Prince Frederick, MD – With the proven success of its flagship facility in Prince Frederick comes with it the clamor from other patrons in other parts of Calvert County wanting upgrades to their libraries. That, in a nutshell, is what a consultant told the Calvert County Commissioners Sept. 19 during a presentation of Calvert Library’s 20-year master plan.

In a memo to the commissioners, Calvert Library Director Carrie Plymire explained that last year the library contracted with Providence Associates LLC, a consulting firm. The firm’s study, which had the assistance of architects, was funded by the state and county. The state’s portion came from a grant from the Maryland State Library Agency. “Providence Associates analyzed current library usage by library location and gathered direct input from the community concerning satisfaction with library services along with suggestions for improvements,” Plymire stated.

The good news for the commissioners is that Toni Garvey, the consultant presenting the plan, reported that due to the county’s slow growth there is no need for the county to construct several new libraries. However, expansion, renovation and even replacement for some of Calvert’s libraries are warranted.

In her overview, Garvey stated that most Calvert residents surveyed value the library and its staff. There is also consensus that the inventory—the collection of books, periodicals and other materials—is sufficient to meet the demand. However, library customers want additional meeting, study and program space; the library servicing Chesapeake Beach and North Beach needs to be replaced, and plans need to go into the pipeline to fulfill the promise of a permanent branch in the southern end of the county.

“Basically, they [citizens surveyed] told us they want Prince Frederick [Library] everywhere,” said Garvey. “It’s an excellent example of a 21st century library.” The consultant did note that the flagship facility, which is located within a shopping center that includes several restaurants, has some parking issues.

Currently, the Southern Library branch is located in a Solomons strip mall. While Garvey stated the facility as it is now was very good, she added “it’s a little small for its community.” She added later that the target date for replacing the interim Southern Library is 2024.

Garvey stated replacement of the Twin Beach branch is “the top priority.” The current facility in Chesapeake Beach has numerous Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) issues, including aisle space for bedrooms, handicapped accessibility in restrooms and location topography. Noting that two sites have been proposed for the replacement library, Garvey said the new facility should be at least 14,000 to 16,000 square feet.

As for the Fairview branch on Route 4 in the Owings area, Garvey stated “it might be economical to demolish it and build a new one.” The Fairview facility is a retrofitted school. Additionally, like the Twin Beach branch, Fairview has ADA issues and, like Prince Frederick, has inadequate parking. The target date for replacing the Fairview branch is 2022.

Additionally, the consultant recommended the county revise the practice of utilizing a “mobile branch,” something Calvert’s library system had for several years. “This would be a wonderful addition,” said Garvey.

The combined estimated cost for library replacements and renovations is $5 million. Deputy County Administrator Wilson Parran, who served on the library’s master plan advisory committee, reported that now that a master plan had been finalized, Calvert is now eligible to acquire state grants for the library projects.

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com