Living in the DC metropolitan area comes with an amazing perk that many people don’t know about: most library systems in the Washington region allow residents of other jurisdictions to get a library card without paying a non-resident fee through reciprocal agreements. This means you can collect library cards from multiple counties and dramatically expand your access to books, especially through digital platforms like Libby!
Complete List of Participating DC Area Library Systems
Here are all the jurisdictions where you can get a free library card if you live anywhere in the participating reciprocal network:
District of Columbia
Washington, DC
Maryland
Montgomery County
Prince George’s County
Frederick County
Virginia Counties and Cities
Arlington County
Fairfax County
Loudoun County
Prince William County
Fauquier County
Alexandria
Falls Church
Manassas and Manassas Park
Why Collect Multiple Library Cards?
Having multiple library cards gives you access to:
Larger Digital Collections: Each library system has its own collection of ebooks, audiobooks, and digital magazines on Libby/OverDrive
Shorter Wait Times: Popular books might have long wait lists at one library but be immediately available at another
Unique Titles: Some books are only available in certain library systems
Multiple Holds: You can place holds on the same popular book at multiple libraries to get it faster
How to Use This System
Get Your Cards: Visit any library location in these jurisdictions with a photo ID and proof of address from any participating area
Download Libby: The Libby app lets you manage all your library cards in one place
Add All Your Cards: In Libby, you can add library cards from multiple systems
Search and Reserve: When you want a book, search across all your libraries to find the shortest wait time
Read Anywhere: Use Libby on your phone/tablet, or transfer books to your Kobo ereader, Kindle, or other devices
The Historical Background
The reciprocal agreement between Prince George’s, Montgomery, Fairfax, and Prince William Counties dates back to 1969 and the City of Falls Church was added in 1973. In 1977, the Council of Governments passed a resolution recommending reciprocal library card agreements between all member jurisdictions.
Pro Tips
Maryland Residents Get Extra Benefits: All Maryland residents are eligible for free library cards from the library systems of each of the state’s twenty-three counties and Baltimore City
Keep Cards Current: Most library cards expire every 3 years and must be renewed in person
Check Online First: Many systems now allow you to apply for a digital card online, then upgrade to full privileges when you visit in person
This system essentially gives you access to one of the largest library networks in the country, all for free! Whether you’re a voracious reader, researcher, or just want access to the latest bestsellers without the wait, collecting DC area library cards is definitely worth the effort.
UPDATE July 3, 2025: The 6GHz WiFi concerns are resolved – the final bill exempts the 5.925-7.125 GHz band from auction. Your home WiFi speeds are safe.
UPDATE July 1. 2025: The Senate passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” and the final version still removes protections for the 6 GHz Wi-Fi band that could slow home internet speeds. The bill now heads back to the House, meaning the threat to Wi-Fi spectrum is closer to becoming law.
If you’ve noticed your Wi-Fi getting faster over the past few years, you can thank the 6 GHz band – a chunk of wireless spectrum that delivers faster speeds than older 2.4 and 5 GHz networks. But a provision buried in the Senate’s budget bill could change that. (See more detail at: https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/06/senate-gop-budget-bill-has-little-noticed-provision-that-could-hurt-your-wi-fi/) Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has a plan for spectrum auctions that could take frequencies away from Wi-Fi and reallocate them for the exclusive use of wireless carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.
When the House of Representatives passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” it excluded all of the frequencies between 5.925 and 7.125 gigahertz from the planned spectrum auctions. But Cruz’s version of the budget reconciliation bill, which is moving quickly toward a final vote, removed the 6 GHz band’s protection from spectrum auctions. This would directly impact how well your home internet works.
For everyone with home WiFi, aka everyone, this matters. The 6 GHz band has been crucial for reducing Wi-Fi congestion, especially in apartment buildings where dozens of networks compete for the same airwaves. If these frequencies get auctioned off to cellular carriers, your router may struggle to maintain the fast, reliable connections you’ve come to expect.
In the wake of recent extensive layoffs across federal agencies, thousands of dedicated public servants are finding themselves unexpectedly unemployed. An earlier post covered the technical aspects of preparing for potential job loss (securing important files and contacts). This guide focuses on navigating the aftermath of receiving that dreaded notice.
While outside of my normal technical posts, I thought this might help people, especially in the DC area. This has certainly been a big topic with neighbors and Tech DC clients.
The Emotional Impact: It’s Not Just a Job
Being fired, even when part of a large-scale reduction, delivers an emotional blow that shouldn’t be underestimated. Here’s how to take care of your mental health:
Process Your Feelings
– **Give yourself permission to grieve**: Public service is often tied to personal identity and purpose. It’s normal to feel a profound sense of loss.
– **Journal your experience**: Document your thoughts and feelings as a healthy outlet and future reference.
– **Set emotional boundaries**: Limit exposure to negative news cycles about the layoffs that might intensify your distress.
Build Your Support Network
– **Reach out immediately**: Call or text at least three supportive people within 24 hours of receiving the news.
– **Be specific about your needs**: Whether it’s emotional support, job leads, or practical help, let people know how they can assist you.
– **Connect with fellow affected colleagues**: Create informal support groups through platforms like Slack or Discord where you can share resources and encouragement.
Maintain Routine and Structure
– **Create a daily schedule**: Establish wake times, meal times, and dedicated hours for job searching and self-care.
– **Incorporate physical activity**: Even a 20-minute daily walk can significantly improve your mood and energy.
– **Set small, achievable goals**: Accomplish something tangible each day to maintain momentum and confidence.
Immediate Practical Steps: The First 72 Hours
Understand Your Termination Package
– **Review all documentation carefully**: Note severance details, continuation of benefits, and any outstanding compensation.
