Volunteers Needed To Help Research Names Behind Howard County Library Facilities

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Volunteers are needed to help collect community input and historical records behind the naming of Howard County Library System’s seven facilities: Administrative Branch, Central Branch, Charles E. Miller Branch & Historical Center, East Columbia Branch, Elkridge Branch + DIY Education Center, Glenwood Branch and Savage Branch & STEM Education Center. The information will be used in a report compiled by the county's Public Facilities & Spaces Report Evaluation and Action Commission.

“It’s important for us to understand our history, learn from it, and move forward,” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said. “I encourage residents to provide feedback, historical information or suggestions regarding our local libraries so we can ensure a robust, inclusive report.”

If anyone has historical information or suggestions on material about these buildings that should be included in the draft report before it is finalized, the community can email publicspaces@howardcountymd.gov or participate in one of the Commission’s upcoming monthly meeting.

The Howard County Public Facilities & Spaces Report Evaluation and Action Commission was established by executive order in May 2022. The Commission is responsible for reviewing the 2021 Public Spaces Commission Report; completing and implementing a strategic plan to obtain community feedback on the report; creating a plan to review names, locations obtained from community feedback; reviewing public spaces that were not reviewed by the previous Commission; making recommendations based on the rubric created by the previous Commission and evaluate and propose changes to the rubric, as needed; and making recommendations based on community feedback.