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Bladensburg Branch


Feasibility Study Completed
Community Meetings Completed
Design Completed
Permitting Completed
Bid In Progress
Construction Completed

Alluding to the rich maritime heritage of the port town of Bladensburg, architectural references to the dynamic nature of water and its limitless potential are themes carried throughout the new two-story branch library. Two full-height glass curtain wall systems soar above the streetscape while a continuous masonry band grounds the structure, firmly anchoring it to the site. An abundance of glazing establishes a direct connection with the surrounding neighborhood, allowing pedestrians to glimpse the contemporary interiors of the library while at the same time directing views of the building occupants towards the exterior environment. The new branch library hopes to serve as a catalyst for the community, further advancing the comprehensive vision for redevelopment of the area.

The original branch was dedicated in October 21, 1978 in a 1920’s-era building that had formerly been the Bladensburg Elementary School and then the Board of Education Media Center.

Size: It will be a 22,834 square-foot building – almost three times the size of the original building

Accolades: This will be the first PGCMLS facility that has been certified LEED Silver.

Sustainable Features:

  • Solar panels on the roof
  • Permeable pavers
  • Electric car charging stations
  • Energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems

Meeting & Study Spaces:

  • Three study rooms
  • One quiet room
  • One meeting room

Technology:

  • 42 computers for the public
  • Makerspace/Computer Lab

Other Features:

  • Vending Café
  • Two-sided fireplace – inside and outside
  • Comfort room for nursing mothers
  • An interior Art in Public Spaces commission

The theme of the children’s room is Discovery Harbor, which was chosen to commemorate the town of Bladensburg’s rich maritime history. The prow of a sailing ship (the USS Prince George) guides children into the area with nautical arrangements abound. Children can then guide the ship with the authentic ship’s wheel, sit inside reading niches in the shape of dinghies, steer the USS Prince George, or lay on a wooden dock and count the colorful waves hanging from the ceiling.

Architect: Gant Brunnett Architects

Bladensburg Groundbreaking CeremonyProclamation for Bladensburg Branch Library

News Updates

Bowspirit Sculpture | RFQ

New Bladensburg Branch Library ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled November 1

The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new Bladensburg Branch Library building at 4820 Annapolis Road on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at 11 am. However, the branch will close to the public at 1:30 pm until further notice. Doors open at 10:30 am.

The ceremony will feature remarks from PGCMLS Interim CEO Richard AmRhein, County Executive Angela D. Alsobrooks, Prince George’s County Councilwoman Jolene Ivey (District 5), Bladensburg Mayor Takisha James, PGCMLS Board of Library Trustees President Angela D. Smith, and PGCMLS Chief Operating Officer for Support Services Michael Gannon, as well as an invocation by Elder Willie Duvall, senior pastor of Word of God Community Church in Bladensburg. 

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Bowspirit Sculpture | RFQ

Bowspirit Sculpture | RFQ

Prince George's Arts and Humanities Council in partnership with Prince George's County Memorial Library System is seeking to commission a local artist to create an original sculpture for the newly constructed Bladensburg Library. In reference to the port town’s rich maritime history, the prow of a ship, which indicates the entrance to the new children’s collection and will follow a nautical motif in reference to the ‘Discovery Harbor’ theme.

Construction Underway on New Bladensburg Public Library

Interior Wall Installation | RFQ

Prince George's Arts and Humanities Council in partnership with Prince George's County Memorial Library System is seeking to commission a local artist to create an original wall art installation for the newly constructed Bladensburg Branch Library. In reference to the port town’s rich maritime history, the wall installation will follow a nautical motif in reference to the ‘Discovery Harbor’ theme for the new children’s collection.

 Construction Update
April 19, 2022

Construction Update

Construction is underway at the new Bladensburg Branch Library. Concrete has been poured and the structural steel framework is in place.

Bladensburg Branch Library Groundbreaking Ceremony
October 20, 2021

Bladensburg Branch Library Groundbreaking Ceremony

The Groundbreaking was held on Wednesday, October 21, 2021. Local and state officials joined staff, the Board of Library Trustees, PGCMLS Foundation Board, and Friends of the Bladensburg Library to celebrate the occasion.
Construction Underway on New Bladensburg Public Library
October 5, 2021

Construction Underway on New Bladensburg Public Library

Construction is underway on a new public library in Bladensburg that will be three times the size of the old one. Located at 4820 Annapolis Rd., the 22,000-square-foot building will have meeting and study spaces, a computer lab.
Demolition of the old Bladensburg branch
September 8, 2021

Demolition Has Started!

The demolition of the old bladensburg branch has begun today.


Bladensburg Floor Plan

Videos and Media

Bladensburg Branch Construction

Bladensburg Renovation Photos

Coverage of the Bladensburg Branch Library Groundbreaking

Coverage from PGCTV News, October 20, 2021.

Bladensburg Branch Library Groundbreaking

Bladensburg Branch Library Design Animation

Hard Hat Librarian Bladensburg (Episode 16)