The new Enoch Pratt Free Library branch in Park Heights, set to be a vital community resource.
Construction for a new Enoch Pratt Free Library branch in Park Heights is set to begin this summer, marking the first library opening in over 15 years. This facility will provide crucial resources, including technology access, books, and educational support, to the historically Black community. Located at Park Heights and Woodland Avenues, the 18,000 square foot library will offer various features aimed at enhancing community engagement. This project is part of a broader initiative to revitalize the Park Heights area and address long-standing demands for library services.
Baltimore – Construction for a new branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library is set to commence this summer in the Park Heights community, marking the first new library in the Enoch Pratt Free Library system in over 15 years. The new facility is particularly significant for the Park Heights neighborhood, which has been without a dedicated library since 1991.
The upcoming library will serve as a vital resource for Park Heights residents, a historically Black neighborhood in West Baltimore, by providing free access to technology, books, and educational support. Chad Helton, the president and CEO of the Enoch Pratt Free Library, has highlighted the initiative as a demonstration of access and equity for the local community.
Slated to be located at the intersection of Park Heights and Woodland Avenues, the library will occupy an 18,000 square foot facility designed to cater to community needs. Planned features include a children’s reading room, multi-purpose assembly space, study areas, public access computers, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The library will also offer computer training sessions to empower residents with essential digital skills.
The development of the new library is part of Baltimore’s broader Park Heights Main Street District Initiative, led by Mayor Brandon M. Scott. This initiative aims to reinvigorate local economies while enhancing community infrastructure. In addition to the library, plans for the district include a new park, pavilion, and residential units, with support from Baltimore City Recreation and Parks (BCRP).
This new library will replace the former Pimlico branch, which closed over 24 years ago, fulfilling a long-standing demand for library services in the area. It will be strategically located near schools and the CC Jackson Recreation Center, positioning it as a central hub for educational resources and community engagement.
Funding for the project has been supported through various channels, including contributions from the State of Maryland, City of Baltimore, private donations, and an affirmative decision from the Baltimore City Board of Estimates, which has approved approximately $18.6 million for the library’s construction. Among the private sector contributions, the Pratt Library has successfully raised $6 million, notably receiving a record donation from Rheda Becker and Bob Meyerhoff.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the Enoch Pratt Free Library’s Park Heights branch is scheduled for August 27. The project has historical significance as it addresses a critical gap in library access within the community, where residents previously faced long distances to find library facilities. Mayor Scott has acknowledged the personal connection he has with the Park Heights area, recalling past experiences of residents who needed to walk two miles to reach a library.
Throughout the planning and construction phases, the library system has reiterated its commitment to community involvement, ensuring local perspectives and needs are addressed. Katherine Brower, a design planner with BCRP, noted that plans for neighborhood expansion have been in place for the past 15 years, underscoring the importance of continued development in Park Heights.
In conclusion, the new Enoch Pratt Free Library branch in Park Heights represents a revitalization effort for the community, offering essential services that have been unavailable for decades. With a focus on technology access and educational support, this facility is poised to become an invaluable asset to residents.
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