HEREFORD

The Hereford Branch of the Baltimore County Public Library system can be found in a recently renovated 15,168 square-foot, 2-story steel-and-masonry building.  Previously only encompassing the ground level, with several professional tenants on the upper level accessed only from the exterior, the ever-growing popularity of the branch and requests for additional services, expansion of the library was a necessity.  Sanders Designs Architects reconfigured both floors, the elevator, and added a new interior decorative stair, to allow use of both floors without the need to go outside.  The bookstacks, periodicals area, audiovisual collection, computer and office space were all expanded.  A quiet room was added, as well as a new meeting room able to seat up to 80 people, with the ability to be divided into 2 independent meeting rooms.  Children and adults alike learn to create works of art in the room dubbed “The Hive” as part of the Public Library’s “Centers of Excellence” program.  Walls are adorned, and shelves under the stair filled, with many works of art donated by the Northern Baltimore County Arts Foundation.  A new sprinkler system protects the building, employees and guests, and a new exterior vehicular/pedestrian book drop installed in anticipation of a future expansion of parking and driveway.