You can get a sneak peek of the new Bladensburg public library on Sunday, Oct. 29 before it officially opens.

Construction is nearly done on the 22,834 square-foot library — almost three times the size of the 1920s-era building it replaces on the same site at 4820 Annapolis Rd.

For a $25 donation to the library system foundation, visitors age 21 and over will be able to tour the library from 4 to 6 p.m.

Guests will be served wine, cheese and crackers; receive a guided tour; and receive a commemorative holiday ornament.

As with the new Hyattsville library, the building has a number of modern features, such as a makerspace for projects, a room for nursing mothers and a two-sided fireplace.

The new Bladensburg library’s exterior was designed by Gant Brunnett Architects to reflect the area’s history as a port, with a swooping design evocative of old-timey sailing ships.

The sailing theme continues inside with nautical-themed art, a bowsprit sculpture at the entrance to the children’s area, which also features an authentic ship’s wheel, a wooden dock and colorful waves.

It will be the first county building that is certified LEED Silver, the third-highest level of environmentally conscious designed recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council.

You can buy a ticket to the sneak preview event here.

Update: The sneak peek has been postponed due to a construction matter involving the elevators. Check @pgcmls and @pgcmls.foundation for further updates for a new date for the event. We will also share updates here as we receive them.

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