Reisterstown Library Boasts Redesigned Floor Plan, New Amenities

REISTERSTOWN, MD — The Reisterstown branch of the Baltimore County Public Library has officially reopened after a 14-month renovation, and the public can expect a completely remodeled interior on both floors, new and revamped rooms, and more.

While the exterior of the building now has repaired and restored bricks, mortar and original windows from its 1820 section, most of the changes are indoors: Both of the library's floors were "gutted and remodeled," and it now boasts new meeting rooms and restrooms and more seating and workspaces.

"We are excited to share this transformed space, which has long been a community anchor and popular afterschool destination, with our customers," library director Sonia Alcántara-Antoine said. "This renovation allows us to provide much-needed space, energy efficiency and modern features while respecting the historical integrity of the building."

Though the library has existed since 1961, its two-story core structure was built in 1820 to house the former Franklin Academy.

Renovations to the centuries-old building cost $3.8 million, made up of a library capital grant from the Maryland State Library, the County capital budget and the library's budget, a news release from the Baltimore County Public Library said.

Read more: Reisterstown Library To Reopen After Renovations, COVID Closure

The project was a "collaborative effort" from Baltimore County Government, Baltimore County Division of Property Management, Baltimore County Office of Information Technology and the Baltimore County Public Library, the news release said.

JMT Architecture of Hunt Valley designed the space and North Point Builders carried out the construction, according to the news release.

"Our public libraries are critical anchors for our children and families throughout Baltimore County and I am thrilled to celebrate this long-awaited reopening of this beloved branch," Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski said. "This is an amazing day for the entire Reisterstown community, and we are excited to provide this state-of-the-art renovation which will serve our residents for years to come."

Interior renovated amenities and features include:

• Gutted and remodeled interior on both floors
• Enclosure of central courtyard with skylighted roof to create a year-round indoor space
• Combined workroom for all staff on the main floor
• New, larger teen area
• More seating and workspaces for customers on the main floor
• New meeting room upstairs
• New restrooms on both floors
• New single-service desk
• New history room upstairs
• New open stairway leading from main floor lobby to upper level
• Revamped children’s room
• New quiet study room on the main floor
• Updated shelving and furnishings throughout
• State-of-the-art, energy efficient, HVAC and lighting
• Preservation Station: a system-first DIY digitization lab for preserving photos, films and family memories

Exterior renovated amenities and features include:

• Repaired and restored bricks and mortar (from the 1820 section of the building)
• Restored original windows (from the 1820 section of the building)
• New sidewalks
• Resurfaced and restriped parking lot and driveway