Mingalarama Buddhist Library (MBL) Information > Brief Background
With Mingalarama’s lifetime benefactor Daw Kyi Kyi Win family’s generous financial donation, and other devotees’ contributions, the Mingalarama successfully established the Mingalarama Buddhist Library (MBL) on May 13, 2007, and started its full service operation on August 04, 2007.
The Mingalarama Buddhist Library is under the management of the MBL Team. This team is responsible for the strategic guidance, management, and day-to-day operations.
The MBL's fundamental dedication is to provide information, knowledge and wisdom to the Burmese community and friends of Burma. We, however, need your extensive supports which make possible for the library to achieve its goals. You can support the MBL as follow:
- Make a pledge - Book donation or financial contribution to help the continuation of the library's services now and in the future.
- Join the MBL membership
- Offer a Helping Hand to support the library by sharing your valuable work skills and knowledge (Volunteer opportunities for all ages are available!).
Library Board of Trustees
The Mingalarama Buddhist Library is under the control and management of a Board of Trustees consisting of members.
Sayadaw U Asabhacara, Chief Abbot
Sayadaw U Dhammasami, Assistant Abbot
Daw Khin Khin Htway, Chief Advisor (Library of Congress)
MBL Team Members:
Daw Khin Swe Myint, Strategic Projects Director
Daw Tee May Thein, Treasurer/Director of Finance
Daw Moe Moe Yee, Community Relations and Development Director
Daw Nilar, Librarian
U Zaw Aung, Librarian & IT
The Board of Trustees and MBL team regularly meet once per month for MBL operation and development of MBL services.
Services:
The Library has an exciting and diverse collection of thousands of books, magazines, newspapers, audio tapes, video tapes, dvd's, compact discs, music on Buddhism, Burmese literature and others.
The MBL offers educational services for children, including performance, Burmese language program and basic Buddhism program and other valuable religious and educational programs.
MBL Customer/Member Code of Conduct
Mutual respect makes it possible for everyone to enjoy library materials and services. You can help MBL by supporting needs of MBL; be respectful of each other and behave in a manner that does not disrupt others or staff.
The Library Board of Trustees is responsible for determining the rules for public behavior in the Library that are necessary to:
- Protect the rights of individuals to use Library property, materials, and services;
- Protect the rights of staff and volunteers to conduct library business without interference;
- Preserve Library materials and facilities from harm
The rules for public behavior will be prominently posted in the Library. Library staff are authorized to bring to an individual's attention any act which violates these rules. The individual will be asked to change the problem behavior to obey the rules and regulations of MBL.
The following conducts are not allowed:
- Leaving children under age 7 unattended (children can read and play at Children Corner).
- Unreasonable noise including: loud talking, singing, boisterous activity, cell phone and audio/visual equipment usage.
- Disturb others.
- Dress improperly (please dress moderately).
- Vandalizing library facilities or equipment.
- Distributing/posting unauthorized materials (Materials must be submitted for review and approval for posting and distributing).
- Being under the influence, possessing alcohol.
- Bringing animals, other than service animals, into the library.
- Smoking, chewing tobacco.
If such above highlighted behaviors are seen, that individual will be asked to leave Library property.
Library Location:
Mingalarama Buddhist Library
Dhamma Hall Ground Floor
1708 Powder Mill
Silver Spring, MD 20903
Library Hours:
Saturday - Sunday (10 pm – 4:00 pm)
Monday – Friday (Closed – By calling 301- 439-4035)
Library Card:
With your Mingalarama Buddhist Library card you will be able to borrow books, audio books, CD's, CD-ROM's, videos and DVD's; gain full access to Electronic Resources.
Apply for a Card
Who is eligible? All residents of the states of Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC can apply for a MBL library card.
What will you need? Adults will be asked to show valid photo identification with proof of current address:
Acceptable Examples:
Photo ID:
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Address verification:
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Please note: If a photo ID is not available, you will not receive a library card.
For children under the age of 16 to receive a library card:
- The parent/guardian must present valid ID and verification of address as listed above.
- The parent/guardian must have "proof of child":
Acceptable verification of existence of the child includes: - Presence of child
- Current school report card of child
- The parent/guardian's signature must be on the card.
Borrowing Items
With a MBL card, you can borrow books, magazines, audio books, music cassettes and CD's, videos and DVD's and use library facilities.
Items can be reserved by calling advance (phone 301- 439-4035) or email (library@mingalarama.org). Soon we will have eLibrary system.
Loan Periods and Fines
For the first 10 days with a MBL library card, you may have a total of five items checked out.
|
Material Type |
Loan Period |
Limits |
Fine |
Books |
14 days* |
5 books |
$.50 per day |
Audio Items (CD's and Cassettes) |
7 days* |
3 CDs/Tapes |
$.50 per day |
CD-ROMs |
7 days |
3 CDs |
$1.00 per day |
* Loan periods are sometimes shortened to meet demand for materials with reserve lists.
Overdue Notices
The MBL appreciates the customers returning items on time so that others may use them.
What happens when you return the items late?
- The Library phones you an overdue notice.
Return your borrowed materials on time (not by handing to others). You can renew most library materials by phone at 301- 439-4035, or in person at MBL. Items can be renewed two times. Items cannot be renewed if you have overdue fines and long period.
