This spring, MVLS partnered with Carroll County Public Library on two community engagements to increase access to free civil legal services. The first included tabling in the library entrance to introduce MVLS and start building trust with the Carroll County Community. We were lucky to follow that up with a specific presentation on estate planning and administration, where we asked the question, “Have you thought about preserving your family’s legacy?”

We’re proud to recognize Carroll County Public Library, Eldersburg Branch as the Community Partner of the Month. Read on to learn more about CCPL, and their experience as an MVLS Community Partner.

How long have you been in existence, and what is your organization’s mission?  
Our countywide library system was established in 1958. The mission of Carroll County Public Library (CCPL) is to help all members of our community experience lifelong learning through impactful programs, resources, and services.  We strive to be a vital community partner, to be a good neighbor, and to provide Carroll County residents with infinite possibilities. 

What/who/how do you serve your community?
We serve every citizen of Carroll County by providing access to a vast collection of books, eBooks, films, digital news archives, and other learning resources alongside regular and special programs designed to facilitate active education. Carroll County Public Library offers a collection of physical resources such as fishing poles and laptops, as well as a selection of the high-quality tools such as 3D printers, laser engravers, recording equipment, and more. What all of these materials and resources have in common is their accessibility to every member of our community. Our library is filled with educational assets that every member of our community can use to meet their own lifelong learning goals.  

Why do you think it’s important to work with a legal services program, like MVLS? 
At CCPL, we know how important it is for nonprofit organizations and government agencies to be able to reach those who might best take advantage of their services. Organizations such as MVLS can use our spaces as venues for programs, while we in turn provide our community with the opportunity to learn about important local and regional resources, and in this case with how legal services programs like MVLS can help them. 

Is there anything upcoming you would like to highlight or promote?
In Fiscal Year 2024, CCPL provided our community with 5,842 programs, and attendance at those programs reached a total of 145,111. There is truly something happening every day at your library. Check out all of our upcoming events, from information sessions about emergency preparedness to cooking classes, at https://ccpl.librarymarket.com/events/month.

In addition, the library provides an online community directory of resources. Within the directory, you can search and access information about many community services including day care providers, civic groups, social programs, and more. Access the directory for free, 24/7 at https://community.carr.org/.