The newly renovated New Carrollton Branch Library (of PGCMLS) reopened last month – so you know we checked it out (and also checked out some fresh, crisp 📚 books). Check out all there is to explore at this cool library and read our travel tips before heading out!
Children’s area is bright, clean and accessible to all.
New Carrollton Library
This new and improved public library – a branch of the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System – is over 58,000 square feet and features a Discovery Reef children’s area, a 3-D printer (!), a virtual reality and gaming in the teen zone, tons of computers for public use (66 to be precise), a magazine room full of the latest periodicals and newspapers, conference rooms, study rooms, a snack room with a vending cafe and, of course, lots and lots and lots of NEW books!
Lots to explore inside the Discovery Reef Children’s Room
Check Out Inside the New Carrollton Library
Before we made our way there, we made sure to watch the latest Hard Hat Librarian episode on the New Carrollton Library. I’m a sucker for fun, slapstick videos and watching this one featuring Michael B. Gannon (PGCMLS Chief Operating Officers for Support Services) & mascot Sneaks the Cat ahead of the visit was a fun way to get the kids excited about what they were about to see.
Discovery Reef Children’s Area
The theme of the children’s area is “Discovery Reef” with a 270-gallon salt water aquarium greeting young’ns as they enter this underwater-styled habitat. Shout-out to The Friends of the New Carrollton Library, who donated money to cover most of the aquarium’s costs.
Are those young’ns in/outside the aquarium?!?
Ready to Read playroom is at this library, too – full of gadgets to keep little hands busy!
Plenty of computers for homework!
Central Atrium at the New Carrollton Library
“Convergence of Knowledge” Sculpture by Alan Binstock.
Magazine Room – Who Can Resist?!
Obvs searching for The Atlantic. 😁
Planning Your Visit to the New Carrollton Library
If visiting with children, considering going during Storytime or another activity they may be hosting that day; check upcoming events here. Also, plan some pre-post playground fun at nearby Frontier Fort Playground.
What’s Up with the Hyattsville Library?
As for the status of the Hyattsville Library renovation, it seems that funding issues have delayed progress, now pushing the expected opening date to late 2020 according to a recent article in the Hyattsville Life & Times here. And with Hyattsville Library now closed on Sundays, why not make a visit to the newly reopened New Carrollton Library?! (About a 10 minute or so drive from East-West Highway and Route 1 or 20 minute ride on the F4 bus.)
The New Carrollton Library (website) is located at 7414 Riverdale Road, New Carrollton, MD 20784.
Library Hours: (Always call ahead to confirm hours.)
Mondays – Thursdays: 10am – 9pm
Fridays: 10am – 6pm
Saturdays: 10am – 5pm
Sundays: 1pm – 5pm
Cool! I think you'll be impressed with the renovation! Enjoy!
New Carrollton was our go-to library for many years, and our daughter used to crawl all over the kids' area. We're looking forward to checking out the renovations!