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 at the library, 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 Long Branch facility houses approximately 58,000 print volumes and media items. The new ergonomic sit-and-stand circulation and self-checkout desks present a warm and welcoming front area.
The Long Branch library refurbishment 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 were installed along with all new furniture and some new shelving. New LED light fixtures were installed, and ceiling tiles replaced.
The 2nd floor lobby now contains a seating group and laptop lane area. Two new dual drinking fountains with bottle filling station were installed and electricity extended to most tables and seating groups.
Accessibility Improvements at Long Branch
Outside features 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, and 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.