A “refresh” project is a new Capital Improvement Program process approved by County Council and the County Executive to allow library buildings to get significant and timely updates without having to close for the lengthy time it takes for a full renovation.
Learn more about library refresh project.
A “refresh” project is a new Capital Improvement Program process approved by County Council and the County Executive to allow library buildings to get significant and timely updates without having to close for the lengthy time it takes for a full renovation. The Library Refurbishment CIP funds programmatic, cosmetic, and service impact updates to two to three libraries every year.
Previously, library buildings were only renovated (on average) once every 25+ years. The projects to refresh each of the buildings are focused and result in a 6-8 month closure whereas full renovations resulted in libraries often being closed for more than a year. Given the fast pace of changes we face in the provision of library services and technology developments, renovations on a 25 year cycle no longer work to keep our buildings state of the art and updated.
FY23
Closure dates are dependent on completion of design plans, bidding the construction contract, and obtaining the necessary construction permits.
The building needs to close because it will be a construction site. Among other things, bathrooms will be refurbished (and therefore not available for use), walls will be painted and new carpeting will be laid. In some cases there will be interior walls removed. It will simply not be a safe environment for the public.
The specific work for each project will vary depending on the needs the Library Department has identified. However, the work that will be similar in each of the libraries includes:
Funds for the refresh projects are coming from two Level of Effort project funds in the Library Department’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Those funds are Library Refurbishments and 21 st Century Library Enhancements. The Division of Facilities Management and ADA Compliance have funding for specific projects they will undertake, and the buildings will be surveyed to identify potential Energy Conservation Measures (ECM) and determine what improvements could be implemented to reduce energy usage. MCPL has also made a good faith effort to re-purpose useful furniture & shelving.
There are 21 wonderful branches in MCPL. In many areas of the County, another library is just 2.5-5 miles away or a 10-15 minute trip by car. Each of our library branches has amazing and talented staff to assist you in all the ways you have come to expect. You may even decide to call one of these branches your “Second Home.”
In addition, MCPL has a host of online services, including downloadable e-books, magazines, and music, as well as informational databases, reference works, and language learning tools, that can be accessed 24/7 for anyone with a MCPL library card and Internet connection.
For assistance in managing accounts during the closed period, customers can call any of Montgomery County Public Libraries’ (MCPL) other branches or submit a Comment and Suggestion form.
