When its doors swung open in September 2025, the Kevin Brady Library and Community Center began a new chapter. And it wasn't just of the literary type. Architectural and construction teams redesigned a previously-used-as-a-grocery-store space into a modern venue replete with community spaces and freshly arranged book shelves for the public to explore.
Part of the Montgomery County Memorial Library System, the location—named for former U.S. representative Kevin Brady—replaces the South Regional Library on Lake Robbins Drive. Construction began on the new library during summer 2024 with the goal of establishing a new community anchor to support the present and empower the future.
Not Your Grandmother’s Library
As with any library, there are books, and lots of them. They are part of well-defined spaces for children, teens, and adults, plus innovative reading nooks and built-in study pods. And there’s even a large, dedicated area that gives teens their own library space, and eight study rooms and two conference rooms. Plus, a future play area is planned for the Children’s Department with educational and age-appropriate toys, as well as more technology (including gaming equipment for teens) in the Young Adult area.
“The Kevin Brady Library provides various services and programs for all ages to choose from and enjoy,” MCMLS Executive Library Director Dr. Janna Hoglund said. “The library represents our commitment to lifelong learning and connection. It is a space where everyone can explore, discover, and grow together.”
A Flagship for Now and the Future
In fact, this 48,000-square-foot flagship comes with its own community center, making it a destination that includes just about everything the area could imagine. The location embraces wide-open spaces that welcome community engagement, plus plenty of amenities that are ready for the public, and others in the works: the library area is developing a professional podcast studio with audiovisual production capabilities. And a specialized space with various advanced equipment will include 3D modular printers, a 3D scanner, VR equipment and more.
Did Someone Say Ballroom?
There’s also a ballroom available, accommodating 300 people, and it’s a great place for weddings, banquets, and large events. In addition, guests will enjoy the state-of-the-art, theater-style-tiered classroom that seats 98—ample space for lectures, training, and educational purposes. On top of it all, there are boardrooms, event rooms and meeting rooms. Plus, there’s space for a Friends Bookshop operated by The South Montgomery County Friends of the Library for children’s, young adult, and adult selections shopping.
Popular classes continue, ranging from Senior Game Days, to Baby & Me Storytime, and everything in between, including daily community activities and summer reading programs.
Some might say there’s no better time to get a library card.
The Kevin Brady Library is located in the Grogan’s Mill Village Center at 2250 Buckthorne Place