This document proposes moving the Laurel library downtown to revitalize the main street area and benefit both library visitors and local businesses. It argues that a downtown location would be more accessible via public transportation and walking, attracting more patrons. This could drive more foot traffic and spending at shops, increasing property values and tax revenue. The current library building could be repurposed as an education center for the Grove community. With a downtown library, everyone would benefit through a revitalized main street and improved access to library resources.

1. .

2. Imagine a New Library in Downtown Laurel

3. Moving the Library to the Main Street Area

4. For Laurel-area citizens Main Street Merchants and Businesses Residents of the Grove A Win-Win-Win Opportunity Here’s Why:

5. Families – parents, children, seniors come to libraries. Libraries: A Family Friendly Location

6. · People like places they can walk and shop – like the Laurel Meat Market. Downtown Laurel:A Place to Shop, Visit and walk.

7. A library in the Main Street area would bring visitors and shoppers. A Revitalized Main Street

8. More visitors = new shops and restaurants A Revitalized Main Street: A Win for Library Visitors and Main Street Businesses

9. Enhanced property values for residents and businesses Higher tax revenues for the city. A Win for Library Visitors and Main Street Businesses

10. Added Bonus: Riverfront Park: An oasis near the new library Places to relax Walking paths, picnic tables

11. “The presence of public buildings is one of the keys to a strong and vibrant downtown or town center.” Public Buildings Keep Town Centers Alive by Philip Langdon Planning Commissioners Journal, Winter 2003 Experience shows:Libraries help downtowns

12. … “[T]the [Seattle, Washington] Library is associated with $16 million in net new spending...$80 million for 5 year…nearby businesses report increases in spending associated with Library visitors.” … “The [Hudson, Ohio] library fulfills its role as the anchor by creating opportunities for multi-stop trips.” Planning Commissioners Journal “Libraries: At the Heart of Our Communities.” Experience shows:Libraries help downtowns

13. The area has ample site and street parking, parking lots nearby. The site has the potential for expansion to a deck in the future What About Parking?

14. The current library location:A Pedestrian and Shopping Dead ZoneGo To the library – Then Go Someplace Else

15. A busy road, difficult for children and adults Route 198 is very busy. So is 7th/216.

16. A Downtown Library: Conveniently Located Near MARC Rt. 1 Corridor Rt 197/Rt 198 Less than one mile from current library On major bus routes

17. Access to Public Transportation:Important to people with limited ability to drive – Seniors Young people Adults who cannot afford or who are without access to cars.

18. A Downtown Library: More Service to More of thePrince George’s and Laurel area community by Public Transportation On 5 bus routes v. 2 Route G:– Laurel Main Street stops Route G: Laurel, Beltsville, Greenbelt, Berwyn Heights, DOES NOT SERVE CURRENT LIBRARY

19. Public Transportation Service to Communities South of Laurel Route H: Laurel Main Street Route H: Laurel, South Laurel, Beltsville, Greenbelt, Berwyn Heights, College Park DOES NOT SERVE CURRENT LIBRARY

20. Public Transporation Service for Laurel, North Laurel and Savage Purple Line: Laurel Rt. 1 Purple Line: Laurel, Savage, Jessup, Elkridge DOES NOT SERVE CURRENT LIBRARY

21. Public Transporation Service for North Laurel and Savage Rt. E: Serving Main Street and current library Route E whole Route – Laurel, North Laurel, Savage, Columbia SERVE S BOTH AREAS

22. A Limited Route Serves Both Route C: Laurel Main Street and current library SERVE S BOTH AREAS

23. This historic park can and should be preserved. The current library building can be re-purposed into an Education and Heritage Resource Center Serving the Grove Community What about Emancipation Park?

24. A New Community Resourcefor the Grove

25. A New Community Resourcefor the Grove Classrooms for forprimary, secondary, and post-secondary education programs such as GED. Community space for meetings Computers and other resources Space for county services

26. YES Funds are available to purchase additional property for either site for parking. The downtown site offers opportunities for public private development. Downtown is in the designated Smart Growth/Transportation area. Is this Economically Feasible?

27. Example: Public Interest and Private Development Can Work Together Hollywood Library/Bookmark Apartments – Portland Oregon First Amherst Development Group, developed this unique mixed-use project in the Hollywood District of Portland, Oregon. The project combines a 13,000 SF branch library with 47 mixed-income apartments and 815 square feet of ground floor retail space. This innovative, transit-oriented project is a first-of-its-kind joint venture between the public and private sectors; the County owns the library, and the developer owns the residential and retail spaces. Library + Private Development

28. The Laurel-area community gets a much needed new library. Downtown Laurel businesses prosper; city revenues increase. Citizens have a library accessible to more public transportation, shops, and recreation. Emancipation Park is preserved – and the Grove benefits from a new community resource With a New Library Down townWe All Win

29. Compare

30. Imagine --a New Library in Downtown Laurel South Bowie Library: under construction

31. Join us on Facebook – Become a Facebook Fan of Let elected officials know you want the new library in downtown Laurel: TEDernoga@co.pg.md.us mayor@laurel.md.us Questions? email BOLDLaurel@verizon.net Thank You