COLUMBIA, MD – The grand reopening for the East Columbia branch is almost here. The library on Cradlerock Way closed more than a year ago for renovations.

Renovations at the East Columbia Branch include the following, according to library officials:

Lobby and entryway transformation to be more welcoming

Gathering area including focal piece of artwork in place of research desk

Tripling meeting room capacity

Doubling 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 has been serving the community in the interim.

The cutting of the ribbon will take place at 9:45 a.m. followed by remarks. The library will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the grand opening on Saturday, Feb. 10, at the East Columbia Branch of the Howard County Public Library, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD 21045.