Bladensburg Library.

Bladensburg Library is a new 23,000 SF library in Prince George’s County. References to the town’s rich maritime heritage are incorporated throughout the contemporary, two-story space which includes individual and group study rooms, meeting, and activity spaces, as well as a whimsical Children’s Collection. Within the Children’s Collection, a ship was constructed to serve as the designated story time space. Sailboat niches were incorporated as quiet reading areas, finish selections were inspired by the nautical theme, and a miniature pier was included as a play element.

Through the implementation of several sustainable design strategies, the state-of-the-art branch is slated to become the first facility in the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System to achieve LEED Gold Certification. Sustainable features include a rooftop solar array, electric vehicle charging stations, energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems, low flow plumbing fixtures, and permeable pavers. Two art installations, a glass mosaic and a figurehead for the children’s story time ship, also contributed as a LEED innovation credit, enhancing the patron experience as a WELL Beauty and Design feature.