Thanks for Supporting the Call for a Library in Middle River!
We appreciate every person who has added their support for this petition to bring a public library to Middle River!
Many of you have asked for more details about the proposal being considered.
This is a complex and fast-moving process to finalize a long-term agreement. While it won’t hit the County’s FY2026 budget, it will impact FY2027 and beyond. With ongoing uncertainty at the state and federal levels it's fair that people have questions.
The Proposal
St. John Properties (SJP) will design, build, and lease the library to Baltimore County Government (BCG) on behalf of BCPL.
35-year lease with two 10-year renewal options.
Annual lease payment: Starts at $870,750 in FY2027, increasing by 2.75% per year.
SJP covers all site work (utilities, parking, landscaping, signage) and builds a LEED Gold–certified shell.
SJP contributes $80/sq. ft. (~$2.06M) toward the interior (HVAC, plumbing, electrical)—about 80% of interior costs.
What BCPL & the Foundation Are Contributing
$1.7M (one-time) for furniture, technology, and security (from BCPL).
$925K/year for staff (increasing ~5% annually, from BCPL’s operating budget).
$500K–$750K from the BCPL Foundation for books and materials.
Other County Costs
Approx. $222K/year for taxes, insurance, maintenance, and utilities.
Bottom line: If we stick with the $80/s.f. interior plan, the County’s Year One investment is roughly $1 million, then gradually increases.
How Quickly Can We Get a Library?
For the project to move forward, the lease must be signed by June 30, 2025.
The Community would provide input in the summer of 2025, with construction to begin soon after.
The developer would plan to have the library open for our community to enjoy by January 2027
What Can I Do Now?
Help us get to 1,000 signatures by sharing the petition and telling your friends, family, and neighbors about this incredible opportunity for public/private partnership to bring a library, and all of the resources, programs, and services that entails, to a rapidly growing and often underserved community.