When plans were drawn up for a new public library in Hyattsville a decade ago, the iconic Space Age-era flying saucer at the entrance of the old library was slated for demolition along with the rest of the building.

As we wrote at the time, a concerted lobbying effort by residents to Save Our Saucer persuaded library officials to spare the free-standing sculpture, using cranes to move it to a more convenient location and sprucing up the area around it.

Along with a refurbished top, the flying saucer now has a 25-foot mosaic-tiled and color-stained concrete floor in a spiral galaxy shape by Mount Rainier artist Valerie Theberge, who also created tiled “Celestial Orbs” scattered around that are perfect for sitting.

While the old saucer was just part of the entryway, the new saucer is a spot to visit in its own right, a courtyard where people can meet up and small kids can run around. The library system has even incorporated the saucer into tote bags, T-shirts and other merchandise celebrating the new branch.

The preservation of the saucer is a great example of how the Route 1 corridor can incorporate its architectural history into new construction by listening to the public and being creative about adaptation.

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