Month: February 2018

Sneak Peek at Central Teen Wing

Posted on by Meghan McCorkell

With Central Library closed to the public for renovations this week, we’re giving you a sneak peek inside the renovation.

Take a look inside what will be the Teen Learning and Leadership Center on the 2nd floor.  The ceiling has been painstakingly restored to its former glory.  The Teen Learning and Leadership Center will be an innovative, flexible, creative space that reflects the 21st century needs of those in 6th to 12th grade. 

The Teen Wing will have restrooms and vending machines just for teens.  It will also contain state-of-the-art technology including a recording studio and a makerspace.

When the Central Library reopens on February 20, the Children’s Department will temporarily be housed in this space.  The Teen Wing will open in 2019.

Central Library Closed this Week

Posted on by Meghan McCorkell

Central Library Closed Feb 11 – 19 for renovations

You may have noticed the Central Library has looked a lot different the past year with a $115 million renovation project underway.  The project will preserve the the past as we continue to provide service to Marylanders in the future.

This week, services on the lower level and main floor will be moved up to the 2nd and 3rd floors.  Construction crews will then begin work on the Children’s Department and main floor.

Several departments will move to temporary space as these renovations are complete. Here’s a map of what to expect when you walk inside on February 20.

This week on #PrattChat, get an inside look at some of the completed parts of the renovation.

Baltimore History: The Great Fire of 1904

Posted on by Meghan McCorkell

View the historical collection at Digital Maryland

Devastation with City Hall Dome in Background Courtesy: Digital Maryland

114 years ago, an incident happened that changed Baltimore City.  The Great Baltimore Fire of 1904 destroyed much of the central part of the city. 1500 buildings were burned and it took more than 1200 firefighters to control the flames.  Some came from as far away as Philadelphia.  It’s reported the fire first started at John Hurst and Company, which is close to where Royal Farms Arena now sits. It burnt for 30 hours destroying 80 city blocks.

Courtesy: Digital Maryland

 

It took years to rebuild Baltimore City and all of that is documented in a collection on Digital Maryland.  It tells the story of how the city survived the devastation and rebuilt. The collection includes more than 250 images and 13 publications, including the act establishing the “Burnt District Commission.” It also has an interactive map showing how quickly the fire spread over two days. 

You can view the collection online here. 

Collection overview prepared by Bill Cady, Digitization Assistant, Enoch Pratt Free Library / State Library Resource Center.