Turning The Page: $5.9M Plan Aims To Reimagine Charlotte Hall Library

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County on Tuesday unanimously approved a letter of support advancing a nearly $5.9 million renovation and expansion project for the Charlotte Hall Library, marking a significant step toward modernizing library services in the county’s northern region.

The project, presented during the April 28 meeting by John B. Norris III and Michael Blackwell, is part of the county’s fiscal year 2028 Capital Improvement Program and seeks state funding through the Maryland State Library Agency.

A Long-Awaited Modernization

The Charlotte Hall Library, originally opened in 1986, has seen limited upgrades over the decades and is now considered the county’s most in-need facility following a comprehensive facilities study.

“This is a great application … to help support the renovation of the Charlotte Hall Library,” Norris told commissioners, describing the building as a “duplex” shared between public library space and the Southern Maryland Regional Library Association.

The proposed project will renovate the county’s 10,500-square-foot portion of the building, introducing updated study areas, expanded collections space, a modern children’s section with interactive learning elements and a new family restroom. Infrastructure upgrades will include HVAC improvements, roof repairs, ADA compliance enhancements and full interior renovations.

The total estimated cost is $5,879,450, including roughly $5 million in construction and $300,000 in architectural and engineering services, with funding expected to come from county bonds and at least $1 million in state support.

Why Charlotte Hall First?

During the discussion, commissioners questioned why the Charlotte Hall branch was prioritized over other libraries, including Lexington Park.

Blackwell explained that a recent facilities master plan identified Charlotte Hall as having the greatest need.

“Charlotte Hall really needs to be restructured,” Blackwell said, noting outdated layouts, cramped staff areas and inefficient use of public space. “It needs a real facelift.”

In contrast, the Lexington Park Library was described as a newer facility with stronger infrastructure and less urgent renovation needs.

According to BoardDocs, the planned improvements include reconfiguration of the county spaces in the building to provide updated study spaces, improved collections areas, a modernized children’s section with interactive learning elements and the addition of a family restroom. Infrastructure improvements encompass HVAC system upgrades, roof repairs, ADA compliance improvements and full interior finish renovations, including lighting, ceilings and flooring.

Future Expansion Hinges On SMRLA Space

A key component of the discussion centered on the future of approximately 13,000 square feet currently occupied by the Southern Maryland Regional Library Association within the shared building.

County officials signaled interest in exploring long-term options that could make that space available for expanded public library use.

Commissioner Mike Alderson raised the possibility of relocating the Southern Maryland Regional Library Association to another regional facility, suggesting it could create more meeting and program space for residents in the northern part of the county.

“If we’re going to invest millions of dollars … I think we should do it right at the beginning, and not just piecemeal it,” Alderson said, emphasizing the need to maximize the building’s full 23,500-square-foot footprint.

Blackwell noted that while the Southern Maryland Regional Library Association is currently conducting its own facilities study, relocation is not expected in the immediate future due to funding constraints. However, he said ongoing conversations with state officials and library leadership could shape future expansion opportunities.

Grant Timeline And Next Steps

The county previously submitted a notice of intent for the project in February, and the full grant application is due May 22.

Approval of the letter of support allows Commissioner President James R. Guy to formally submit the county’s commitment to the state librarian as part of the application package.

The grant funding, if awarded, will be limited to the current project scope and cannot be expanded without additional state approval.

Still, county officials indicated they are planning ahead.

“This project represents a critical investment … to meet the evolving needs of our residents,” the commissioners wrote in their letter of support, noting the library’s role as a hub for education, workforce development and community engagement.

Looking Ahead

While the current phase focuses on renovating existing library space, commissioners made clear that future capital planning could include a second-phase expansion if additional space becomes available.

For now, the approved application keeps the project on track and preserves eligibility for state funding, a key step in bringing long-needed upgrades to a growing community in northern St. Mary’s County.

Watch the full grant presentation below at 49:43.

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