Germantown Library Reopens with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Celebration

For Immediate Release: Saturday, October 16, 2021

The Montgomery County Public Libraries’ Germantown Branch located at 19840 Century Boulevard in Germantown reopened Saturday with a ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration. 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 Improvements Program. 

County Executive Marc Elrich was joined by Delegates Lily Qi and David Fraser-Hidalgo; County Councilmember Will Jawando; UpCounty Regional Services Center Director Greg Wims; Department of General Services Director David Dise; Director of Public Libraries Anita Vassallo; Friends of the Library-Germantown chapter President Robert Fuss, and members of the community. 

“I am pleased the Germantown Library has now reopened its doors to the community,” said County Executive Elrich. “The entire facility has a more spacious, modern look, while maintaining the warm, welcoming feel of a community library. The MCPL Refresh Program allows the branches to be refurbished and be updated at less cost and downtime than building new libraries. Come stop by and see the new look!”

The refresh for the library includes new ergonomic sit-stand circulation and information desks; renovation of the public restrooms; new paint, carpet and other floor finishes; new furniture throughout most of the library; upgraded lighting with improved energy efficient and brighter LED lamps; drinking fountain with bottle filling station; new shelving in teen area; new interior signage and exterior building name sign; sound attenuation acoustic panels in the rotunda; new VOIP phone system; and ADA accessibility upgrades throughout.

“It is a pleasure to cut the ribbon for this newly refreshed Germantown Branch,” said Vassallo. “Our library staff has worked hard to get the library ready, and the Department of General Services staff have done an outstanding job on the capital project improvements. The library looks great, and I know the Germantown area residents are going to enjoy the enhanced features.” 

The Germantown refurbishment cost $1.1 million. CDCI, Inc. served as the contractor for the project. DCMM Architects provided architectural services. 

“The Department of General Services is pleased to return this refreshed library to its dedicated patrons who will enjoy this improved, updated building,” said Dise. “The ‘Library Refresh’ program keeps our branches modernized and in good repair while saving our residents tens of thousands of dollars.” 

The library reopened to the public immediately following the ceremony. For more information about the refresh, go to Germantown Library Refurbishment (montgomerycountymd.gov). For more information about the library, including hours of operation and upcoming events, visit the Germantown Library branch website. 

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Release ID: 21-837
Media Contact: Monika Hammer 240-463-2442
Categories: Library