Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library

Silver Spring Library began service in 1931 at East Silver Spring Elementary School.{{cite web |url=https://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=12579 |title=Montgomery County Public Libraries' Silver Spring Branch will close March 15 |date=February 24, 2015 |website=Montgomery County, MD |access-date=October 22, 2022}}

In 1934, the library moved to Jesup Blair Community House, also known as "The Moorings."{{cite book |last= McCoy|first= Jerry|date= 2016-05-04|title= Historic Silver Spring (MD)|publisher= Arcadia Publishing|isbn=0738541885}} Architect Howard Wright Cutler remodeled the building to serve as a library,{{cite web |url=http://mcblogs.montgomerycollege.edu/insights/2016/05/04/house-of-blair/ |title=House of Blair |publisher=Insights|last= Bosser|first= Diane|date= 2005-11-28 |access-date=September 24, 2016 }} and his work earned the building a nomination for placement on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. The library operated out of the Jesup Blair House for 23 years.

File:1957 Silver Spring Library.jpg

The library opened a building of its own at 8901 Colesville Road in 1957, on land donated by the Hecht Company. At this location, the library occupied a building dedicated exclusively for the library's use for the first time.

Ellsworth Urban Park was created in an area covering {{convert|3.6|acres}} beside the library in 1979. The park has two playground areas where parents can take their children to play, and a tennis court.

In 1990, Marcia Billig's sculpture Lion and the Mouse was installed in the grass of the library.{{cite web |url=http://www.silverspringdowntown.com/go/lion-and-the-mouse |title=Lion and the Mouse |publisher=Silver Spring Urban District |access-date=September 3, 2016 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.marciabillig.com/ |title=Marcia Billig |publisher=Marcia Billig |access-date=September 3, 2016 }}

A celebration of 58 years of service was held on March 15, 2015, the last day of service at the Colesville Road location.

File:Silver Spring Library.JPG

The current library location at 900 Wayne Avenue in Silver Spring was opened on June 20, 2015.{{cite web |title=Silver Spring Library |url=https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DGS-BDC/SS/710302.html |access-date=2022-07-02

|website=Building Design and Construction |publisher=Montgomery County Department of General Services |location=Rockville, MD}} The facility was built for $64 million, including the acquisition of {{convert|1.46|acres}} of land, preparation of the site, design, construction, furniture, equipment and funds to improve the collection. Construction was to cost $23 million, but $3 million was taken to renovate the Fillmore, a music venue nearby in downtown Silver Spring. The ground floor of the seven-story building has a coffee shop and a platform for the future Purple Line light rail station.{{cite news |url=http://www.tbd.com/blogs/tbd-neighborhoods/2010/08/new-silver-spring-library-3m-over-budget-916.html |title=New Silver Spring library $3M over budget |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100830183709/http://www.tbd.com/blogs/tbd-neighborhoods/2010/08/new-silver-spring-library-3m-over-budget-916.html |archive-date=August 30, 2010 |first=Elahe |last=Izadi |date=August 27, 2010 |website=TBD Neighborhoods |publisher=Albritton Communications}} In 2022, the library was renamed for Brigadier General Charles E. McGee, a Tuskegee Airman who had lived in Montgomery County.{{cite news |url=https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/silver-spring-library-renamed-tuskegee-airman-brig-gen-charles-e-mcgee/65-35044ce3-ce07-4eab-bbd0-0ae7daccfb0f |title=Silver Spring Library to be renamed after Tuskegee Airman Brig. Gen. Charles McGee |first=Alanea |last=Cremen |work=WUSA9 News |date=February 25, 2022 |access-date=March 17, 2022}}{{cite web |url=https://bethesdamagazine.com/2022/03/01/silver-spring-library-named-in-memory-of-tuskegee-airman-charles-mcgee/ |title=Silver Spring Library Named in memory of Tuskegee Airman Charles McGee |last=Schere |first=Dan |date=March 1, 2022 |website=Bethesda Magazine |access-date=October 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022164638/https://bethesdamagazine.com/2022/03/01/silver-spring-library-named-in-memory-of-tuskegee-airman-charles-mcgee/ |archive-date=October 22, 2022}}

• 1st and 2nd floors: Drop-off window, cafe, county offices, meeting rooms, and artists studios.
• 3rd floor: Customer service, movies, teen books, conference room, meeting rooms, Mac lab (teens), study rooms, pick-up area, drop off area.
• 4th floor: Books, audiobooks, CDs, newspapers and magazines room, conference and study rooms, computer rooms.
• 5th floor: Children's floor.

The library has a collection of 90,000 books, magazines, downloadable music, e-books, and a World Language Collection in Amharic, Chinese, French, Spanish, and Vietnamese, organized in the following way:

• Pick up holds section
• DVD 7 days express
• DVD TV series
• Express DVD section
• New fiction for children
• Books for teens: Fiction, non fiction, graphic novels, manga.

