County Is Asking Residents For Input On How The Chevy Chase Library Should Be Renovated

CHEVY CHASE, MD — Are you a frequent visitor of the Chevy Chase Library? You'll want to tune in for some updates that will be coming soon.

The library is scheduled to be upgraded, and there are two options for the way that could work. One is a complete renovation of the existing 16,000 square foot library at 8005 Connecticut Ave., and the other is the construction of 20,000 square foot new library that would be part of mixed-use project with housing to offset the cost of building.

Montgomery County Public Libraries will be holding sessions to explain the different options to residents and ask for feedback on what the community wants. They will be held at the Chevy Chase Library on:

• Saturday, Oct. 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Wednesday, Oct. 20 from 3 to 6 p.m.

MCPL will also open an online survey on Oct. 16 for anyone who wants to submit their feedback that way.

Some residents offered their opinions on the renovation project last year when it was first announced. One said that it should be kept as a stand-alone building.

"We love our library. We use it as a library, as an outdoor playground, attended the story times, being in a communal place in a rainy day and attended the children's classes," the resident wrote. "It should be a place where everyone feel welcome. I strongly agree the building should be a stand alone building as it's [sic] and NOT a part of a building complex."

Another commenter said that if it is reconstructed as a mixed-use building complex, it must contribute to the growth of equity in the county.

"My family and I are regular users of the library and live in the neighborhood," the resident said. "I support a creative solution that is revenue generating, but as a publicly owned site, priority should be given to projects that ensure Montgomery County is a vibrant, welcoming and equitable place for all. I strongly urge that any residential property not only accommodates a handful of MPDUs, but is entirely focused on expanding affordable housing."

The Germantown Library is scheduled to reopen this month after its own renovation project, which included new furniture, bathrooms upgrades, new paint and more.

Read more about the Chevy Chase Library project and previous public comments here.