Riviera Beach celebrates opening of state-of-the-art library branch

The Riviera Beach library first opened in 1971, making it one of the oldest in Anne Arundel County.

In 2015, funding was approved to replace the aging structure at 1130 Duvall Hwy., and in 2021 the county finally broke ground on the project.

More than three years later, residents, library officials and local leaders gathered Thursday to celebrate the unveiling of the state-of-the-art facility that’s double the size of the original and includes numerous modern amenities.

“We have looked forward to this for a long time, and it’s absolutely gorgeous,” said Susan Rowe, a preschool teacher at Community Christian Preschool for the last 16 years and a Pasadena resident. “It’s such beautiful place for the kids and parents to come in the community. I just love it.”

Rowe and her students were the first to check out the new building and the kids got to enjoy the mini kitchen set, jumbo Connect 4 game and mini tunnelin the children’s play area.

Distinguished guests for the grand opening were Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman, Dels. Nic Kipke and Brian Chisholm and District 3 County Council member Nathan Volke.

Pittman’s predecessor, Steve Schuh, and the County Council approved $16 million for the redevelopment. The cost of the project, initially set to begin in 2018, later ballooned to $19 million.

“I am thrilled to see the completion of this much-needed addition to our community,” Pittman said. “The Riviera Beach Library will serve as a hub for learning, creativity and connection for residents of all ages.”

The 20,000-square-foot facility is on the same campus as the original library. It It grew in size thanks to the removal of some trees on the property. The library is now prominently displayed on Duval Highway across the street from Northeast High School.

Inside, the facility has a nautical theme that incorporates elements of the Chesapeake Bay. The library has a large children’s play area, four study rooms, a dedicated teen space, 20 public computers, an outdoor patio, a large meeting room and brand-new books and other materials.

Years after renovations began, residents finally have a community library in their backyard, said Valery Salas, a Riviera Beach resident.

“We just were in Annapolis at their library the other day”, said Salas, who was visiting the library for the first time with her 1-year-old, Cash. “We can walk to this one, so that’s amazing.”

Maribel Ibrahim, a facilities director for the library system and a Severna Park resident, was so excited about the grand opening that she brought her two children to the event.

“This place is so cool, we have to come back,” said Ibrahim’s daughter, Maya, a junior at Severna Park High School.

Maribel said she knows how long the Riviera Beach community has been waiting for this library and is proud that she helped provide the area with a library residents could be proud of.

Jan Safras, a Pasadena resident, said she isn’t sure she has ever seen new library books before, so that was one standout moment for her first visit.

In the past Safras had only seen used books at the library, but at the new Riviera Beach building the shelves are stocked full of books that have never been opened.

“I’ve been going to the Glen Burnie Library so it’s nice to have one close again,” she said. “I will miss the pine trees that used to hide the library a bit but we’re modern now and this is really nice.”

Skip Auld, CEO of Anne Arundel County Public Library, said this new library is much more than just a building filled with books.

“It is a catalyst for positive change within our community, promoting education, inclusivity and empowerment,” he said. “I appreciate the community’s patience during construction, and I know the positive impact this library will have on our customers is sure to be felt for years to come.”