Lewis Contractors Begins Work for Carroll County Public Library’s Exploration Commons

Lewis Contractors is pleased to announce that they have been selected to construct the transformative Exploration Commons at 50 East project for Carroll County Public Library in Westminster, MD. Carroll County Public Library (CCPL) opened in 1958 with a mission to meet the lifelong education needs of county residents. Today, CCPL stands at the forefront of providing access to personal development and self-directed learning. Exploration Commons will continue that mission with technology-based programming, access to equipment and instruction to support individuals’ professional, educational and personal goals.

This 13,000 SF renovation will convert the unused lower level of the library into a makerspace, meeting space, a teaching kitchen, and support space for other library programs. The new main entry at the side of the building will provide a communicating stairway and elevator access to both the library and Exploration Commons. Intended to be open 67 hours per week once completed, Exploration Commons will be an educational hub for Carroll and the surrounding counties providing innovative learning experiences for visitors of all ages and abilities. Meeting space will provide collaborative workspace for events, meetings, projects and personal study.

The library is scheduled to remain open throughout construction, and Lewis Contractors will work with library administrators to explore potential learning experiences for CCPL personnel and visitors throughout the process. Minor demolition and construction work is scheduled to be completed within the confines of the library as new heating, ventilation and air conditioning is installed for the formerly unused lower level. Construction work is anticipated to provide only minimal interruption to ongoing library activities.