Montgomery County Public Libraries are marking a major milestone this year, celebrating 75 years with a wide range of events happening across the county through the spring and summer. The special edition 75th anniversary library card has also been a hit.

The celebration, centered around the theme “Every Voice, Every Story,” features programs for all ages, from kids and teens to adults and older residents, with everything from performances and lectures to hands-on activities and community gatherings.

The lineup kicks off in April with events like “Teen Voices of the Future” on April 15 from 4pm to 6pm at the Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library, where middle and high school students can share their stories while enjoying pizza and earning SSL hours. On April 25 at 11am, the Noyes Library for Young Children will host a “Teddy Bear Picnic,” inviting families to bring their favorite stuffed animals to celebrate the anniversary.

In May, programming expands with a mix of history, entertainment, and interactive experiences. On May 13 from 11am to 12pm, White Oak Library will host a talk from Montgomery History titled “Boom!” exploring the county’s development in the 1950s. A major highlight comes on May 16 at Olney Library, which will host a full afternoon of events from 1pm to 4pm, including a magical garden party, a live performance by magician Abracadabra Alex, gardening advice from Master Gardeners, a composting information table with free GEOBIN composters, and a hands-on fairy garden activity for kids.

Later in the month, Rockville Memorial Library will host a discussion on May 28 from 7pm to 8pm focused on the history of libraries in Rockville.

June continues the celebration with technology and live performances. Olney Library will offer virtual reality experiences on June 5 from 2pm to 5pm, while Long Branch Library will host two outdoor performances on June 14, including an interactive drumming program with Luis Garay at 10:30am and a live electric violin performance by Bliss Ananda at 2pm. Connie Morella Library will also host “Flashback Friday” on June 26 from 2pm to 5pm, where participants can create retro-themed book nooks.

The events continue into July, with additional virtual reality sessions scheduled for July 11 from 12pm to 3pm at Olney Library.

With dozens of events planned across multiple branches, Montgomery County Public Libraries’ 75th anniversary celebration highlights the system’s long-standing role as a hub for learning, creativity, and community connection. Additional information about each event can be found here.

 

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The Washington Wizards are facing backlash after an April Fools’ Day in-game skit that many fans felt went too far, prompting the team to issue a public apology. A video of the prank can be seen below.

During the performance, a blindfolded fan was brought onto the court for a half-court shot with a chance to win $10,000. After the fan took the shot and missed, the host, mascots, and parts of the crowd celebrated as if he had made it. The fan was even presented with a large ceremonial $10,000 check before being shown video footage revealing that the shot had actually missed.

While the fan ultimately received other prizes, including court-side seats to a future game, the moment quickly drew criticism online, with many saying the joke felt misleading and in poor taste. The reaction was amplified by frustration among fans during a difficult season for the team.

In response, the Wizards released a statement apologizing for the skit, saying it was scripted and intended as an April Fools’ joke. The team added that all participants were in on it, but acknowledged that it “missed the mark” and reaffirmed its commitment to providing a positive experience for fans.

The Wizards made a fan think he won $10,000 in an April Fools prank by pretending he made a blindfolded half court shot pic.twitter.com/MZEfAiGZKM

— FearBuck (@FearedBuck) April 2, 2026

Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream is set to officially welcome the community to its newest Montgomery County location in Chevy Chase with a full opening weekend celebration on April 4 and 5.

The Bethesda-born creamery, which is opening its fourth county location at 8551 Connecticut Avenue, will mark the occasion with a two-day block party and community market running from 1pm to 5pm each day. The event will feature local vendors and family-friendly programming, creating a festive atmosphere around the new shop’s debut.

In addition to the larger celebration, the Chevy Chase location will offer a special opening weekend promotion exclusively at this shop. Customers who purchase three hand-packed pints will receive a fourth pint free, encouraging visitors to stock up on favorites or try new flavors during the grand opening weekend.

Founded by mother-daughter duo Sarah Park and Annie Park, Sarah’s Handmade Ice Cream has grown from its roots in Bethesda into a local favorite known for its small-batch, site-made flavors and commitment to quality ingredients. The expansion into Chevy Chase continues that growth while bringing its signature menu of rotating flavors, vegan options, and even dog-friendly treats to a new neighborhood.

In 2023, the Swedish government announced that the country’s schools would be going back to basics, emphasizing skills such as reading and writing, particularly in early grades. After mostly being sidelined, physical books are now being reintroduced into classrooms, and students are learning to write the old-fashioned way: by hand, with a pencil or pen, on sheets of paper. The Swedish government also plans to make schools cellphone-free throughout the country.

Educational authorities have been investing heavily. Last year alone, the education ministry allocated $83 million to purchase textbooks and teachers’ guides. In a country with about 11 million people, the aim is for every student to have a physical textbook for each subject. The government also put $54 million towards the purchase of fiction and non-fiction books for students.

These moves represent a dramatic pivot from previous decades, during which Sweden—and many other nations—moved away from physical books in favor of tablets and digital resources in an effort to prepare students for life in an online world. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Nordic country’s efforts have sparked a debate on the role of digital technology in education, one that extends well beyond the country’s borders. US parents in districts that have adopted digital technology to a great extent may be wondering if educators will reverse course, too.

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