Bladensburg Branch Library, PGCMLS — Attraction in Bladensburg

Beautiful yet disappointing expenditure of tax dollars. This feels like a really big internet cafe. I frequent a lot of libraries in the area. I appreciate the attempt to modernize but I am really disappointed by the use of our tax dollars. This library is not very functional and usable.

Below are aspects that make this library not very usable—that I hope management works to improve:

There are very few places to sit and do work. The tables are few and far between. Most of the tables are small and have computers on them which leaves very little surface area if you are not interested in using their computers. The few tables without a screen are small and lack power outlets embedded nor adjacent. As a result, one can’t spread out their books and note pad, laptop comfortably nor can one charge their device. It is very odd and usual compared to other libraries in the area.

The other very odd design choice is the enormous open space/dead space that wastes 40% of the footprint making it feel more like an event space than a library.

Another oddity is that the circulation desk also occupies a huge portion of the footprint inside—especially for such a small collection it doesn’t make sense.

The study rooms are not a reprieve from the poor design. They feature super tiny tables and no windows for natural light (except for the larger group rooms which have a tiny sliver too high for you to see out of). The larger group study rooms also have tiny octagon shaped table that cannot comfortably fit a small group.

In addition, there are barely any reading nooks/arm chairs/accent chairs. Few areas in the library to sit and read.

The teenage section is fully encouraging teens to plop in front of a screen all day. There is only one table without computer on it. All other tables are lined with monitors.

Overall if you are looking for a good library to work or study from I would definitely recommend other nearby one's.... The Long Branch Library. The Lamond-Riggs/Lillian J. Huff Neighborhood Library near...

I really hate going to this library. Every time I come here, I get this vibe from the front desk that I'm not welcomed. I can overlook how old and outdated this place is because when I need a quick print or scan job, it gets the job done. So no it's not as new and fast as other libraries. Yes it's small and old. But the thing I cannot overlook is the negative vibe from the front desk. Particularly from the elderly people at the front desk. I greet them and never get anything back. They would hold up their finger as a signal of being busy instead of simply saying hi. If you cannot do a simple multitask of greeting your guest and type, idk what to say because it takes less than 4 seconds to do so. Also, they need a "NO FOOD OR DRINK" sign At the ENTRANCE OF THE DOOR BEFORE YOU COME IN. not when you're already settling inside of...

Highly disappointed.Very dirty feeling inside and out. Trash all on the outside of building, people laying on the sidewalks (sleep, smoking, etc) and just sitting around on the inside. The kids area is a joke! Dirty tissues on the ground, small selection of books and dirty, old looking play toys. I will not be...