News Summary
Baltimore is set to construct a new Enoch Pratt Free Library branch in Park Heights, the first in over 15 years. This library will provide much-needed access to educational resources for the community, which has been without a dedicated library since the Pimlico branch closed over 24 years ago. The 18,000-square-foot facility will include a reading room for children, public access computers, and various community engagement spaces. The initiative is part of a broader effort to revitalize the neighborhood and improve public amenities.
Baltimore Gets New Enoch Pratt Free Library Branch in Park Heights
The city of Baltimore is set to begin construction on a new library in the Park Heights neighborhood this summer, marking the first new regional branch in the Enoch Pratt Free Library system in over 15 years. This development addresses a longstanding gap in library access for residents of this historically Black community, which has not had a dedicated library since the closure of the old Pimlico branch more than 24 years ago.
Key Details of the New Library Project
The 18,000-square-foot facility will feature a variety of amenities designed to serve community needs, including a children’s reading room, a multi-purpose assembly space, study areas, public access computers, free Wi-Fi, and computer training programs. Located at the corner of Park Heights and Woodland avenues, the new library will be positioned close to local schools and the CC Jackson Recreation Center, making it a convenient resource hub for residents.
Community Revitalization and Broader Initiatives
The library project is part of the Park Heights Main Street District Initiative, led by Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott. This revitalization effort aims to stimulate neighborhood economies through various projects, including the development of a new park, pavilion, and residential units in the area. The initiative is supported by Baltimore City Recreation and Parks and aligns with the city’s broader strategy to improve community infrastructure and public amenities in Park Heights.
The development of the library responds to decades of unmet needs, as community leaders and residents have long called for a dedicated resource to improve education, technology access, and community engagement in the neighborhood. The area’s designation as Baltimore’s ninth Main Street district in May underscores the city’s commitment to neighborhood development and economic growth.
Funding and Construction Timeline
The project’s funding package includes contributions from the State of Maryland, the City of Baltimore, private donations, and allocations approved by the Baltimore City Board of Estimates, totaling approximately $18.6 million. The Pratt Library system has also raised around $6 million in private donations, including a record gift from philanthropists Rheda Becker and Bob Meyerhoff, to support the new branch.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new library is scheduled for August 27. The project represents not only a significant construction milestone but also a long-awaited upgrade to community infrastructure, promising to serve as an important resource for residents.
Historical and Community Significance
The new library replaces the former Pimlico branch, which closed over 24 years ago, leaving a void in access to information and educational resources. With its opening, the library aims to bridge this gap, offering free access to technology and learning resources to promote educational attainment and digital literacy in the community.
Mayor Scott, whose personal history includes a deep connection to the area, highlighted how residents previously had to travel about two miles to access library services, emphasizing the importance of the new facility for local residents. The project underscores a broader effort to enhance neighborhood well-being through improved public amenities and community-centered development.
As part of its community involvement commitment, the Pratt Library system will actively engage residents during the design and construction phases to ensure the new library meets local needs and expectations. The completed facility is expected to become a vital and accessible community hub, fostering education, civic engagement, and economic growth in Park Heights for years to come.
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Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
