“Books, Bytes, and Beyond” could easily describe the Accokeek Branch Library. This library is more than just shelves of books. It is a vibrant community hub. The Accokeek Branch Library offers resources, programs, and technology for everyone.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine Accokeek in 1953. Henry G. Ferguson donates money to build a library. This was in memory of his wife, Alice Ferguson. It started as an addition to Accokeek Elementary School. The Accokeek Library was the first Prince George’s County branch library. It was independent of the school system.
Alice Ferguson had a collection of colonial Marylandia. Henry gave it to the Accokeek Library. He hoped it would become a reference center. But in 1960, the collection moved to Hyattsville. Henry requested its return. He felt his primary loyalty was to Accokeek.
In 1963, the county purchased land for a new Accokeek branch library. Henry Ferguson donated the funds. The site was across from the Accokeek Firehouse. It was near Accokeek Park.
Tragedy struck in 1966. Henry Ferguson passed away. He left $50,000 in his will. This money was to construct a room. It would house Mrs. Ferguson’s colonial history materials. There were two conditions. The library had to be within three miles of Christ Church. It also needed to be built within ten years. Otherwise, the money would go to the Alice Ferguson Foundation.
Years passed without a new library. In 1976, the county gave the library site to Accokeek Park. The $50,000 bequest reverted to the Alice Ferguson Foundation. Mrs. Ferguson’s historical materials also went to the Foundation.
But the community never gave up. In 1992, the Friends of the Accokeek Library was founded. They fought to keep the library open when its budget was threatened.
Mike Tilch supported a new library in 1993. He was a member of the Prince George’s County Library Board. The Friends collected $7,000. This was for a research room dedicated to the Potomac River’s history.
A referendum passed in 1994. It was for a $3 million bond issue. This would fund a new Accokeek Library. The County Council approved $200,000 for planning.
Manning Clagett donated land for the library in 1995. But the site was too expensive to build on. In 2000, the county bought land on Livingston Road. Construction began. The new Accokeek Branch Library opened in August 2004.
Today, the Accokeek Branch Library serves over 11,500 residents. It is part of the Prince George’s County Memorial Libraries. The library provides wifi. It also has electric vehicle chargers. The Accokeek Branch Library stands as a testament to community perseverance. It all started with a generous donation and a dream.