October 2026

Join Us in Celebrating

National Family Literacy Month & Children's Book Week

November is National Family Literacy Month, which aims to highlight the importance of parents and children learning, reading, and growing literacy skills together.

Also coming up next month is Children's Book Week, November 9-15. This year's theme is "Books: Get Curious!"

These celebrations of reading and literacy align with one of the 5 principles that make up The Basics: "Read and Discuss Stories."

This short video from The Basics explains why reading to and with young children is so important, with tips on how to encourage children to read and make it fun!

Here are some simple ways to observe both National Family Literacy Month and Children's Book Week – and build year-round routines that encourage children to build their literacy skills.

Read Aloud: Spend at least 15 minutes a day reading together as a family.

Explore your public library: Go to your local MCPL branch to check out books and participate in a wide range of free events and programs.

Build a home library of favorite books to read again and again:

One way to get started is by signing up children age 0 to 5 to receive a free book each month from Imagination Library of Montgomery County (eligible zip codes are listed on the home page).

Imagination Library is one of Dolly Parton's greatest legacies, and since 2015, the Montgomery County affiliate has provided more than 100,000 books to thousands of children!

The Basics MoCo 
Fall Transit Campaign

As you travel around the County, keep an eye out for a new round of transit ads promoting The Basics MoCo, including transit stop posters, side-of-bus banner ads, and interior bus ads.

The goal of this campaign is to raise awareness about The Basics and encourage parents to sign up for Basics Insights, a text-messaging service for parents with children age 0 to 5 that provides tips on how to incorporate early childhood learning into everyday routines.

Youth Action Board is Recruiting New Members!

The Montgomery County Youth Action Board (YAB) is a paid leadership opportunity for people ages 16-24 to use their lived experience to advise Montgomery County on housing policy and shape programming at MoCo ReConnect, the County’s only youth drop-in center.

The YAB is looking for up to 5 new members. Please share with any young people ages 16-24 who might be interested! Applications due by Nov. 15.

Domestic Violence Resources

During Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, the Make Moco Purple campaign helped raise awareness around domestic violence, which affects every community.

Here are some key resources if you or someone you know needs help.

24-HOUR

National Domestic Violence Hotline:

1-800-799-7233

Montgomery County Family Justice Center (FJC)

montgomerycountymd.gov/family-justice-center

240-773-0444

Nearly 2,000 families seek safety and support through the FJC each year. Provides free, coordinated support, including advocacy, legal services, counseling, and basic needs assistance. Walk-ins are welcome, and services are available in any language.

Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence

mnadv.org
Website includes information on understanding abuse and seeking help and staying safe.

Coming in November...

November is Native American Heritage Month

Here are some ways to celebrate and learn more:

Montgomery County Public Libraries: Events for Native American Heritage Month

Gaithersburg Community Museum: Indigenous History: Montgomery County & Beyond

Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian: Explore online exhibitions and digital collections through the Smithsonian Native Knowledge 360° interactive portal.

Native Land Digital: Use this interactive web map to learn about the traditional Indigenous territories, languages, and treaties of the local land you inhabit.

Thank you for your continued support of children, youth and families in Montgomery County.

Click the logos to visit our program websites: