Library and Community Center Renovation
Vision for a 21st Century Library
“At the dawn of the 21st century, where knowledge is literally power, where it unlocks the gates of opportunity and success, we all have responsibilities…to instill in our children a love of reading so that we can give them a chance to fulfill their dreams.” – Barack Obama
A New Chapter Begins…
The new Takoma Park Maryland Library, new Computer Center, and improved Community Center facilities are happening at last. After years of conversations and planning, we have dates on the calendar that will impact Library, Computer Center, Senior Room, Multi-Media Lab, Community Center, and our patrons.
Parking at the Takoma Park Community Center
During the redevelopment of the City’s library at 101 Philadelphia Ave, the Community Center will remain open, and most of the existing City services will continue. However, parking at the Community Center will be severely limited for both staff and patrons. The City has prioritized parking at the Community Center for patrons. Below is a map identifying patron parking at the Community Center during construction. Parking restrictions are expected to take effect beginning in mid-January 2023.
There will also be several changes along Maple Ave to accommodate parking during construction. Immediately in front of the Community Center, adjacent to the bridge and Maple Ave Community Center entrance, parking will be restricted to 15 minutes from 7:00 am – 9:15 am and 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm, Monday through Friday. On the adjacent southbound portion of Maple Ave, approximately three parking spaces will be reserved for City-owned administrative vehicles for the duration of construction. Parking restrictions are expected to begin in mid-January 2023.
Subscribe to the City’s Insider e-newsletter for the most current information.
Ask Questions or Express Concerns:
A new email address has been created for the community to ask questions or express concerns. This will be monitored by Library staff.
Email: New library | newlibrary@takomaparkmd.gov
Important Information and Dates
Exciting news…
The temporary library space at 7505 New Hampshire Ave is NOW OPEN to the Public.
Library and Computer Center
Hours
- Monday – Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Friday – Sunday, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- The phone number will remain the same, 301-891-7259
The temporary location is on or near several bus routes:
Ride-On buses 15, 16, 17, 18, and 25 go to the Takoma Langley Crossroads Transit Center, as do Metro Buses K6, K9, J4, F8, C2, and C4.
RideOn 16 northbound stops on New Hampshire Avenue at Kingwood Drive, close to our new location, as does MetroBus K6. The closest southbound stop is New Hampshire and Merwood.
The WMATA trip planner is useful for finding the best way from your location to us.
Parking and Resumed Library Services:
- There is ample parking available, including reserved spaces for mobility-challenged patrons.
- Check our website for programs – many have continued, and we will have some new programs.
- Books-to-Go (curbside) and Books-to-You (delivery for Takoma Park residents only) have resumed. Email librarytakomapark@gmail.com to request books for curbside or delivery service.
- You can always reach the library by email, and if you have questions about the move or the new building, email us at newlibrary@takomaparkmd.gov.
Book Return Bin
The book return bin is now at 7505 New Hampshire Ave.
Library Programs
- Canta Juego continues online with Señora Geiza Thursdays at 10:30 am on Zoom.
- Farmers Market! In this program, you can play Lotería, earn prizes, and listen to a story in Spanish! It will be great for Spanish-speaking families and those who are learning the language.
- Neighborhood Circle Time is now on Tuesdays! In-person at 10:30 am OUTDOORS in the field by Sligo Creek Parkway and Maple Avenue, next to Essex Apartments.
Visit our Library Programs page for the most up-to-date information on programs and events.
Informational Community Meeting Notes
Monday, August 22, 2022
Recorded Session (video)
Slide Presentation (pdf)
A Preview of the New Library Design
The City is securing an interim location to provide continuity of the Library and Computer Center’s essential services.
Highlights:
- ADA accessible facilities
- New updated reservable Multi purpose room
- 9,000+ square feet added to the Library
Temporary Library Location
7505 New Hampshire Avenue
Units 201-208
Takoma Park, MD 20912
OPENING:
The temporary library space at 7505 New Hampshire Ave is NOW OPEN to the Public.
Library and Computer Center
Hours
- Monday – Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Friday – Sunday, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- The phone number will remain the same, 301-891-7259
Anticipated Work Schedule*
| Date(s) | Activity |
|---|---|
| August 24, 2022 | At the end of regular hours (8pm), the Library and Computer Center will close temporarily to pack and move to the interim location |
| September 7, 2022 | Movers will arrive to transport Library and Computer Center materials to the temporary location |
| August 22 through September 12, 2022 | Removal of Solar Panels from the roof of the Library (Only two (2) parking spaces) |
| October 19, 2022 | Expected date that the Library and Computer Center will reopen in the temporary location |
| Late-October 2022 | Work begins to prepare the site of the new building October |
| October 2022 | Removal and storage of the Library mosaic so that it can be re-installed later |
| TBA | Tree removal and repurposing |
| Once Permit is received - December 2022 | Utilities and parking lot closures |
| Fall 2023 | Recreation Offices and Staff will move to join the Library and Computer Center Staff at the Interim Library location Renovation of the Recreation spaces at 7500 Maple Avenue begins |
| November 2022 through January 2023 | Library building will be taken down and the site prepared for new construction |
| Spring 2024 Construction | Construction is completed and the new facilities open! |
*These dates may change; please subscribe to our newsletters and follow us online to be notified of any important updates</small font>
Frequently Asked Questions – updated March 2023
Visit this page to get answers on everything you need about the project.
Q. Why was the bus top not relocated instead of closed?
The construction site footprint will take up the entire open space in front of the current library, including at least one major closure of the sidewalk, so moving the shelter down toward Maple Avenue wasn’t an option.
The lack of additional right of way means that we wouldn’t be able to provide any sort of seating or shelter at the current location. Also, the frequent comings and goings of heavy construction machinery and periodic sidewalk closures create safety hazards and inconsistent schedules for riders.
These things combined, in conversation with representatives from MetroBus and RideOn, made the closure the best option.
The nearest alternative stops are:
- a 1-minute walk (F4) and,
- a 2-minute walk (17) (which I recognize is less convenient if the goal is to take whichever shows up first.
- The mobile phone app Transit is a great way to track bus arrivals in real time.
Q. Why is this happening now, before construction starts?
The bus stop removal was supposed to align with the start of construction, but an unexpected delay in the permitting process has delayed the start date.
Q. Why does it have to be moved?
Can’t a safe path be provided in the location (is the construction fencing going to close the sidewalk? See the answer above.
Q. What will happen to the mural?
- The mural is an iconic symbol of the library, and it will be carefully dismantled and preserved, then incorporated into the new building.
Q. Can I still use Hoopla or Freading while the library is closed?
- Of course! All of our online resources will be available during the closure.
Ask Questions or Express Concerns:
A new email address has been created for the community to ask questions or express concerns. This will be monitored by Library staff.
Email: New library | newlibrary@takomaparkmd.gov
Please use this QR Code to see news and updates.
