Construction on the new Charles E. Miller Branch library is well under way, with a projected December 2011 grand opening.
The new Charles E. Miller Branch and Historical Center will be three times the area of the current Miller Branch and will include a slew of new additions, including a computer lab, group study rooms, a children’s classroom, and a bank of meeting rooms. The new establishment will also feature changing exhibits showcasing elements of historic Ellicott City.

Among these features is an abundance of space for books, materials, and gatherings. In addition, the library will no longer be contained indoors, as a terrace will be constructed on the second floor, allowing visitors the opportunity to read outside. The “Enchanted Garden,” a living garden exhibit of indigenous plants, such as the Black- Eyed Susan, will also be located outside.

The building is designed to utilize natural light and decrease energy use and will serve as a model for future Howard County construction projects.

The existing building will remain intact and function as an administrative office building.
Concerning the transition between buildings, Miller Branch manager, Susan Stonesifer explained, “Sometime this fall, the library will be closed so that the books can all be collected back to the branch, put into order and then taken to the new building by professional library movers. As we get closer to the date, we’ll make a public announcement of both closing and opening dates.”