• Reading books (with magazines and newspapers)
• Audiobooks section
• Shelves organized by Dewey Decimal classification (000 to 999)
• World languages.
• Biographies organized by subjects last name.
• Fiction, new books large type fiction (by author's last name).
• Non fiction (by author's last name).
• Graphic novels
• Mystery & new mystery
• Romance
• Librarians choice

• Picture books
• New picture books
• Beginning readers
• DVDs & Vox books (printed and audio books)
• Braille books
• Series books
• Audio books
• Fiction books for 2nd to 7th grade.
• Children internet computers
• Biographies & reference
• Library center
• World languages
• Children internet computers.

In 2016, the library also offered:

• 47 all-in-one computers with Core i5 processor at 3 GHz, 8 GB RAM, webcam, 1080p/23" screen, an Intel HD Graphics 4600, USB ports, DVD-RW drives, 256 GB Solid-state drive and 30 Mbit/s download/105 Mbit/s upload Internet access each one.
• Six iMac computers
• Two 3D printers
• A business center with a scanner, and copier/printer.{{cite web |url=http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Library/Resources/Files/branches/SilverSpringFactSheet.pdf |title=Silver Spring Library Fact Sheet |publisher=Montgomery County Public Libraries |access-date=February 1, 2016 }}

• Library cards: Free for Montgomery County and D.C. area residents and students and are valid for 1 year. Money can be added to library cards to be used for printing of documents.
• Each user can borrow up 100 books and magazines for 3 weeks, that can be renewed up to 3 times.
• Each user can borrow up to 20 movies every week and most of them can be renewed up to 3 times.
• Each user can borrow audiobooks and ebooks for up to 3 weeks.{{cite web |url=http://montgomerycountymd.gov/library/services/borrowing.html |title=Borrowing Library Materials |publisher=Montgomery County Maryland |access-date=September 3, 2016 }}
• Each user can borrow e-books from 3M dispenser machines with 3M book readers and on-line using Overdrive and 3M applications for PC, Kindle tablets, Nook tablets, and so forth. e-books can also be downloaded to a computer, and using Adobe Digital Editions software, these books can be uploaded to classic versions of Kindle and Nook.{{cite web |url=http://www.yourcloudlibrary.com/index.php/en-us/get-the-app/windows |title=Windows PC App Installation |publisher=Cloud Library |access-date=September 4, 2016 }}{{cite web |url=http://help.overdrive.com/customer/portal/articles/1481071-how-to-transfer-ebooks-to-an-ereader-using-adobe-digital-editions |title=How to transfer eBooks to an eReader using Adobe Digital Editions |publisher=OverDrive |date=September 2, 2016 |access-date=September 4, 2016 }}{{cite web |url=http://bcpl.libanswers.com/faq/74931 |title=How do I get ebooks on my Nook? |publisher=Baltimore County Public Library |date=July 21, 2016 |access-date=September 4, 2016 }}{{cite web |url=https://rcpleready.wordpress.com/3m/nook/ |title=Downloading 3M Cloud Library eBooks for NOOK |publisher=eReady Richland (Richland County Public Library) |access-date=September 4, 2016 }}
• Hold lockers where users can pick up 24/7 books that were reserved.
• Drop off area available 24/7, where users can return books that were borrowed with. The use of RFID technology allow to return books to the system automatically.
• Automated borrowing: Spots with RFID scanners were users can borrow books by themselves.
• Mango Languages: Online language learning website for Montgomery County Public Libraries users.{{cite web |url=https://connect.mangolanguages.com/montgomery-county/login?u=774955 |title=Mango Languages |publisher=Mango Languages |access-date=September 3, 2016 }}
• Muzzy Online: An interactive language learning website for children with animations and games, free for Montgomery County Public Libraries users.{{cite web |url=https://muzzyclub.com/en-gb/user/login |title=Muzzy Club |publisher=Muzzy Learning UK |access-date=September 3, 2016 }}
• LibX toolbar: Allow to search from Montgomery County Public Libraries catalog from a toolbar on your web browser. Available for Firefox and Chrome.{{cite web |url=http://libx.org/editions/downloadlibx2.php?edition=8DBE71C8 |title=LibX MCPL LibX Toolbar |publisher=Virginia Tech |access-date=September 3, 2016 }}

The library has 14 study rooms with space for up to 8 people. Study rooms can be reserved online every week, and can be used once a day for up to 2 hours every day.{{cite web |url=https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library/services/rooms.html |title=Silver Spring Library Study Rooms |publisher=Montgomery County Public Libraries |access-date=February 2, 2016 }}

The library has four multi-function printers that can be used with a library card. Scanning of documents is free and can be stored via USB flash drives. Documents can be printed from any computer in the library and have a cost of 15 cents per black-and-white page and $1 per color page.

The library also has a free hotspot with up to 10 MiB/s of throughput for visitors with personal laptops, tablets or smartphones.

Montgomery County Public Libraries works with more than ten providers of online services and companies that offer desktop access but also developed their own applications for mobile devices such as tablets, cellphones (such as Android and iPhone), and Kindle that use its services.

