LIBRARY DESIGN & FEATURES:
The new Germantown Library is a two-level structure conforming to existing contours in the Town Center. The front blends with the urban setting and the rear portion faces parkland. The surrounding area is enhanced with trellises, ramps and walks. The main entry area has natural light from the windows in the rotunda. The main library areas have high, sloped ceilings done in warm wood planking.
- The library is on two floors – one opening to the plaza shared with the BlackRock Center for the Arts and the other opening to the parking lot.
- The children’s room, circulation functions and staff workroom are on the ground floor.
- A Children’s Quiet Study Room
- A Children’s Group Study Room
- A Discovery Center
- A Children’s Program Room
- Specialized furniture & fixtures for children
- The adult area is on the first floor.
- Two Quiet Study Rooms
- Two Group Study Rooms
- Two Tutor Rooms
- A Computer Lab
- The young adult area is on the mezzanine that overlooks the children's room.
- Specialized seating
- Specialized materials
- Specialized decor
SIZE: 44,193 gross square feet. The former Germantown Library, in the UpCounty Regional Services Center, was approximately 16,000 gross square feet.
PARKING: 160 parking spaces behind the building, plus 22 shared, on-street parking spaces.
SITE: 19840 Century Boulevard, next to the BlackRock Center for the Arts. The site includes space behind the library for a park that includes a natural wetland. The urban park is being developed by the Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission, Inc.
BOOKS & MATERIALS: In addition to the collection of approximately 120,000 volumes that moved from the former library, an additional 60,000 items were purchased for the new library.
TECHNOLOGY: 37 PCs are available for public use. Wireless Tech (Wi-Fi) is available to anyone who brings their own properly configured equipment. The building has energy efficient glass, heating, and cooling.
ARCHITECTS & INTERIOR DESIGN: Lukmire Partnership, Inc. (LPI) – Greg Lukmire, Bill Evans & Shaun Curran; The Studio of Sandra Ragan
ENGINEERS: CIVIL: A. Morton Thomas & Associates, Inc. STRUCTURAL: Adtek Engineers, Inc.; MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL: Mendoza, Ribas, Farinas & Associates
CURRENT CONTRACTOR: St. Paul Travelers Insurance Company/Whiting-Turner Construction Company
ORIGINAL CONTRACTOR: Pantech Construction Company, Inc. through 12/05
FUNDING: Approximately $19M, includes design, site work, construction, furniture & equipment, and funds to enhance and enlarge the collection.
LEADERSHIP:
Isiah Leggett, County Executive
Marilyn J. Praisner, President County Council
Mike Knapp, Vice President County Council
Parker Hamilton, Director, Public Libraries
Maria Pedak-Kari, Germantown Library Manager
GERMANTOWN LIBRARY ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Diane Cockrell, Chair
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY:
Stephanie Weishaar, President
