For Immediate Release: Thursday, July 13, 2017
The refresh of the Little Falls branch of Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) is complete and the library will reopen to the public on July 29 at 10 a.m.
The refresh of the building includes new circulation and information desks; new paint and floor finishes throughout the building; upgrades to the public restrooms; reorganization of shelving; replacement of furniture in the adult and children’s reading rooms; addition of a teen space with seating and collection; energy efficient lighting; a coffee vending machine in the lower level; enhanced Wi-Fi; additional powered work areas; and new technology enhancements such as a mobile device charging station, digital signage, laptops for in-house use, and two self–checkout machines. The Friends of the Library, Little Falls Chapter made a generous donation towards this project.
Because of a water pipe break in December 2016, the County Department of General Services had to replace major equipment in the lower level including heating, ventilating and air conditioning, electrical systems, controls, technology network, telephone equipment, and cabling. Concrete, asphalt and plumbing repairs were also completed. Additionally, a new chiller and roof were installed as part of the planned refresh work.
On August 26 at 10 a.m., County Executive Ike Leggett will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially celebrate the reopening of the newly refreshed branch.
“The water pipe break caused extensive damage to the Little Falls branch, which significantly delayed the reopening,” said MCPL Director Parker Hamilton. “We want to give the community their library back as soon as possible, so the decision was made to have a soft opening on July 29 followed by an official opening ceremony in late August.”
The Bethesda branch, whose scheduled March closing was postponed due to the delay of the Little Falls reopening, will close to begin its refresh at the end of business on Sunday, August 6.
A pop-up library will be placed at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center located at 4805 Edgemoor Lane in Bethesda. The temporary library is planned to be in operation on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., beginning August 9.
For more information about the facilities, contact Rita Gale at 240-777-0022.
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