Photo Credit: Montgomery County Memorial LibraryEvents
The George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library turns 20 Years Old this Summer
Join the George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library for a party on Wednesday, July 30th, 9am-11am to celebrate Mitchell Library’s 20th Birthday! At 9:30am there will be a special story and craft featuring Commissioner Ritch Wheeler. Visiting dignitaries and attendees will have an opportunity to sign the story book. The birthday celebration will also include cake, photo opportunities, and other activities. Games will be available and a mini museum will feature historical artifacts from the last 20 years. A community fair with various vendors will round out the celebration.
The Mitchell Library opened to the public in the summer of 2005 due to the growth in The Woodlands and demands on the South Regional Library. Since its opening, the Mitchell Library has developed into a family-centered resource for early childhood literacy, offering quality programming, AWE early literacy computers, databases, and a large collection. Currently, the library serves more than 53,000 cardholders.
The library provides programs and resources for all age groups. Today, children’s programs have expanded from storytimes to special interactive playtimes and workshops, and music and movement for children. Teen programs have expanded from crafts to coding and more. And Adults have seen an increase in book clubs, computer classes, and other programs, with something for everyone. Recently, the branch also started an annual Community Helpers Day with local police, firefighters and other organizations showcasing their equipment and services. Mitchell Library is also part of the Family Place Libraries national network, which provides the community with resources to help families nurture their children’s development and early learning.
The Mitchell Library has a very supportive Friends of the Library group. The South Montgomery Friends of the Library is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and increasing awareness of both the Montgomery County South Regional Library and the George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library. With more than 200 members, the group holds book sales, runs a Friends bookshop in the library, helps with improvements such as new furniture, and provides reading incentives and additional programming funds. The support of the Friends Group is valued and appreciated by the library team and the community. Multiple initiatives would not have been possible without the Friends’ contribution.
Mitchell Library has been awarded numerous grants and awards. In addition to a Texas Book Festival grant in 2007 to enact Every Child Ready to Read workshops, Mitchell received the Family Place grant in 2018. In 2017, the branch was chosen as a finalist for the 2017 National Medal for Museum and Library Service by the Institute of Museum and Library Services after a nomination by Congressman Kevin Brady. It was one of only 15 libraries nominated nationwide.
“Mitchell Library and community are synonymous,” Branch Manager Amber Fritschel said. “The bonds that are created between staff and library visitors are special. And as we approach our 20th anniversary, these bonds are starting to span generations. It’s so rewarding. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the library and the community.”
Founded in 1948, the Montgomery County Memorial Library celebrates literacy all year long through fun, educational programs for children, teens, and adults, and by the more than 2.5 million items circulated. It has grown to serve nearly 400,000 Library cardholders at its seven branches Countywide. For more information, go to www.countylibrary.org.
Source: Montgomery County Memorial Library System
