News Summary
The Enoch Pratt Free Library is set to begin construction on a new branch in Park Heights, providing essential resources to a historically Black community lacking a local library since 1991. The facility will span 18,000 square feet, offering technology access, educational support, and community spaces. Funded by a mix of state, city, and private donations, this project is part of a broader revitalization effort in the area aimed at improving access and equity. A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for August 27.
Baltimore – The Enoch Pratt Free Library will begin construction on a new branch in Park Heights this summer, marking the first new library built within its system in over 15 years. The new facility will cater to a historically Black neighborhood that has not had a dedicated library since 1991, providing residents with essential resources such as free access to technology, books, and educational support.
Chad Helton, the president and CEO of the Enoch Pratt Free Library, emphasized the significance of this project as a step towards enhancing access and equity for the community. The new library is part of a broader initiative led by Mayor Brandon M. Scott, which aims to revitalize the Park Heights Main Street District and improve neighborhood economies through various projects, including additional green spaces and residential units.
The planned library will span 18,000 square feet and will feature a children’s reading room, multi-purpose assembly space, study areas, public access computers, and Wi-Fi. Moreover, it will provide computer training to help residents enhance their digital literacy skills. The library will be strategically located at the intersection of Park Heights and Woodland avenues, in close proximity to local schools and the CC Jackson Recreation Center.
Funding and Support
The construction of the library will largely be funded through a combination of contributions from the State of Maryland, the City of Baltimore, and private donations. The Baltimore City Board of Estimates has allocated approximately $18.6 million for the project. Notably, the Pratt Library has successfully raised $6 million in private donations, which includes a significant gift from well-known philanthropists.
Background and Community Impact
This new branch holds historical significance as it replaces the former Pimlico branch, which closed over 24 years ago. The previous lack of a local library has meant that many residents had to travel up to two miles to reach the nearest library facilities. Mayor Scott has expressed a deep personal connection to the area and the needs of its residents.
In addition to the library, the Park Heights Main Street District Initiative will also feature a new park and pavilion, which will encourage community gatherings and usage of outdoor spaces. Katherine Brower, a design planner with Baltimore City Recreation and Parks, noted that plans for neighborhood improvements have been in development for the past 15 years, underscoring a long-standing commitment to enhancing the local community.
Throughout the design and construction phases, the library system has emphasized the importance of community involvement, ensuring the new facility meets the specific needs of local residents. With construction set to commence in the coming months, and a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for August 27, community leaders are optimistic that the new library will serve as an important resource, fulfilling a critical demand for library services in the Park Heights area.
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