Expansion For A Prince George’s County Library
New Bladensburg Branch Library Offers More Computers, Space, And Resources To Community
The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) will open its new Bladensburg Branch Library building at 4820 Annapolis Road to the public on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, offering expanded space – nearly three times as large as the 1920s-era building it replaces – and resources to meet growing community demand. The new Bladensburg branch will include 50 public computers – more than three times as many as before – a Social Equity Commons that will include recording gear for archiving community oral histories and a portable kitchen for programs, more meeting space for events and studying, as well as additional staff who will offer more programming.
“The community has waited a very long time for this. Demand for services and space in the old building long ago exceeded what the building could supply,” said Debra Capponi, Bladensburg Branch Library’s head librarian.
The original branch was dedicated on October 21, 1978, in a building that had previously been the Bladensburg Elementary School and the Board of Education Media Center. That building was demolished in September 2021 to make way for the new facility.
A ribbon cutting ceremony, which will begin at 11 am, will feature remarks from PGCMLS Interim CEO Richard AmRhein, County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks, Prince George’s County Councilwoman Jolene Ivey (District 5), Bladensburg Mayor Takisha James, PGCMLS Board of Library Trustees President Angela D. Smith, and PGCMLS Chief Operating Officer for Support Services Michael Gannon, as well as an invocation by Elder Willie Duval, senior pastor of Word of God Community Church in Bladensburg. Opening day at the Bladensburg Branch Library will also include a time capsule presentation, refreshments, and tours.
“We are excited that this will not only be the Library’s first LEED certified building, but that we expect it to drive economic development for the Bladensburg community,” said Gannon. “It is our vision that once other stakeholders see the investment the County has made in the community with this new state of the art library they will want to enhance their existing businesses and add new amenities.”
The two-story building was designed by Gant Brunnett Architects, incorporating architectural references to the dynamic nature of water and its potential. In the children’s room, with the theme “Discovery Harbor,” children can guide a sailing ship – the USS Prince George – with an authentic ship’s wheel, sit inside reading nooks shaped like dinghies, or lay on a wooden dock to look at the colorful waves hanging from the ceiling.
"The building is beautiful and is a tremendous addition to the neighborhood. What a valuable resource this will be to the community!" AmRhein said. "The nautical theme makes the experience of being inside the building so tranquil and peaceful. I'm sure that kids will find visiting a true adventure and will look forward to every visit.”
For more information, visit https://www.pgcmls.info/13803
