A walk by the construction site for the new Hyattsville Branch of the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System shows that things are moving along nicely!
Hyattsville Library Update
The iconic Flying Saucer has been safely relocated to Toledo Road and the library’s new steel beams are being erected as we speak. According to Michael Gannon, PGCMLS Chief Operating Officer for Support Services, they’re hoping for the library to be “under roof” by the end of January!
Iconic Flying Saucer
Moving the Flying Saucer from its location along Adelphi to Toledo Road was the most interesting job Dean Roshan’s done on any projects to date. (Roshan’s with Tuckman-Barbee, the construction firm working on the library.) It seems that the move’s logistics were enough to make any detail-oriented person a happy one! 🙂 And all will be elated to know that the iconic saucer is indeed all in one piece (save for the dome, which is being restored as we speak)!
Sustainability
After hearing back from the local communities, PGCMLS made it a priority for this new building to be sustainable. Among other things, the new building will have roof-mounted solar panels, a vegetative roof to filter stormwater, sustainable HVAC, drought-resistant landscaping, electric car charging stations and more.
Central Spine Filled with Natural Light
Hunter Dyas of Grimm & Parker Architects shared that the building will have a soaring lobby space, central spine going around the building connecting public areas, reading area for adults, a large area for children as well as a teen area at the end of the spine. All of this will ultimately open up to a refreshing public plaza area which will look out onto the Flyer Saucer.
Hard Hat Librarian
Want to learn more about the Hyattsville Library’s progress? Check out the latest Hard Hat Librarian episode below!
Read more about the new Hyattsville Library’s development here.
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Shirley Casey says
In June of 1964 my family moved to Toledo Plaza Apts and I spent the summer in that library. I loved it and the Flying Saucer. The end of 1966 we moved but I came back to Hyattsville in 1978 to work in the “white buildings”. All my co-workers told me you have to go to the library – it is the best! So from then until 2000 – it was mine and my kids’ library. Then my grandkids. And now one is a year older than I was that summer I lived in the library. Thanks for saving the Flying Saucer. Shirley Casey
routeonefunlady says
What a lovely story, Shirley! Loved reading about your time in the area! Yes, the flying saucer is indeed a treasure that we’re thrilled has been saved and is being restored. We, too, love the local public libraries here and cannot wait for the new Hyattsville Library to open! It’s going to be lovely and so welcomed! 🙂
AE says
any news on when they anticipate opening the doors?
routeonefunlady says
Estimated to take 2 years from start of construction – which started at the end of 2018. So imagine beginning of 2021 (giving some wiggle room for delays). Fingers crossed!
Lornalee P. Lyn says
I can’t wait to see the finish product. I have been using this Library over 7yrs both of them Adelphi and currently at the temporary location American Blvd.
routeonefunlady says
We can’t wait either! Both the new Laurel and New Carrollton libraries are such great resources and destinations! 🙂