Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier announced the county is stopping construction on a new library in Middle River.
The plan called for a 25,810-square-foot library branch and adjacent 116-space parking lot the Greenleigh community in Middle River.
Klausmeier said the decision was made based on the financial burden Baltimore County is facing.
“After careful consideration, I made the decision to end negotiations to construct an additional library branch in Middle River,” she said.
“When I became Baltimore County executive this past January, I made a commitment to our residents that I would stabilize our county’s budget and limit new financial burdens in an increasingly uncertain fiscal climate.”
Klausmeier believes the commitment of building a new library would result in raising taxes.
“A lease agreement for a significant project like this proposed library would add tens of millions in unanticipated costs for lease payments, equipment, and maintenance over the next several decades, and doesn’t account for the millions in annual staffing costs needed to support a brand-new library branch. These new annual costs would elevate the risk that tax increases would be needed to honor a contractual commitment if revenue growth in Baltimore County is lower than expected, a risk that continues to grow after news from the State that revenues will be lower than expected in the coming fiscal year,” Klausmeier added.
She added the “much-needed” replacement of the Essex and Lansdowne library branches and the Randallstown library and recreation center will still receive funding. She encourages residents of the Middle River area to visit the Essex and White Marsh branches are approximately five miles—and the Perry Hall Branch six miles— from the proposed Middle River library location in Greenleigh.
“This decision was not made lightly, and in no way diminishes our resolve to invest in our public libraries when fiscally responsible,” she added.
“While a new library branch is an attractive amenity, my commitment to our residents in taking this office was to stabilize our budget and avoid the risk of present or future tax increases, and I plan on honoring that commitment.”
The announcement was not well received by the Middle River community, including its 5th District County Councilman David Marks.
He said Klausmeier’s decision to cancel the library is a “giant middle finger” to the Middle River community.
“Last summer, I formed a task force to look at the feasibility of establishing a library to serve the Middle River community. The task force included community leaders and representatives from the business community,” Marks said.
“There was strong support from the developers of Greenleigh, who understood how this library could draw visitors to restaurants and other businesses. More importantly, residents wanted a place where they could read, study, attend meetings, and gather with neighbors.”
Del. Ryan Nawrocki, also represents the Middle River and said he is disappointment in the decision.
“Baltimore County Councilman David Marks has fought tirelessly for this project, and both Delegate Kathy Szeliga and I have stood with him from the start. A library is not just about books—it’s about opportunity, learning, and a place for neighbors to come together. The Middle River community, local leaders, and Greenleigh developers all supported this project because they recognized its potential to strengthen our neighborhoods and economy,” Nawrocki said.
“Let’s be honest—if this were in Towson or on the Westside of the county, it would already be approved. Time and again, the Eastside is left behind, and families here deserve better.”
