THE VISION

A Hub of Opportunity & Growth

By moving the Central Library to Columbia’s Lakefront, we strengthen the county’s civic and cultural heart while unlocking new opportunities for housing, education, and economic growth. This project honors Columbia’s original vision of inclusion and innovation, and positions Howard County for a stronger future.

THE IMPACT

A Cultural & Economic Investment

Howard County's new Central Library at the Lakefront is a cultural investment and an economic one.*

*The Economic & Fiscal Impacts of the Lakefront Library; Sage Policy Group

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The Urban Libraries Council report on downtown libraries notes, "today’s libraries have become platforms for economic participation and growth. These positive effects ripple to the surrounding neighborhood, injecting pure energy into civic cores...Each offering or event from a central library is also an opportunity for a local small business or attraction. Before and after a library visit, we found a marked increase in library patrons also visiting cafes, restaurants, stores, and other cultural venues."

EDUCATION & LIFELONG LEARNING

Howard County's new Central Library at the Lakefront extends learning beyond the classroom for children, teens, and adults.

Early learners will explore discovery spaces that prepare them for kindergarten.
Students and teens will collaborate in maker labs, group study spaces, and creative classrooms.
Adults and seniors will access lifelong learning programs, digital literacy training, and community resources in a setting designed for connection and well-being.

The result: a civic hub that fosters curiosity, creativity, and collaboration for all ages.