Silver Spring Library Closing Book on Colesville Location
The Silver Spring Library will be celebrating the close of one chapter and opening of a new one when the current location shuts its doors on March 15.
After 58 years of service, Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) officials have announced that the Silver Spring Library branch will close to the public at 5 p.m. on March 15 as preparations begin to open the library’s new branch at Wayne Avenue and Fenton Street.
A special closing event is scheduled for the community from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the 8901 Colesville Road branch on March 15. For that event, library officials are hoping to find patrons who have used the facility from as far back as 1957. The longest-using library patron will have the honor of locking the door to the facility for the last time, according to Carol Legarreta, public services administrator for human resources and community engagement for MCPL.
At the closing event local historian Robert Oshel will talk about the history of the building and the Silver Spring Friends of the Library will be honored. The library’s longest serving staff member will also be acknowledged and library patrons will get a chance to reminisce, Legarreta said.
The Silver Spring Library began its service in 1931 in the East Silver Spring Elementary School and was also one of the first of seven independent libraries to form Montgomery County Public Libraries on July 1, 1951. The newest site will be the third home for the library.
“There is much hard work to do in the coming weeks,” said Parker Hamilton, MCPL director, “but this will give us the time we need to close the building down. Once we occupy the new building and assess the work that remains, we will be ready to announce an opening date.”
Library customers are reminded that once the current Silver Spring Library closes they may use other nearby branches, such as Long Branch, White Oak, Wheaton or any branch that may be convenient. Branch hours and locations can be found at: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library.
The new library will be approximately 63,000 square feet e and is intended to meet the unique requirements of an increasingly urban, ethnically and culturally diverse residential and business community, according to the county’s project description. The project will also include an art studio and gallery on the lower floors. The project will be a LEED Silver building. Montgomery County prepared an RFP to solicit interest from developers interested in constructing a residential project adjacent to the future library. Donohoe and MH Partners were selected and will be working with the county to develop and construct this residential project, due to break ground soon. The State has also expressed an interest in incorporating a Purple Line station into this project and the County is actively coordinating with the MTA and Purple Line team, according to the county’s project website.
Susanne Churchill, who is leading the Silver Spring Library $69 million project for the county, said the new facility might be substantially completed by early April which means interior work can begin.
“There is still a lot that has to be done. Then we can develop a timeline for opening. Late spring is the goal,” Churchill said.
When will the statue “Lion and the Mouse” be moved to the new library site?