At 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 10, hundreds of people gathered at 2 South Glade Road in Walkersville, Maryland, to witness a very special event–the opening of the new Walkersville Library.

Patrons ranged from the youngest children to the oldest adults, but they all had something common: their love for books. And thanks to this new library, there will be plenty of books to explore, along with many other types of media and technology, both digital and hands-on.

Teens will especially love the new building; it is the perfect community and social space where they can not only read or study but have a quiet, fun place to get together with friends.

Kim Quick, a teen library associate for FCPL, said that the library will even be introducing a virtual reality simulation that is geared towards teens.

“We have a space now that we can use for all kinds of new technology,” said Quick. “Everything is always changing in FCPL, and now we are better able to meet the needs of the community.”

This updated establishment has been in the making for nearly ten years, after it became clear that the community was growing and the library was becoming too small for the increasing number of patrons. The town of Walkersville donated the land in 2008 for the purpose of establishing the new building.

The new library is six times bigger than at the previous location. It features a literally big-as-a-barn children’s area and a cozy teen room, as well as counters, tables, chairs, and even study rooms to accommodate patrons of all ages and interests. Creative touches include beautiful art, a fireplace, and geometric, minimalist lighting.

“[The new library] was modeled after the Brunswick library,” said FCPL Communications Director Kim Martinez. “We knew it was a good design. It matched the size we were looking at. We just had to get a feel for the community from there since we wanted to reflect the Walkersville community in the library.”

One item in the library that was tailored specifically for Walkersville’s agricultural environment is the interactive dairy truck in the children’s area. It combines elements of many different subjects like math and problem solving to be both educational and fun for the younger patrons of the library. A large farm mural also covers one wall to add to the environment.

“One of my favorite parts of the library is the children’s area,” said English teacher Mary Ellen Newcomb, who lives close to the new building. “Since the library is practically right in my backyard, my granddaughter thinks it’s my library, which is pretty cool.”

Newcomb has already checked out books from the library several times since it opened and looks forward to visiting it even more.

The project of creating the new library was overseen by Frederick County and the construction was carried out by eciConstruction. Since the old building is owned by the county as well, what happens to it will be determined by county employees at some point in the future.

Would you like to check out the new library? Watch our virtual tour, look at the slideshow of pictures below, or even better, go see the new building yourself! It is located at 2 S. Glade Road and is open from 10 AM to 8 PM from Monday through Thursday and 10 AM to 5 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

Gallery • 21 Photos

Main library sign