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Committee hears library cutbacks to Sunday hours, backs funding for Noyes refresh and added branch security
Summary
Montgomery County library leadership told the committee Sunday service was reduced at multiple branches because of staffing shortages; the committee placed one-time collection funding and enhanced security hours on the reconciliation list for further Council consideration.
Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) staff told the Education and Culture Committee that recent changes to Sunday service at several branches were driven by long-term staffing shortages and operational sustainability concerns, and the committee recommended two reconciliation items to address near-term needs.
Council staff framed the library discussion by noting the county executive sought a roughly $2.1 million (3.65%) increase for libraries in FY27 and identified two reconciliation items totaling $482,190 that the council president's reconciliation process could consider. MCPL staff described the Sunday-service change as a curtailment compared with the pilot model but an expansion compared with the pre-pandemic schedule; 9 branches will operate Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. under the new plan.
Director Graham told the committee the decision arose from operational strain and persistent vacancies. "We had over 100 vacancies at the time and it puts an enormous strain on staffing," Graham said, adding that maintaining Sunday coverage in all branches led to weekday staffing shortfalls and security concerns. MCPL staff said reestablishing the prior Sunday model would require multiple full-time positions beyond those currently funded and sustained agreement with labor partners on a staffing model.
Council staff recommended two specific reconciliation items for committee consideration: $275,000 one-time funding to refresh collection materials at the Noyes Library following renovation and $207,000 to expand private security guard hours at five branches that experienced high rates of disruptive behavior orders in 2025 (Brigadier General Charles McGee, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Quince Orchard and Rockville Memorial). The committee agreed without objection to add those items to the reconciliation list.
Library leaders and councilmembers also signaled interest in phased restoration of Sunday service as staffing conditions allow, and discussed expanding accessible services (for example, rotating passport services and free printing programs) that aid immigrant and low-income residents.
What comes next: The reconciliation items will go to the full Council for action. Library staff said they will continue to work with labor partners and community groups on staffing models and phased service restoration.
