New Riviera Beach Library Expected To Open In September

Anne Arundel County Public Library (AACPL) officials announced that the new Riviera Beach Library will likely open in September. The temporary library at 8485A Fort Smallwood Road will close on July 15, as staff prepare to move to the branch’s permanent location at 1130 Duvall Highway.

The new 20,000 square-foot library will be double the size of the former facility and offer an enlarged children’s area including a separate room for programs, Club 1117 teen space, a large meeting room available for public use, individual study rooms, outdoor boardwalk space and a new collection of books, movies and more.

“We are excited to be one step closer to opening this fabulous new library,” said AACPL CEO Skip Auld. “This improved facility will offer tremendous educational and enrichment opportunities for all ages and will serve the needs of the Pasadena community for generations to come.”

The new library has been under construction since late 2020 and the project has suffered from pandemic-related supply chain issues. Local firm Grimm + Parker are the architects on the project and have a long track record of creating imaginative, inspiring libraries for the 21st century. Most recently, they completed the Laurel Library in 2016. They also designed the Crofton Library in 2002. The total cost for the new building is $15.9 million.