From kindergarten through 12th grade, I used the Pratt Library branch at Park Heights and Garrison.

It closed more than 20 years ago.

In Annapolis next year, I’ll be working with Mayor Pugh and my 40th and 41st District colleagues to secure state funding to help build a new branch – one block away at Park Heights and Woodland.

That location is next to the C.C. Jackson Recreation Center, which features a baseball/football field, thanks to the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation.

The new library site was chosen after a study funded with the slots money designated for Park Heights redevelopment.

In addition to books, a 21st Century library provides computer access and social services for its borrowers.

I was reminded of that at a community meeting about the new branch this week.

I also saw that when I visited branches in my district that are open longer hours because of legislation we enacted after the Pennsylvania Av. branch stayed open in the midst of the Freddie Gray demonstrations.

Communities cherish their library.