COLUMBIA, MD – The newly renovated East Columbia branch of the Howard County Public Library is now open, following a $4.7 million upgrade. The library reopened Saturday after being closed since January 2017.

The new branch has a virtual reality studio and high-tech classrooms, refreshed furnishings, as well as a new customer service desk, two self-checkout machines, 74 computers and more updates. A major part of the renovation was expanding spaces for students. The East Columbia branch offers a teen center including a science lab, virtual reality studio, homework club classroom and teen time classroom. There is also a student design center that is equipped with work counters and supplies for students to collaborate on assignments and projects.

"This library is a hub of social activity for the community and well deserving of the county's investment," Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman said in a statement. "The results of the $4.7 million dollar project are impressive."

Have you been to the newly renovated branch? Tell us in the comments!

Here's a summary of the East Columbia branch renovations, according to library officials:

More welcoming lobby and entryway

Tripling of meeting room capacity

Doubling of quiet study rooms, from three to six

Teen center with classrooms collaborative work space, science lab and virtual reality cave The branch closed on Jan. 15, 2017, for extensive renovations. An express branch, located within a trailer, opened three days later and served the community in the interim. The newly renovated branch opened to the public on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018.



The East Columbia Branch of the Howard County Public Library is located at 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD 21045. Hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday to Thursday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday.



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