Local, State and Federal Leaders Announce Multimillion-Dollar Commitment for Future Essex Branch

Baltimore County Public Library joined local, state and federal lawmakers Thursday, October 22, to celebrate a major milestone in the journey toward a new Essex Branch. U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen earmarked $2 million for the future library, while State Senator Johnny Ray Salling and State Delegate Richard Metzgar committed $500,000 through a Maryland State Legislative Bond Initiative. Leaders also highlighted Question N on Baltimore County's general election ballot, which if approved by voters would provide the additional $58.7 million for total funding of the project. 

This funding paves way for a new 35,769-square-foot branch on 4.61 acres at 1517 Old Eastern Avenue, replacing the current 20,000-square-foot Essex Branch in the Middlesex Shopping Center. Built in 1969, the current Essex Branch is no longer adequate to meet the needs of a 21st century library for a growing, evolving diverse community. The future branch will feature modern, flexible spaces designed to support customers who work, learn and play at the library. Working with architectural firm Quinn Evans, planned amenities include welcoming children, teen and adult areas, an auditorium for library programs and community events, a food pantry, digital technology spaces and outdoor programming areas. 

"The future Essex Branch represents our investment and commitment to the Essex community," said Ann Beegle, chief external affairs officer for Baltimore County Public Library. "The people of Essex and surrounding areas deserve a 21st century library with modern amenities and spaces that reflect how people explore, learn, create and connect. We are grateful for the support of our local, state and federal partners as we work to create a destination customers will enjoy for generations to come." 

“I’m proud we included funding in the county budget to help make a new Essex library possible, if voters approve the referendum. I’m grateful to our federal, state and local partners for helping move this project forward,” said Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier. “Libraries are about so much more than books. They’re places where people of all ages can learn something new, take a class and get to know their neighbors.” 

Serving nearly 70,000 residents in eastern Baltimore County, the Essex Branch is one of the library system's busiest locations. In fiscal year 2026, the branch welcomed more than 122,000 visitors, circulated more than 135,000 items and recorded more than 38,000 public computer sessions. 

"Today's announcement reflects what is possible when all levels of government come together to invest in a community institution," said Beegle. 

In FY2024, Baltimore County Government acquired and cleared the future site and funded project planning and design, representing a $7 million investment to start the project. To learn more about Question N and view early renderings for the future Essex Branch, visit the foundationforbcpl.org advocacy page.