Among the apps are the following:

• BookMine:{{cite web |url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bookmine.bookmine |title=Bookmine |publisher=Google |access-date=September 3, 2016 }} An application to search on Montgomery County Public Library catalog that also can be used to manage Montgomery County Public Library card accounts. Available for iOS and Android.
• 3M Cloud Library: Application to download e-books on EPUB format.{{cite web |url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.txtr.android.mmm |title=3M Cloud Library |publisher=Google |access-date=September 3, 2016 }}{{cite web |url=https://apps.apple.com/us/app/3m-cloud-library/id466446054 |title=3M Cloud Library |publisher=Apple |access-date=September 3, 2016 }} Available for iOS, Android and Android for Kindle.
• OverDrive Media Console: Application to download e-books using Montgomery County Public Library accounts.{{cite web |url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.overdrive.mobile.android.mediaconsole |title=OverDrive |publisher=Google |access-date=September 3, 2016 }}{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/overdrive-library-ebooks-audiobooks/id366869252?mt=8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129063838/https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/overdrive-library-ebooks-audiobooks/id366869252?mt=8 |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 29, 2014 |title=OverDrive – Library eBooks and Audiobooks |publisher=Apple |access-date=September 3, 2016 }}{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/OverDrive-Inc-Library-eBooks-Audiobooks/dp/B00850NK6I |title=OverDrive: Library eBooks & Audiobooks |publisher=Amazon |access-date=September 3, 2016 }} Available for iOS, Android, Android for Kindle, Blackberry. and Windows phone.
• Freegal Music: Application to download 5 free songs every week.{{cite web |url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.libraryideas.freegalmusic&hl=en |title=Freegal Music |publisher=Google |access-date=September 3, 2016 }} Available for iOS, Android and Android for Kindle (via SlideMe).
• Zinio: Free collection of more than 5,000 full color digital magazines.{{cite web |url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zinio.mobile.android.libraries |title=Zinio for Libraries |publisher=Google |access-date=September 3, 2016 }} Available for iOS, Android and Android for Kindle.
• Flipster: Application to read free digital magazine provided from your library.{{cite web |url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eis.mae.flipster.readerapp&hl=en |title=Flipster – Digital Magazines |publisher=Google |access-date=September 3, 2016 }}
• OnceClickDigital: Application where can be downloaded audiobooks and e-books with MCPL library cards. Available for iOS, Android, Android for kindle.{{cite web |url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ocd&hl=en |title=OneClickdigital |publisher=Google |access-date=September 3, 2016 }}
• Mango Languages: An online language learning resource free for library users where can be learn more than 70 languages. Available for iOS, Android and Android for Kindle.
• Reference USA for iPad: Search tool for business and residential information, used also for job searching.{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/referenceusa-for-ipad/id532313135?mt=8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712211758/http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/referenceusa-for-ipad/id532313135?mt=8 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 12, 2012 |title=ReferenceUSA for iPad |publisher=Apple |access-date=September 3, 2016 }}
• Access My Library: Tool that helps to look for libraries by market and distance, and also allow to search items on library catalogs, read biographies, articles, journals, etc.{{cite web |url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cengage.android.accessmylibrary&hl=en |title=Access My Library |publisher=Google |access-date=September 3, 2016 }} Available for iOS and Android.
• EBSCOhost: Tool that helps to search on libraries databases organizing them by date or relevance.{{cite web |url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ebsco.ehost |title=EBSCOhost |publisher=Google |access-date=September 3, 2016 }} Available for iOS and Android.
• LibriVox: Application where anyone can download audiobooks. Available for Android and iOS.{{cite web |url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=biz.bookdesign.librivox |title=LibriVox Audio Books Free |publisher=Google |access-date=September 3, 2016 }}{{cite web |url=https://apps.apple.com/us/app/librivox-audio-books/id596159212 |title=LibriVox Audio Books |publisher=Apple |access-date=September 3, 2016 }}
• Kanopy: It is an on-demand streaming video platform for public libraries and universities{{Cite web|url=https://kanopy.com/about-us|title=About Us|website=Kanopy}} that offers films and documentaries.{{cite web |url=https://library.uoregon.edu/check-out-kanopy |title=Kanopy Streaming Video |website=University of Oregon |access-date=2016-07-21 |archive-date=2016-09-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914134940/https://library.uoregon.edu/check-out-kanopy |url-status=dead }} All the users have access to the Kanopy kids subdivision.

Three courtesy charging stations are available, with connectors, where visitors can charge cellphones and tablets.

The library follows Accessibility regulations:

• Wheelchair ramps at both entrances.
• Four ADA computers that follow the Americans with Disabilities Act for persons with visual impairment or physical disabilities.
• Two wide elevators:
• Fenton St. elevator (located beside Kefa Cafe) has access from 1st floor to 3rd, 4th and 5th floors and from 4th and 5th floor to 3rd floor
• Wayne Ave. elevator from 1st to 3rd (main) floor and from 3rd floor to 1st floor.
• 7 restrooms, each with baby changing stations.
• Air conditioning to cool the library in summer, heat pumps to warm it in winter, and ventilation on every floor.

• Montgomery County, Maryland

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{{Silver Spring, Maryland}}

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Category:1931 establishments in Maryland

Category:Buildings and structures in Silver Spring, Maryland

Category:Downtown Silver Spring, Maryland

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Category:Library buildings completed in 2015

Category:Libraries established in 1931

Category:Public libraries in Maryland