We are thrilled to share that plans for a new La Plata library location have been announced. The library is in the very early stages of planning, but we have put together some information below that can tell you more about this exciting project. As more information becomes available, we will share those updates with the community and on this page, so be sure to check back. To make sure you receive the latest updates, sign up for our e-newsletter here.
Plans for New Charles County Public Library in La Plata Announced – 2.16.2022 – Press Release
The County will build the library on land owned by the Town of La Plata at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Talbot Street. The current proposed positioning for the new library will allow access to the facility from both streets.
Parking requirements will meet applicable local ordinances. More information to come as the construction plans are finalized.
Pedestrian safety is a priority for this project, and will be addressed through compliance with applicable local ordinances.
Yes, the La Plata route currently operates in that immediate vicinity and can be adjusted as necessary to make stops as convenient as possible at the new library location.
Construction activities should have little to no impact on the farmer’s market.
The Town of La Plata will own the land, but the County will construct the improvements and subsequently own the improvements. The County has negotiated a 99 year ground lease on the property.
Design and construction phases of the project will be managed by Charles County Government.
The date of completion cannot be determined until construction has started. The design phase is still in process, and once it is completed the estimated start of construction will be determined. The project’s contract construction duration will be 14 months.
As with all construction projects of this nature, there will be impacts in terms of traffic and noise. Environmental concerns will be addressed through applicable permitting.
There will be temporary impacts to traffic during some of the sitework construction activities (sidewalks and entrance construction). This will require traffic control measures during this work. Periodic impacts to traffic are anticipated for material deliveries during the building construction phase.
The current approved Capital Improvement Program has estimated the project budget at $10,974,000. The County has a Debt Affordability Model that is used to determine the amount of bond funds to be used towards capital projects such as this. The new library is part of the approved plan and is not expected to impact our tax rate.
The old library remains the property of the County and it will be renovated and repurposed after the new library is open and in operation.
We are working closely with architects on the design plans to ensure we have cutting edge technology to serve our community. Final features will be dependent on the overall budget and design plans.
The current La Plata library is over 56 years old. With the growing population of the county, a new, larger facility is needed to better serve our patrons.
The current facility will remain open until move-in plans are finalized, at which time any short-term closures (if any) will be announced.
While the County will be funding this project, support from our community is always welcome and it will allow us to make the new library even better. The more funding that we are able to contribute to the project means more special features, more technology offerings, and more new resources that we will be able to provide our community. Your support can and will make a difference!
If you’d like to make a donation to the Charles County Public Library Capital Campaign fund with Chesapeake Charities to support the new La Plata library:
MAIL a check made out to ‘Chesapeake Charities’ to:
Charles County Public Library
Attn: Development Manager
2 Garrett Avenue
La Plata, MD 20646
Please reference ‘Capital Campaign’
In-Branch by visiting your local CCPL branch and asking a staff member for a donation form.