regular story time, the library hosted a special event with Tom Crowl, a comedy/ventriloquist, who delighted an audience of all ages.

Maggie Nightingale honoredAs we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Poolesville Library, we look back to a time when the area was served by the Bookmobile, until the Western County Library was opened in 1978. The Western County Library was a joint venture between MCPL and Montgomery County Public Schools.  It was housed in the Poolesville Jr./Sr. High School. The library as we know it today arrived in 1991, with modifications and an expansion 2001.

When we speak about Poolesville Library we must also speak of Maggie Nightingale. Her history and that of the library are intertwined. Maggie was the driving force behind the current library in the community. She began her long career with the Poolesville Library Advisory Committee around 1979. It was through Maggie’s lobbying efforts that Poolesville Library moved out of the school and into its current location. She took courses on how to lobby, attended numerous council meetings, and spoke at length with county officials until the community received its library.

Maggie Nightingale at Poolesville LibraryOn Saturday Maggie received a proclamation from County Executive Isiah Leggett, presented by MCPL Director Parker Hamilton, officially declaring April 16th as Maggie Nightingale Day. She also received special recognition from Poolesville Town Commissioner Jerry Klobukowski on behalf of the community. It was delightful to see so many of our customers and community residents, as well as past and present MCPL staff, in attendance on this joyous occasion.

Let us take this opportunity marking the 25th anniversary to honor both the love of libraries and the library lover. Thank you Maggie Nightingale.

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