Needs From: MC Serves!

Volunteer to Judge Creative Writing

Are you a writer or enthusiastic reader? Do you want to help inspire the next generation of authors? 

Apply to serve as a judge for our Mosaic Creative Writing Program by February 9, 2026.

Check out the FAQs below for a recap of our program and judging expectations.

What is the contest? Mosaic is our creative writing program geared towards students who are enrolled in MCPS middle schools, between 6th – 8th grades. Students write on the topic of “My Culture” in the form of short story, poetry, or essay. Mosaic allows them to fully explore their feelings and cultural identity at home and in the classroom.

What skills are needed? Judges are needed to evaluate students' written work, in the form of short story, poetry, or essay based on a provided rubric. Judges should be compassionate and open-minded readers with a firm grasp of grammar and appreciation for diversity in literature. Applicants should feel comfortable using technology for submitting scores and navigating the FOLMC website.

Where does this take place? From the comfort of your home. Judges will download a .pdf file of entries and upload scores via the FOLMC website.

What’s the timeline in 2025/6? Judges will be provided one grade of student entries on or about February 26th with scores being due to FOLMC by March 18th. If there is a tie, judges may be asked to read submissions from a different grade level to break the tie. Those entries would be provided by March 21st with scores being due March 27th. Each grade level is approximately 50 entries, including all three genres. Due to the varied length of entries it is impossible to determine the exact amount of time needed to read, judge, and submit scores, however, judges have frequently indicated they had enough time to complete all tasks and enjoyed the program immensely. Dates are approximate and can change based on current events.

What are judges provided? Each judge is provided a password protected site at folmc.org with the scoring rubric, scoring grid, and student entries. Once judging is over, judges will be invited to attend the awards ceremony featuring a notable author and gifted a copy of the published anthology.  

Are previous judges permitted to participate again? Yes, we encourage previous judges to re-apply to participate.

Book Sorter Volunteer Engagement Opportunities  

Are you passionate about books? Do you love reading and sharing your thoughts about them? Do you believe in the incredible impact of public libraries? If so, we have the perfect volunteer opportunity for you. 

Become a Book Sorter with Friends of the Library, Montgomery County, MD (FOLMC).  

As a Book Sorter, you will work at one of 18 library locations throughout Montgomery County. Your efforts will help keep our branch book sales well stocked and contribute to raising essential funds to support the Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL).  

Who We Are  

Friends of the Library, Montgomery County (FOLMC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) and promotes lifelong learning in Montgomery County, MD. FOLMC provides supplemental funding, programs, and materials and equipment to MCPL to augment public funding. The organization also operates two used bookstores in Rockville and Wheaton, MD. 

Why Volunteer with FOLMC?  

Share your passion for books and libraries.  

Support public libraries and their critical community programs.  

Engage with fellow book lovers and library enthusiasts.  

Help ensure library resources continue to thrive.  

Book Sorter Duties Include:  

Honor booksales at MCPL Branches rely on volunteers for tasks including sorting and shelving. Volunteering is an active position requiring bending, lifting, stretching, and shifting boxes of books up to 40lbs on occasion.  FOLMC is interested mainly in long-term volunteers to ensure consistency of sales. 

Ready to Volunteer? Sign Up here. Let’s make 2025 the best yet for our public libraries!

Our board is a dedicated group of working and retired professionals who have a passion for Montgomery County Public Libraries. They provide guidance, leadership, oversight, and extra pairs of hands to our small staff on a wide variety of projects.

Does this sound like you or someone you know?

If you have skills in finance, fundraising, human resources, or marketing, or if you know someone who does, please submit an application online at http://www.folmc.org/get-involved/volunteer-with-us/.

Board members serve one three-year term and may be reappointed for up to two additional terms. Board members must attend quarterly meetings and participate on two committees, such as:

- finance,

- programs & marketing, -

- fundraising,

- strategic planning,

- advocacy, etc.

The application process includes a nomination application, interview, and reference check.

Learn more about FOLMC at www.folmc.org.