Press Releases
Construction Completed on Montgomery County’s Long Branch Library; Holds to Go and Telephone Service Begins Today
For Immediate Release: Monday, January 25, 2021
Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) and the Department of General Services (DGS) announce that construction is complete on the Long Branch Library. Holds to Go!, MCPL’s contactless holds pickup service and the library telephone service will begin on Monday, Jan. 25. The library is located at 8800 Garland Ave. in Silver Spring. The library branch closed in March 2020 for interior and exterior improvements under the County’s award-winning Library Refurbishment initiative.
County Executive Marc Elrich joined by DGS Director David Dise and MCPL Director Anita Vassallo recently did a thorough walk-through of the building.
“Congratulations to our General Services and Public Libraries team on their collaborative work on this library refresh project,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Our libraries are community anchors and the impressive improvements transform this into a modernized, beautiful facility for our Long Branch residents to enjoy.”
The 21,034-square-foot facility houses approximately 58,000 print volumes and media items. The new ergonomic sit and stand circulation and self-checkout desks present an aesthetically warm and welcoming front area.
The refurbishment of Long Branch library included renovation of the public restrooms, construction of a new family restroom on the 1st floor, creation of new teen and children’s areas and a new group study room along with a new sit / stand service desk. New paint, carpet and flooring was installed along with all new furniture and some new shelving. New LED light fixtures were installed, and ceiling tiles replaced. The 2nd floor lobby was activated with a seating group and laptop lane area. Two new dual drinking fountains with bottle filling station were installed and electricity was extended to most tables and seating groups.
Outside improvement include new plaza roof with decorative railing, recoating of mid, and high roofs, new stucco finish on the front 1st level, new storefront entrances on both levels and a new ADA compliant book drop. There were significant interior and exterior accessibility improvements for people with disabilities, including an accessible path of travel to Long Branch Library and to the Long Branch Community Recreation Center. Accessible entrances and exits were installed throughout the building. New concrete block retaining walls were installed with landscaping.
The approximate cost for the Long Branch project is $4 million. CDCI, Inc. served as the contractor for the project. Sheladia Associates was the architect.
The County Library Capital Grant Program, Maryland State Library, as authorized by the Maryland General Assembly and supported by the Montgomery County Delegation partially funded the project.
Media Contact: Judy Stiles 240-463-2442
Categories: Library