News Summary
The Enoch Pratt Free Library is beginning construction on a new branch in Park Heights, Baltimore, marking the first new library in over 15 years. This essential resource will provide the historically Black neighborhood with access to technology, books, and educational support, fulfilling a long-standing need since the closure of the former library 24 years ago. The project is part of a broader initiative aimed at revitalizing the local community and enhancing infrastructure.
New Enoch Pratt Free Library Branch Breaks Ground in Park Heights, Baltimore
BALTIMORE – The Enoch Pratt Free Library is set to commence construction on a new branch in Park Heights this summer, marking the first new library built in the system in over 15 years. This long-awaited project will provide the historically Black neighborhood, which has lacked a dedicated library since 1991, with essential resources and support for its residents.
The new library will cover an area of 18,000 square feet and will include a children’s reading room, multi-purpose assembly space, study areas, public access computers, and Wi-Fi. The facility aims to provide free access to technology, books, and educational support, addressing a significant need for library services in the community.
The project is part of the Park Heights Main Street District Initiative led by the Mayor of Baltimore, which is focused on revitalizing local economies and enhancing community infrastructure. In addition to the library, the initiative includes plans for a new park, a pavilion, and residential units, all supported by Baltimore City Recreation and Parks.
The library will be strategically located at the corner of Park Heights and Woodland avenues, in proximity to schools and the CC Jackson Recreation Center, ensuring accessibility for families and local residents. The design and construction phases of the project will prioritize community involvement, reflecting the library system’s commitment to engaging local stakeholders throughout the development process.
Funding for the library has come from a variety of sources, including contributions from the State of Maryland and the City of Baltimore. The Baltimore City Board of Estimates has approved approximately $18.6 million for the construction, while the Pratt Library has successfully raised $6 million in private donations, including a notable contribution from local philanthropists.
The groundbreaking ceremony for this new facility is scheduled for August 27, and its historical significance is noteworthy as it replaces the former Pimlico branch, which closed over 24 years ago. This new library is not just a building; it represents a critical step towards enhancing access to educational resources for a community that has been underserved for decades.
Mayor Brandon M. Scott has highlighted his personal connection to the Park Heights area, recounting how residents previously had to walk two miles to reach the nearest library. The establishment of this new library is poised to fill that gap, affirming the city’s commitment to improving community resources.
The Park Heights area was designated as the City’s ninth Baltimore Main Street district just last May, emphasizing the city’s ongoing efforts to boost local development and improve quality of life for its residents. The comprehensive plan aims not only to foster economic growth but also to provide essential services that are critical to community well-being.
The new Park Heights branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library represents a significant investment in the future of the community, setting the stage for enhanced access to knowledge, technology, and educational support. As Baltimore moves forward with development initiatives, the new library aims to serve as a vital resource that fulfills a long-standing need for library services in the area.
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