The Library Refurbishment Level of Effort (LOE) project provides a structured process to modernize all 21 library branches over 20 years with new technologies and service delivery improvements that reflect the latest in 21st century library trends at much less costs than renovations. The improvements include renovated restrooms, creating group collaboration rooms, providing new sit / stand ergonomic service desks, prekindergarten early literacy display elements, new water fountains with bottle filling features, and a general esthetic refurbishment of new paint, carpet and other flooring, and some furnishings. With the addition of funding from the 21st Century Library Level of Effort project, electric connectivity at many tables and seating groups and loanable laptops are provided. Often other level of effort projects provide funding to address roof, mechanical / Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), window, and lighting repairs or replacements.

The Library Refurbishment LOE started in FY15 with two refurbishments. In FY16, FY17, and FY18, a total of six libraries were refurbished. In FY19, FY20, FY21, and FY22, a total of three libraries were refurbished and one is under construction and expected to be completed in FY22. In FY23 and FY24, two libraries will be refurbished along with the facility assessment of a third and the design of a fourth. The schedule of refurbishments per fiscal year will then transition to completing the facility assessment of one library, design of one library, and the construction of one library per fiscal year. This will enable all 21 libraries to be refurbished by FY29 where the cycle would start over again. The Library Department identifies the libraries to be refurbished 18 months in advance before the planning and design begins, so that applications for state grant funding can be submitted. Notice identifying the specific library projects for the given fiscal year must be provided to Council at least 60 days before any funding is obligated or spent. The notice to Council includes the scope of work, cost estimate, and expenditure schedule for planning design and supervision, construction, and other costs by fiscal year.

An additional $950,000 is required in FY24 for Damascus Library Refurbishment construction costs.

Until the implementation of these projects, many of the County Libraries have not been updated in 20 years. The Library Refurbishment LOE will ensure that all libraries are refurbished and updated on a scheduled basis. This will ensure that the libraries continue to meet the community's needs for programs, services, and facilities. The Library Refurbishment projects enable the County to update more libraries over a shorter period with less money than the old approach of renovating only 1 or 2 libraries. Refurbishments also help avoid future major renovations on many buildings.

FY15 Supplemental in State Aid for $387,000 was approved for this project for the refurbishment of Twinbrook ($128,000) and Kensington Park ($259,000) branches. FY16 Supplemental in State Aid for $800,000 was approved for this project for the refurbishment of Davis ($400,000) and Little Falls ($400,000) branches. FY17 Supplemental in State Aid for $1,500,000 was approved for this project for the refurbishment of the then Bethesda, now Connie Morella, ($500,000), Quince Orchard ($500,000), and White Oak ($500,000) branches. Amended FY18 for State Aid of $200,000 for the refurbishment of Long Branch ($100,000) and Marilyn Praisner ($100,000) branches. Cost estimates will be refined after facility assessments are completed. Recordation Tax Premium will be used to cover the costs to renovate the Maggie Nightingale Library. In FY23, FY25 to FY28 costs were reduced because the Chevy Chase Library refurbishment costs were reflected instead in the Chevy Chase Library and Redevelopment project.

A pedestrian impact analysis will be performed during design or is in progress. Expenditures will continue indefinitely. The County Executive asserts that this project conforms to the requirement of relevant local plans, as required by the Maryland Economic Growth, Resource Protection and Planning Act.

Department of General Services, Department of Public Libraries, Maryland State Department of Education, and Department of Technology & Enterprise Business Solutions.