Beechfield Media CenterX

Following the successful model of the Robin Hood project in New York City Public Schools, Baltimore City Public Schools has undertaken the renovation of its libraries to provide each school with a state-of-the-art “heart”, a center marrying books, multimedia, computer technology, and warm, welcoming, well-lit spaces with a unique identity. Many of these facilities are located in hard worn schools in war torn neighborhoods; as such, the library media center is a center of calm, an oasis of opportunity, a place for learning and dreaming and advancement.

Beechfield Elementary School had not undergone any significant renovations since it was built over 60 years ago. Three years ago, as part of system-wide City School restructuring, the school was converted to a pre-k to eight school. The library was in poor condition, with aging computers, few books, undersized, and inadequate to meet the needs of the older student population.

The new library media center was expanded in size and designed to accommodate the diverse age groups. The new center features a story area, 30 computer stations, and a group instructional area. The IT infrastructure, lighting, mechanical and electrical systems were all upgraded; the space was air conditioned. Existing bookcases were refinished. Existing windows were scheduled to remain, but the discolored lexan panels were replaced with clear. Acoustical panels were installed in the cavities of the waffle slab ceiling, which was left exposed. Additional color was introduced through the sun and compass floor patterns, swooping curved bulkheads which contain the new ac, art glass in the story area concealing burglar bars and a view of the roofscape, and hand painted murals.