New Library Coming To Baltimore County, Architects Seek Ideas For Amenities

ESSEX, MD — Architects want ideas for the new library building that will be built in Essex. The facility will replace the current branch, built in 1969 in the Middlesex shopping center.

The upcoming facility is slated for construction on the nearby Old Eastern Avenue. The announcement did not mention an estimated opening date, only noting that construction is planned "in future years."

This is the latest improvement for the Baltimore County Public Library. The Catonsville branch finished a $7 million renovation in August 2024.

Proposals for the Essex branch include, but are not limited to:

• Children, tween and teen spaces
• Display/exhibition space
• Lounge seating
• Meeting rooms
• Outdoor areas for reading
• Quiet reading room

The architecture firm, Quinn Evans, is hosting community input meetings at the current Essex branch, located at 1110 Eastern Blvd. The meetings are scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 8 and Thursday, Jan. 9 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Residents can share their thoughts in this survey by Jan. 16. The questionnaire is also available in Spanish.

"Architects are looking to the community for contributions to the planning effort. We want to hear from community members on what’s important to you in order to complete a design study. The goal is to create a library that serves as a future center of learning and opportunity for all community members," BCPL said in a meeting announcement. "Come 'Be All In' with us as we design what the future of the Essex Branch could look like!"