West Frederick Library Project Reaches New Milestone

Residents are Invited to Community Input Session to Share Feedback as the Project Moves Forward

FREDERICK, Md. - Frederick County Public Libraries (FCPL), Frederick County Government, and the City of Frederick are excited to announce that the proposed West Frederick Library at 501 McCain Drive in the Hillcrest neighborhood of Frederick is moving forward. This progress comes following a vote by the Frederick City Council to approve the transfer of City-owned land to the County. FCPL will now begin the design phase of the proposed 15,000-square-foot library, which will continue over the next year.

"Frederick County is excited to begin the long-awaited design and construction of the West Frederick Library," said County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. "Libraries offer invaluable resources and serve as essential community hubs, and this new facility will be a tremendous asset to our growing city. I'm grateful for the collaboration with the City of Frederick and Frederick County Public Libraries that has brought us here, and I look forward to creating a space that will serve the diverse needs of our residents for generations to come."

"Settling on this property with our partners at Frederick County Government marks an important step toward bringing a much-needed library to the western side of our city, and it will be a place for learning, connection, and opportunity," said City of Frederick Mayor Michael O'Connor. "I want to thank County Executive Fitzwater and her staff for engaging the community and for their commitment to moving this project forward expeditiously. This partnership is an example of how we are delivering on our promise to enhance services and improve quality of life for all Frederick residents."

FCPL is working with the Frederick County Division of Public Works' Department of Engineering and Construction Management (DECM) and Dewberry Architects, Inc. on designing the new library site. FCPL and DECM previously worked with Dewberry on the design of the Thurmont Regional Library.

FCPL and DECM will hold a community input meeting on Thursday, February 13 at 7 p.m. in the Rec Center at Butterfly Ridge Elementary School, located at 601 Contender Way in Frederick. During this meeting, Dewberry Architects will present information about modern libraries, their amenities, and features. The public will then have an opportunity to provide feedback through hands-on exercises. The goal of the meeting is to gather information from residents to shape a library that meets the needs of the community.

ASL and Spanish-language interpretation will be provided at the meeting. Those who cannot attend in person may provide written feedback after the meeting by visiting www.FCPL.org/News/West-Frederick-Library-Project.

"FCPL is thrilled to be able to work with this engaged and passionate community to bring library services to West Frederick with a new branch," Library Director James Kelly said. "We look forward to hearing from the public at the community input meeting next month."

To learn more about this project, or to learn about additional projects, visit FCPL's Facility Master Plan webpage at www.FCPL.org/About-Us/Facilities-Master-Plan.

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Contact: Kelly Cambrel, Communications Manager
Frederick County Public Libraries
301-600-1629