Image courtesy of Grimm + Parker
Hyattsville’s new public library will hold an official groundbreaking at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 19, at 6530 Adelphi Road in Hyattsville.
Located on the same lot as the old library, the new 40,000-square-foot building will be one story, with parking underneath, according to Heather Jackson, area manager for Hyattsville and other libraries in Prince George’s County.
The building will have centralized desk services and fewer segmented areas in order to create easier access for the disabled and make it feel more welcoming in general, Jackson told the Hyattsville Wire.
The old library will be completely torn down, since that would be cheaper than trying to update the electrical issues and other outdated parts, she said. One part that will be saved: the landmark “flying saucer,” which will be moved to a courtyard.
“The design maximizes green space at a prominent intersection and incorporates the relocated, iconic flying-saucer canopy from the previous facility,” the architects, Grimm + Parker, note on their website. “It will continue to serve as a local landmark for years to come.”
The library will also feature a green roof with solar panels; a dedicated children’s area with drawbridge, moat and castle walls; study rooms; public meeting rooms; a tech lab and outdoor reading areas with a garden.
Construction is expected to take two years. In the meantime, library services are being provided in a temporary location across from the movie theater at University Town Center.
WooHoo! I can’t wait to see the new library!
I know right?! The wheels are finally moving now, but it will be a good two years before the project will be completed.
Glad to hear progress is being made.
My father, Dennis Madden designed this library with the iconic saucer, and I am so happy they are keeping it in the new design. I do live in PG county but not in Hyattsville. Has the building been torn down yet? I would love to get a couple of bricks from the original!
Hi Sally. That’s so interesting that your dad was behind the design of the original building, which is still up, so perhaps you could contact the City of Hyattsville about getting some bricks.