​​​​FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 13, 2025

“It is absolutely critical that we continue to invest in our local infrastructure, and our public library systems and the communities they serve are very much included in that," Governor Moore said. "So, we are excited about this investment: What does it mean not just for now, but what does it mean for the future?”

The State’s annual funding mandate of $7.5 million provides Maryland public library systems with critical financial support to address their capital improvement needs. Since its inception, the County Library Capital Grant Program has supported the construction of 21 new public libraries and leveraged approximately $375 million in local matching funds. 

“We are extremely grateful to  Governor Moore, the Board of Public Works and the Maryland General Assembly for providing the funds necessary to construct and enhance public libraries throughout the state,” said Maryland State Librarian Morgan Lehr Miller. “Millions of Marylanders rely on their physical libraries every day to connect them to critical resources, technology, learning, safe spaces and community. This investment from the State ensures that their libraries will be there for them - now and in the future.”

Information on the latest round of projects can be found below. 

Baltimore City - $249,000 toward construction of a state-of-the-art Park Heights Branch of Enoch Pratt Free Library. The Park Heights/Pimlico community has been a library desert since the Pimlico Branch closed in 2001 in response to budget cuts. The planned 16,280-square-foot facility comes as the result of a partnership with Baltimore City Recreation and Parks and the soon-to-be-renovated CC Jackson Recreation Center. The State previously provided $5 million for this project outside of the grant program. The Baltimore City match totals $250,000. 

Baltimore County - $250,000 to replace the existing HVAC system at the North Point Branch of Baltimore County Public Library. The system was installed in 2001 and has reached the end of its useful life. It needs regular repair and maintenance, and service disruptions impact customer comfort and affect regular branch operations. The new system will be more energy efficient and will allow for remote and zonal climate control. Baltimore County is contributing $250,000 for the project. 

Cecil County - $1,550,000 to renovate and expand the 25,000-square-foot Cecil County Public Library Elkton Branch to address multiple mechanical failures, improve energy efficiency, enhance safety for visitors and staff, and modernize service delivery and layout throughout this heavily used 37-year-old building. The Elkton Branch is situated in the county seat and serves a community of more than 44,000 people. Cecil County will provide $872,000 in matching funds.

Frederick County - $831,000 toward construction of a new 15,000-square-foot library on the west side of Frederick, where no library exists today. This area is identified as underserved, with the only direct library service to the area today being provided by the Frederick County Public Libraries bookmobile. The new library will be situated adjacent to a spacious city park and near two elementary schools, enhancing its role as a welcoming community space and providing easy access to a wealth of educational resources to enrich students’ learning experiences. The City of Frederick donated the new library site. Frederick County will provide $831,000 in matching funds. 

Garrett County - $1,116,000 toward construction of a new 5,500-square-foot Friendsville Library. The building will replace the previous facility, a 2,800-square-foot temporary metal structure erected in 1970. The old facility was inadequate in terms of insulation, ADA access, electrical infrastructure and size, and lacked a meeting room for community events. Garrett County is providing $124,000 in matching funds. 

Montgomery County - $20,000 toward construction of a new 20,000-square-foot library in the historic Clarksburg District. A new library is necessary to adequately serve the population of approximately 29,000, a figure that is projected to grow to 40,000 by 2030. The Germantown library in Montgomery County and Frederick County's Urbana Regional library are the closest libraries to the community. Montgomery County is providing $20,000 in matching funds.

Wicomico County - $2,943,000 to renovate the 33,400-square-foot former Ward Museum for use as a public library. The facility is one of the most iconic buildings in Wicomico County and features unique architecture, 9.74 acres of green space, a dedicated parking lot, adjacency to city parks, and close proximity to public schools. It will replace the existing Paul S. Sarbanes Branch in downtown Salisbury, which, as a result of aging infrastructure, a grim exterior, spatial inefficiencies, and lack of dedicated parking, struggles to function as an inviting, accessible, modern library. Wicomico County is providing $866,000 in matching funds.

Worcester - $242,000 toward construction of a new 12,365-square-foot facility to replace the existing Pocomoke Branch of Worcester County Library. The current building is 6,700 square feet and opened in 1970. The library’s facilities plan identified numerous infrastructure replacement needs, including a new roof, new HVAC equipment and increased electrical service. Additional space is needed to support active learning and expand the library’s programming. Worcester County is providing $242,000 in matching funds.