Press Releases
Ribbon-Cutting Celebration Opens the Montgomery County Public Libraries’ Aspen Hill Branch
For Immediate Release: Saturday, July 15, 2017
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held today for the Montgomery County Public Libraries’ (MCPL) Aspen Hill branch located at 4407 Aspen Hill Road in Rockville. The event marked the official reopening of the branch after being closed to be “refreshed” under the Library Refurbishment Level-of-Effort initiative in the County’s Capital Improvement Program.
County Executive Ike Leggett was joined by Councilmember Sidney Katz, Councilmember Marc Elrich, Maryland Delegate Bonnie Cullison, Director of Libraries Parker Hamilton, Department of General Services (DGS) Director David Dise, Aspen Hill Library Advisory Committee Chairperson Elliot Chabot, Aspen Hill Library Manager Ken Lewis and members of the community.
“I am pleased to reopen the renewed Aspen Hill Branch,” said Leggett. “This is the fourth ribbon cutting under the new ‘refresh’ program, which is an innovative way to ensure that our branches get necessary updates and stay in good repair. The “refresh” model saves our residents thousands of dollars.”
“It is very gratifying that the Aspen Hill community has such a beautiful facility,” said Katz. “I am someone who truly appreciates everything that libraries provide for each of us. The resources inside this building allow us to expand our horizons. I’m reminded of what Dr. Suess says, “The more you read, the more you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
The improvements to the library included a new circulation and information desks, new carpet/flooring and paint, collaboration rooms, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) renovations to the public restrooms on the lower level, new water fountain with water filling station, reorganization of shelving in the adult and children’s reading rooms, enhanced children’s collection and programming area, teen space with seating area, new 24/7 book drop and ADA improvements to the parking lot, main entrance and walkway area.
“I am very pleased with the results of the refresh of the Aspen Hill branch,” said Director Parker Hamilton. “The responses from the communities of the branches that have been revitalized so far through this program have been extremely positive. I look forward to visiting in the future and being delighted by the amazing working being completed on the branches of Montgomery County Public Libraries.”
“DGS is pleased to present to Aspen Hill library patrons this revitalized and refreshed library,” said Dise. “The community is sure to enjoy the bright and vibrant interior as well as the clean and accessible exterior.”
The library closed for the refresh in November 2016. The approximate cost for the Aspen Hill refresh project is $1.2 million.
The Friends of the Library, Aspen Hill Chapter provided a generous donation towards this project and provided refreshments and entertainment for the event. Special entertainment was provided by Leanna Rathbun and Martine Cardichon winners of the Department of Recreation’s “MoCo’s Got Talent” event.
The library opened immediately following the ribbon cutting ceremony. For more information visit http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library.
Media Contact: Judy Stiles 240-463-2442