Park Heights, Baltimore, July 27, 2025
News Summary
The Enoch Pratt Free Library is set to build a new branch in Park Heights, the first in over 15 years. This facility aims to provide vital educational resources and technology access to residents of the historically underserved community. Scheduled for groundbreaking soon, the library will feature an 18,000 square-foot space with dedicated children’s areas, study spaces, and public access computers. This initiative is part of a larger revitalization effort in the area to enhance community resources and connectivity.
Park Heights, Baltimore: New Enoch Pratt Free Library Branch Breaks Ground
The Enoch Pratt Free Library has announced plans to begin construction on a new branch in Park Heights, marking the first library built within the Enoch Pratt Free Library system in over 15 years. The groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for August 27, 2023, and the new library aims to address a long-standing need for accessible educational resources in the Park Heights community.
Since the closure of the previous library branch in 1991, residents of Park Heights, a historically Black neighborhood in West Baltimore, have been without a dedicated library facility. This new branch will provide free access to technology, books, and educational support services. Chad Helton, the president and CEO of Enoch Pratt Free Library, emphasized that this venture represents an important step towards fostering both access and equity for the local community.
As part of Baltimore’s broader Park Heights Main Street District Initiative, led by Mayor Brandon M. Scott, the new library is designed to revitalize the area’s economy. The initiative includes additional projects, such as the development of a new park, a pavilion, and residential units, which will be supported by Baltimore City Recreation and Parks (BCRP).
The library will be located at the intersection of Park Heights and Woodland avenues, strategically situated near schools and the CC Jackson Recreation Center. It will feature an expansive 18,000 square-foot layout that includes a dedicated children’s reading room, multi-purpose assembly space, study areas, public access computers, Wi-Fi, and computer training facilities. This multifaceted approach aims to serve as a vital resource for the community, fulfilling educational and technological needs.
BCRP design planner Katherine Brower noted that the Park Heights area has been the focus of neighborhood expansion efforts for the last 15 years, making the new library part of a larger revitalization strategy. In addition, Helton underscored the library system’s commitment to community involvement in both the design and construction phases of the project.
Funding for the library construction has been secured through multiple channels, including contributions from the State of Maryland, the City of Baltimore, private donations, and the Baltimore City Board of Estimates, which has allocated approximately $18.6 million toward the project. Notably, the Enoch Pratt Free Library has successfully raised $6 million in private donations, including a significant gift from local philanthropists Rheda Becker and Bob Meyerhoff.
The establishment of this library holds historical significance as it replaces the old Pimlico branch, which closed its doors over 24 years ago. Mayor Scott reflected on the challenges faced by residents who previously had to walk two miles to access library services, signaling the importance of this new facility for community connectivity.
In conclusion, the new Enoch Pratt Free Library branch in Park Heights will stand as an essential community resource, addressing the longstanding need for accessible library services and contributing to the revitalization of the neighborhood.
FAQ Section
When will the new library branch open?
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new library is scheduled for August 27, 2023, but the exact opening date has not yet been announced.
What features will the new library include?
The new library will cover 18,000 square feet and will include a children’s reading room, multi-purpose assembly space, study areas, public access computers, Wi-Fi, and facilities for computer training.
How is the library being funded?
Funding for the library project has come from the State of Maryland, the City of Baltimore, private donations, and the Baltimore City Board of Estimates, which approved approximately $18.6 million for the construction.
Key Features of the New Library
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | 18,000 square feet |
| Children’s Reading Room | A dedicated space for children to read and learn |
| Multi-purpose Assembly Space | Venue for community events and activities |
| Study Areas | Quiet areas for individual or group study |
| Public Access Computers | Computers available for community use |
| Wi-Fi | Wireless internet available throughout the library |
| Computer Training | Programs to enhance digital literacy |
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