Maggie Schorr knows what a pain the Catonsville Library?s rear door can be.
When she was a mother struggling with a stroller, the heavy, cumbersome door was a nightmare even without the loads of books she carried out.
“The door is awkward and a huge hassle to open,” she said.
With parking located behind one of the county?s busiest libraries, Schorr is among the 70 percent of the library?s 1,400 customers a day who enter through the dreaded rear door. Most vulnerable are the disabled and elderly, who often wait outside until someone can help.
But when Schorr, who is president of the Friends of the Catonsville Library ? a fundraising group that has sponsored everything from snacks at book club meetings to a new circulation desk ? approached District 1 County Council Councilman Sam Moxley about getting an electronic door, he said they?d have to help foot the bill.
The Friends launched a massive campaign last November and, with the help of local developer Charles Skirven, raised $30,000 by August ? a huge amount compared to the $5,000 it collects during an annual drive.
That?s when Moxley changed his mind.
“Once they agreed to do that, I said they really shouldn?t have to pay for this,” Moxley said. “You have dynamic individuals, folks like Maggie, who have lots of energy and positive action and are willing to partner with the county.”
The county reserved $191,000 in their capital budget for the project. The combined funds will pay for a new electronic door, entranceway, landscaping and improved lighting. The back of the building, Moxley said, essentially will become the front.
The back entrance is already closed and construction is expected to commence today after a ceremonial groundbreaking with pomp and several local politicians including Moxley, County Executive Jim Smith and three state delegates.
But for library regulars like Schorr, the real celebration awaits.
“The quality of life of our patrons will skyrocket with the new door,” she said. “Patrons will pay fines with a smile on their face after the construction is complete.”
IF YOU GO
» What: Groundbreaking for new entrance at the Catonsville Library
» Where: 1100 Frederick Road, Catonsville
» When: 10:30 a.m.
