IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT: Ellen Kobler
410-887-3835 (o), 410-365-2834 (c)
County Announces a Complete Makeover of the Hereford Branch of BCPL
Towson, MD – Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz and Baltimore County Public Library Director Paula Miller announced today that the County will invest $3 million to renovate and expand the Hereford Branch of the Baltimore County Public Library. This project will increase the collection size, provide additional library amenities for children and adults, and double the amount of space devoted to library services for residents in the Hereford area and northern Baltimore County. A renovation of the property was originally scheduled for 2017, but the County accelerated this timeframe in the wake of a burst pipe that caused extensive flooding damage in late July.
“It is more fiscally responsible to proceed with the planned renovation as soon as possible, rather than investing in costly temporary repairs now and a full renovation later,” said Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz. “This library is a very important resource for our County residents up north and this new and improved library will offer expanded service for everyone in the community sooner than anticipated.”
“We are fortunate that Baltimore County is proceeding with the repair and renovation of the property at this critical time, and we are so excited to bring 21st century services and much-needed expanded library space to Hereford and northern Baltimore County,” Miller said.
Construction to Begin in Two Weeks
Construction is slated to begin the first week of October and be completed in the late spring of 2016. The remodeled library will encompass the entire building where the library is currently located, and will feature a complete interior demolition of both floors, a new roof, structural exterior stairwell and walkway repairs, plumbing and electrical system overhauls, a new elevator and stairwell between the floors, and new walls and ceilings. Patrons will enjoy an upgraded library experience with new shelving, flooring, furniture and a custom-designed floor plan to maximize access to library materials.
“This is great news for the citizens of Hereford and Northern Baltimore County. I want to thank County Executive Kamenetz for his continued commitment to the people of the Third District,” said 3rd District Councilman Wade Kach.
Maintaining Library Services
After the flooding damage occurred on July 26, the County provided limited library service by adding a bookmobile visit a few days a week. The library system is dedicated to having a continued presence in the community while construction is in progress. Beginning September 28, the bookmobile’s hours are as follows: Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from Noon to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Staff and administration of the library wish to thank the residents of Hereford and surrounding communities for their patience and support, in the aftermath of the damage and closure. “We received some wonderful comments about how much residents value BCPL and the services provided,” said Miller.
Progress of the construction, updated details and information about the grand reopening as it becomes available can be found on Hereford Branch page of the BCPL website, http://www.bcpl.info/hours-locations/hereford.
Library officials are planning to attend the Hereford Fall Festival on October 17 and 18 to unveil more details about the renovation.
# # #
How can it cost this much? Insurance should have refurbished our library. Who could charge this much to improve it? Do we have specifics, as to what is being done to justify this amount of funds?
The library was pretty fabulous just the way it was! The people running it, day to day, were above and beyond any local library’s personnel.
Plus, when we went there we felt safe and welcomed. I would never go back to Cockeysville library where I felt threatened by teenage bullies.