Closed for renovation – reopening October 22, 2016*
The HCLS Central Branch is closed temporarily to complete an exciting renovation project! We are sorry for any inconvenience to our customers and appreciate your understanding as we work to bring the community an even greater library system.
You can return books borrowed at the Central Branch to ANY HCLS branch! Until its reopening, all Central Branch classes for children and teens will be held at East Columbia Branch.
Project Timeline
- Closed: April 2016
- Re-opens: October 22, 2016** Subject to change
Building Project Update
- Highlights of the completed renovations include:
- new Customer Service + Research Desk
- greatly expanded Children’s classroom: 760 sq. ft. (40 percent larger)
- dedicated HCLS Project Literacy suite: 1600 sq. ft. (more than 30 percent larger) that includes a classroom for group instruction, tutoring space for individual instruction, and a research lab
- new STEM classroom: 750 sq. ft. (seats 60)
- updated Maxine White Warfield Meeting Room: 815 sq. ft. (seats 80)
- two conference rooms: 440 sq. ft. (seats 15) and 200 sq. ft. (seats 10)
- two study rooms
- updated furnishings
- new tile in the lobby
- vivid new carpet throughout the branch
COLLECTION RELOCATION: During renovation the microfilm collection from HCLS Central Branch will be temporarily relocated to the HCLS Glenwood Branch.
About Branch:
Nina Krzysko, Branch Manager
A major destination not only for downtown Columbia but also for all of Howard County, the Central Branch of Howard County Library System (HCLS) is an education center featuring research, instruction, and a myriad of community and cultural events. Housing over 200,000 items in its various collections and a full slate of educational opportunities, the Central Branch welcomes over 20,000 children alone attending classes on an annual basis. Conveniently located on major thoroughfares with access to local transit, the HCLS Central Branch takes pride in offering high-quality public education for all on a daily basis.
