Author: Meghan McCorkell

Sneak Peek at the Second Floor

Posted on by Meghan McCorkell

The Central Library is closed this week, but we’re giving you a sneak peek inside.

We are right in the middle of the Central Library’s historic $115 million renovation.  Starting February 20, you’ll start getting a look at the work that’s happened when the 2nd and 3rd floors open.

Several public service departments that are currently on the first floor will move to the second and third floors.  Here are a few pictures of the second floor to give you a preview.  New light fixtures line the 2nd floor hallway.  The paintings on the ceiling have been restored.  At the end of the hallway, you’ll see a large glass wall with a door.  That’s where the new Teen Wing will start in 2019, giving young adults their own space.  That space will temporarily house the Children’s Department as downstairs is now under renovation. 

Scaffolding remains up outside the front window.  This area on the 2nd floor will provide places for people to plug in their laptops or work on tablets.  The Poe Room and Wheeler auditorium are still under renovation.
Here’s a peek at the rosettes in the ceiling of Central Hall.  Plaster workers have painstakingly restored them, so they look like the day they were created.

Starting February 20, many departments will have shifted around.  Don’t hesitate to ask a staff members to point you in the right direction.

Sneak Peek at the Creative Arts Center

Posted on by Meghan McCorkell

All week we’re giving you a sneak peek inside the renovated Central Library

The Central Library is closed for renovations this week.  Pratt Chat is giving you an inside look at some of those renovated spaces.  Today, we’re going inside the new Creative Arts Center. 

The Creative Arts Center, on the 2nd floor, previously housed the Library’s Fine Arts and Humanities Collections.  The new space will be a place for exhibitions, live concerts, performances and so much more.  The Center will provide an intimate  space for dance, music and theater productions by professional and student artists.

During the renovation, the ceiling of the room was restored to its historic grandeur.  Replication light fixtures were installed.  The floor was also restored. 

When Central reopens on February 20, the Creative Arts Center will temporarily house Fine Arts and Humanities.

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.