– **Request clarification in writing**: If any terms are unclear, ask your HR representative for written explanations.
– **Document the return of government property**: Keep receipts for all returned items to prevent future complications.
Secure Your Healthcare
– **Understand your FEHB options**: Federal employees typically have a 31-day grace period of continued coverage.
– **Evaluate COBRA continuation**: Compare costs against marketplace plans before deciding.
– **Consider alternatives**: If you have a spouse with employer coverage, a qualifying life event should allow you to join their plan immediately.
Apply for Unemployment Benefits
– **File immediately**: Benefits in DC begin from your application date, not your termination date.
– **Prepare documentation**: Have your SF-50 and last pay stub ready.
Manage Your TSP and Retirement Accounts
– **Avoid hasty decisions**: Don’t withdraw from your TSP out of panic.
– **Review your investment allocation**: Consider whether adjustments are needed for this new phase.
– **Understand rollover options**: If you choose to consolidate retirement funds, know the process and potential tax implications.
Financial Management: Adjusting to Income Disruption
Ensure That You Have A Safety Fund
– **Conduct a financial inventory**: List all assets, debts, and monthly expenses.
– **Identify essential vs. non-essential spending**: Categorize expenses by necessity.
Reduce Expenses Strategically
– **Review subscriptions and memberships**: Pause or cancel non-essential recurring charges. Consider if you need to ditch your lawn service or gym membership.
– **Negotiate with service providers**: Some companies offer hardship programs for temporary reduction of bills.
Career Development: Repositioning Yourself
Reassess and Reflect
– **Inventory your skills**: Create a comprehensive list of both technical and soft skills developed in government service.
– **Identify transferable experience**: Government work develops unique capabilities in areas like compliance, stakeholder management, and complex systems navigation.
– **Consider your ideal next move**: Is it similar government work, private sector, consulting, entrepreneurship, or something entirely different?
Update Your Professional Materials
– **Translate government jargon**: Rewrite your resume using industry-standard terminology.
– **Highlight measurable achievements**: Quantify your impact where possible.
– **Create different versions**: Tailor your resume for different types of opportunities.
– **Refresh your LinkedIn profile**: Update it with keywords relevant to your target positions. Consider upgrading to LinkedIn Plus to reach more people. Change your profile status to #OpenToWork.
Expand Your Knowledge Base
– **Identify skills gaps**: Research job postings to find commonly requested skills you might need.
– **Use free or discounted learning resources**: Leverage platforms like Coursera, or government-specific training programs that might still be accessible.
– **Obtain relevant certifications**: Consider credentials that might enhance your marketability.
Moving Forward: The Job Search and Beyond
Navigate the Federal-to-Private Pipeline
– **Research “government-friendly” employers**: Many contractors and consultancies specifically value federal experience.
– **Target organizations with federal contracts**: Your knowledge of government processes is particularly valuable here.
– **Leverage security clearances**: If you hold an active clearance, highlight this valuable credential.
Differentiate Yourself in a Crowded Market
– **Develop a clear personal brand**: Craft a compelling story about your expertise and value.
– **Create thought leadership content**: Share your knowledge through LinkedIn articles, Medium posts, or industry forums.
– **Volunteer strategically**: Offer your skills to organizations where you can both contribute and make valuable connections.
Leverage Your Network Effectively
– **Map your professional connections**: Include former colleagues, supervisors, and partners from other agencies or private sector.
– **Reach out with purpose**: Be specific about the types of roles you’re seeking when asking for referrals.
– **Attend industry events**: Many DC-area organizations host events specifically for transitioning government employees.
Consider Alternative Career Paths
– **Explore consulting opportunities**: Your insider knowledge has significant value to organizations working with the government.
– **Investigate entrepreneurship**: Consider whether your expertise could form the foundation of a business.
– **Look at teaching or training roles**: Universities and training organizations value practical government experience.
Final Thoughts: This Is Not the End
Remember that being part of a large-scale layoff is not a reflection of your value or abilities. Many successful careers have included unexpected transitions that ultimately led to more fulfilling paths.
The unique expertise you’ve developed in public service remains valuable—it’s simply a matter of finding the right opportunity to apply it. While this transition is undoubtedly challenging, it also presents an opening to reevaluate priorities and potentially discover more rewarding work situations.
Stay connected, be strategic, and remember that your career is a marathon, not a sprint. This is not the end of your professional story—it’s simply the beginning of a new chapter.
More than a few neighbors and clients are currently concerned with losing their federal government jobs. Here are some things that you can do from a technology perspective:
1. Send yourself your administrative or personal files from your work computer:
Typically, you can not move files to a USB drive for security reasons. Therefore, you should select the files and folders and right-click on them and choose Compress Files. Then you can email the compressed file to your personal email account. Keep in mind that just because sending the email is successful, receiving is not guaranteed. The problem is file size. Google accepts files up to 25mb. Each service has its own size limitations that you can lookup from a Google search. Therefore, you need to check the file size (right click and choose Properties to see the size) before sending. You would need to select just the amount of files for your email to be accepted by your personal email server. Then verify that you have received the files.
2. Download important employment history files such as those from eOPF to show your employment history, typically from your work computer for your login credentials to work: https://eopf.opm.gov/
3. Make sure that you have your home computer in order. This will allow you to work on your resume, job search, finances, etc. to deal with the situation. This includes having: a reliable internet connection, a backup system for your data, and a basic antivirus such as the free Microsoft Windows Defender Antivirus (Macs do not need anything as they have Anti-virus built-in).
4. Connect to friends and colleagues over LinkedIn. If you want to keep up with people and be better prepared to network and find new work, LinkedIn is a key tool.
