Hyattsville Library

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Location:

Hyattsville, MD

Owner:

Prince George's County

Architect:

Grimm + Parker

Project Type:

Government

Schedule:

24 Months

Size:

87000 SF

The newly reimagined Hyattsville Library is a vibrant expression of community, innovation, and architectural storytelling—designed to meet the evolving needs of Prince George’s County’s 967,000+ residents. As part of the award-winning Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS), which earned the 2021 Urban Libraries Council Top Innovator Award, this library reflects a bold shift in how public spaces support learning, inclusion, and personal growth. At its heart is the beloved Flying Saucer—an iconic feature preserved from the original library and thoughtfully relocated to the new garden terrace, where a restored Plexiglas dome reinforces both history and resilience. The facility introduces striking architectural forms and expansive glazing, complementing modern program elements such as study rooms, technology labs, a café, and flexible meeting spaces. The children’s area, imagined as a whimsical Discovery Village, features a drawbridge, moat, storybook reading nooks, and a yellow brick road leading to an apple tree inspired by The Wizard of Oz. Teens enjoy dedicated technology zones with a game room, whiteboard wall, and floor-to-ceiling windows, while families benefit from private comfort rooms and inclusive amenities. The library’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its use of locally sourced brick, terracotta panels, recycled components, and green systems like vegetative roofs and photovoltaic arrays. Outdoor spaces include a stormwater education station, shaded reading areas, and lush landscaping. Underground parking preserves surrounding green space and maximizes pedestrian-friendly access. Every detail of the Hyattsville Library honors its legacy while redefining the role of the 21st-century library as a welcoming, future-ready space for curiosity, creativity, and connection.