After six months of extensive renovation and technology updates, the Randallstown Branch reopened after an extensive renovation.
Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz and Public Library Director Paula Miller celebrated the opening with community leaders, residents and elected officials on June 29. The library closed on Jan. 29.
Amenities and features of the Randallstown branch include a large meeting room that can be reserved and has a capacity for 221 people, newly enclosed spaces for children and teens, and four study rooms. There also is free WiFi, 33 public desktop computers, a children’s computer, and a large collection of print and audio-visual library materials. New shelving, comfortable seating, signage and updated public restrooms complement the modernized space.
The branch also features a Center of Excellence, the COLAB, which is a technology/maker cooperative space that includes items such as 20- plus laptop computers, an HTC Vive virtual reality system, Microsoft HoloLens holographic computer, PlayStation 4 console with VR Bundle and games, Sphero SPRK and Ollie robots, and snap circuits. On the horizon for the branch are a Kano build-it-yourself computer with coding kit and a 3D printer.
Miller said, “In addition to books and electronic resources, this update allows us to provide transformative experiences and user-friendly spaces that make a positive difference in peoples’ lives.”
“This $1.1 million project has transformed the popular Randallstown Branch into a state-of-the-art community hub for people to access technology and benefit from a larger collection of library materials, great children and teen spaces, an attractive meeting room and so muchmore,” Kamenetz said.
The library began its weekday Lunch and Learn series on July 3, for children 18 and under to enjoy crafts or fun hands-on learning experiences along with free boxed lunches.
The Randallstown branch is one of 19 throughout the county. In addition to loaning books, library card holders may borrow DVDs, music, e-books and gain access to our research databases. Branches provide computer and Internet access, job search assistance and offer a multitude of daily learning programs for adults and children.
For more information about branches and services, visit bcpl.info or follow BCPL on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.