Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) has exciting news for its users: starting Monday, January 5, 2026, patrons at all MCPL branches—excluding the Noyes Library for Young Children—will enjoy free printing and copying services. Each day, customers can print up to 15 black and white pages or two color pages without any cost involved.
This new initiative eliminates the need for the library to manage cash transactions and distribute change for printing and copying services. Moreover, select items, including earbuds and flash drives, will be offered free to Montgomery County residents, albeit on a limited basis. This update underscores MCPL’s dedication to promoting equity and access while enhancing operational efficiency.
“We are taking significant strides to make our libraries more inclusive and inviting,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “By eliminating financial hurdles for essential services like printing and copying, we empower our residents to stay engaged, well-informed, and connected.”
Key Benefits and Impacts
- Equity and Access: Many members of the community depend on library services to apply for jobs, access government aid, complete educational assignments, and maintain social connections. Providing free printing and copying will help dismantle financial barriers to producing essential documents.
- Improved Business Processes: By removing cash and credit card transactions at service desks, internal operations will become more streamlined.
- Impact on Staff: Library personnel will no longer need to handle cash, reconcile transactions, or prepare deposits. This transition will lessen administrative burdens, enhance security, and boost overall efficiency.
“This transformation enables our staff to devote more time to customer assistance rather than managing cash flow and transactions,” shared MCPL Director Darcell Graham. “It’s a win-win for both operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.”
Moreover, any fees for lost or damaged items or for printing and copying beyond the daily free limit will now be payable exclusively through users’ online library accounts, further enhancing the user experience.
“We take pride in joining other library systems in offering these complimentary services,” added Elrich. “It’s all about meeting our community where they are and ensuring everyone has the tools they need to thrive.” See https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D2LBRV261/
