Library Lessons: The Bethesda Library - The Difference of One Door - And How Urban Libraries Are Much More Than Books

The Bethesda Library is getting a "refresh." But will that be enough to serve the needs of a growing area? And with renewed goals in Bethesda of activating public space, improving pedestrian connections, and doing more with less - why not use this opportunity to create a better connection to Caroline Freeland Park?

Adding an additional welcoming entrance to the library by the park would activate the public space, create better pedestrian access, and make the whole area along Arlington Road more connected (and more family friendly as well). This improvement, however, is not part of the current library renovation plans.

Right now - the library has its "back" to the park and the Bethesda Row area. Over the years it has been repeatedly noted that the northern strip of the park (formerly Hampden Lane) is an underutilized space. There are a few old tables - and it is used as a cut through - but there is not much to draw people to the spot there. During a community feedback meeting about park improvements it was noted that the Hampden Lane space could be better used and that there should be access from the library.

Caroline Freeland Park itself is also supposed to finally receive its long planned renovation in 2019 - but there is no planned new connection/entrance to the library. 

Article: Montgomery Parks Envisions More Open Accessible Downtown Bethesda Park

The new Bethesda Plan calls for Caroline Freeland Park to also be expanded. However, that would require the County to purchase an improved, expensive single family home, tear it down and add to the park - so the odds are slim that will ever happen. All the more reason to really improve the space along Hampden Lane.

Several urban centers in the County have recently gotten new libraries that are well-planned, more accessible, and coordinated with the community needs (not to mention have notable architecture). 

Silver Spring Library, Germantown Library, and Rockville Library are examples of relatively new libraries in urban or "town" centers that are focal points of those communities. Walk into any of those libraries and you will say "wow." And Wheaton is also getting a new combined library and recreation center - under construction now - that looks impressive. What do these libraries have in common: They all have multiple entrances. Several are connected to parks. They also all feature more spaces for the community - for programming, special events, and kid and teen spaces.

The Silver Spring Library has several entrances and extensive community space.

The Rockville Library has multiple entrances including leading from Rockville Town Square and extensive community space. It also has underground parking. 

The Germantown Library  has entrances on all sides including leading from Germantown Urban Park and also has extensive community spaces.  

The new Wheaton Library and Recreation Center will be connected to a park and playground. It will also have underground parking to better utilizes the limited space of the site. 

The Bethesda Library is expected to reopen in early 2018. With limited space in the downtown area, an increasing population, focus on walkable amenities and a need for a local recreation center - the Bethesda Library site may need to continue to expand and grow in size and purpose. However, for now, adding an additional entrance would be a small feature that would make a big difference. Or it may be a missed opportunity for the library, park, and community.