During her eight years as executive director of the Pikes Peak Library District in Colorado before coming to Baltimore County, Paula Miller helped open Library 21c, a new model library for the 21st century with interactivity as a major aspect. The Pikes Peak's Libary 21c is said to be the first of its kind in the country.
Frank Regan, a member of the Baltimore County Public Library system's board, said the board is now "looking for [director Paula Miller] to take BCPL the next step" and bring the 21c model to the county.
Here's how it works: Library 21c goes beyond traditional library of book and DVD collections to a cyberclinic, for patron tech support; children's section with child-sized equipment; meeting and study spaces for teens; public computer area with help and teaching; maker spaces with software, 3-D printers, sewing machines and a laser cutter for high- and low-tech creativity; and a 400-seat theater for performances and meetings.
Library 21c's Center for Public Media allows patrons to learn film making and editing. Family Place Library is a national project for early childhood development and family support. The Center for Business and Entrepreneurship offers hands-on and online job training via meeting rooms with projectors, smartboards, and teleconferencing equipment. Vendors run a café and a business printing and copying center.
Library 21c cost about $13.2 million, split two-thirds from the Pikes Peak District budget and the rest from a capital campaign. The facility has energy efficient heating/air conditioning systems, a two-story high atrium and outdoor garden and patio areas.
Barbara Pash