Imagine a time machine. We are going back to May 1, 1959. That was when the Twinbrook Library first opened. It wasn’t in this building. It was in the basement of the Twinbrook Shopping Center across Veirs Mill Road.
Now fast forward. The Twinbrook Library has a long history. We celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2009. Many people worked hard. The library moved here in 1975. This is the building we see now.
The building aged over the years. It needed work. Instead of tearing it down, they refreshed it. Twinbrook is the first branch to be modernized this way.
The refresh strategy is smart. It focuses on improvements with shorter closing periods. Buildings, programs, and services will be updated. This will happen every seven years. It is better than the old 20- to 30-year cycle.
What changed with the refresh? Two small conference rooms were created. The service desks were combined. This improved customer service. More electrical outlets were installed. People can now plug in laptops and tablets easily. The children’s area was repainted and re-carpeted. A teen area was created. It has space for collaboration.
These improvements help with increased usage. More people are using the Twinbrook Library.
The Twinbrook Library celebrated its 50th anniversary on May 2, 2009. There was free entertainment for all ages. County Executive Isiah Leggett spoke. County Council President Phil Andrews also spoke. Parker Hamilton, Libraries Director, made remarks too.
There were many performances. The Jin Ling Washington Chinese Dancing Academy performed. Peerless Rockville talked about 50 years at Twinbrook Library. There was a Celebrity Read Aloud. Young musicians from Rockville High School played. Shazam Magic Show featured a live bunny. Twinbrook Elementary School poetry winners performed. The school chorus sang. Ramon Gonzales played Latin American Guitar.
Parker Hamilton said libraries were very different 50 years ago. Buildings and collections were different. She noted some things haven’t changed. Staff dedication shapes the library. Innovative programs reflect community interests.
Twinbrook Library is a valuable community place. It is a resource in central Montgomery County. You can reach Twinbrook Library by bus. You can also take the Metro Red Line to Twinbrook Station. Then walk a mile.
The Twinbrook Library Advisory Committee is active. Storytimes are held here. There is also language learning and computer tech support.
The Twinbrook Library stands as a testament to community. It is a place of learning. It is a place of connection. It is a place for everyone.