Friends of the Library, Montgomery County (FOLMC), will kick off a year-long celebration of its 30th anniversary with a free concert featuring the award-winning children’s musical band, Hot Peas ‘N Butter on Saturday, January 28 at 11 a.m. at the Germantown Library, 19840 Century Blvd. The band is regularly seen on Nick Jr. and is a three-time winner of the “Parent’s Choice Awards.” Their interactive performance features elements of traditional Latin music, Afro-Caribbean rhythms and jazz, folk and rock and is suitable for all ages.

The concert is free, but seating is limited and tickets are required. Tickets can be picked up at the library starting on Tuesday, January 24 at 5:30 p.m.

As part of its anniversary celebration, FOLMC also will honor 30 “Library Superheroes” for their work to support, protect and defend libraries in Montgomery County. The honorees are: Christylez Bacon, Michael Bobbitt, Harriett Henderson Coalter, Charles “Cady” Eason, Peggy Engel, Senator Jennie Forehand, Donald Fork, Barbara Golden, Agnes Griffen, Parker Hamilton, County Executive Isiah and Catherine Leggett, Connie Morella, John Murdock, Dr. DeRionne Pollard, Joginder Singh, Susan J. Schmidt, Steven R. Snapp, Dr. Josh Starr, Valerie Tripp, Congressman Chris Van Hollen and Council Members Phil Andrews, Roger Berliner, Marc Elrich, Valerie Ervin, Nancy Floreen, George Leventhal, Nancy Navarro, Craig Rice and Hans Riemer.

Local philanthropist and Mayor of the Town of Somerset Jeffrey Slavin will serve as chair of the 30th anniversary honorary committee.

“FOLMC provides enhancements to our local libraries that benefit all customers. These enhancements have become vitally important to maintaining a quality library system, especially during difficult economic times. FOLMC's 30th anniversary will be a year of celebration of our achievements and a promise that we will continue working on behalf of our beloved libraries through the challenging times ahead,” said Kristen Theiss, co-chair of the 30th anniversary committee.

"Friends of the Library are superheroes who work to help ensure all residents have access to a library system that Montgomery County can be proud of,” said Kelly Gardner Headd, co-chair of the 30th anniversary committee. “However, the struggling economy means our libraries are threatened by potentially devastating budget cuts. FOLMC's 30th anniversary is a chance to celebrate how far we have come and to gather strength and support for the challenges that lie ahead.”

Recognizing the impact libraries have on the community and after a week of daily trips to the White Oak branch, honorary committee member and author of the popular “American Girls” series of books, Valerie Tripp shared some observations. “The first day, the nice lady next to me explained how to sign up for time on the computer. The next day, the man next to me asked for help; he was applying for a job at Target online. Every day, I saw families arriving and departing with armloads of books the children had read for summer reading lists. And every day, I thought to myself, ‘Our libraries are the heart of our community.’”

FOLMC will host celebratory programs at Montgomery County Public Libraries throughout the year for children and adults.
The festivities will conclude on Sunday, October 21 with a Family Fun Picnic at Smokey Glen Farm in Gaithersburg. A variety of activities have been planned. Tickets will be sold in advance.

For more information about FOLMC’s 30th anniversary activities and/or to join FOLMC, visit www.folmc.org or call 240-777-0020.

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30th Anniversary contact: Ari Z. Brooks, 240-777-0020
Media contact: Bonnie Ayers, 240-777-6507