This Frederick passport facility, the Urbana Regional Library, stands as a cornerstone of community life and essential services within the rapidly developing Villages of Urbana. Situated prominently at 9020 Amelung Street, a key thoroughfare just off the bustling Fingerboard Road (MD-80), this modern library facility provides invaluable passport application and renewal assistance to a diverse demographic. It primarily serves the residents of Urbana and the surrounding Frederick County communities, including families from the Villages of Urbana, commuters residing in Adamstown and Ballenger Creek who seek convenient local services, and an increasing number of professionals working in the growing technology and biotech sectors along the I-270 corridor. Its strategic location makes it easily accessible for parents needing to secure travel documents for their children attending Urbana High School or Urbana Middle School, as well as individuals frequently traveling for business or leisure from this dynamic exurban hub. The facility distinguishes itself through its commitment to community engagement and educational enrichment, offering a welcoming environment that extends beyond passport services. Unlike more industrial or purely transactional passport acceptance facilities, the library’s setting encourages a more relaxed, resource-rich experience. The modern architectural design, characterized by expansive windows allowing ample natural light and a thoughtful layout that promotes both collaborative and quiet study, reflects Urbana’s contemporary growth while retaining a sense of community connection. Historically, Urbana transformed from a quiet agricultural crossroads into a vibrant, planned community beginning in the late 20th century. The establishment of the Urbana Regional Library in 2002 was a direct response to this burgeoning population, quickly becoming a central point for residents. The library’s role as a passport acceptance facility, initiated in 2007, further solidified its status as an indispensable public resource, adapting to the evolving needs of a mobile, globally-aware populace. Within a five-block radius, several key landmarks enhance the library’s convenience and local context. Immediately across Amelung Street to the south, the expansive Urbana District Park offers recreational opportunities, making it a natural gathering point for families before or after appointments. To the east, just a short walk down Amelung Street, the comprehensive Market District shopping center houses a Giant Food grocery store and various eateries, providing practical amenities for those needing to run errands. The library itself is nestled within a larger civic complex that includes the Urbana Senior Center and the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office Urbana Station, underscoring its integrated role in the community’s public services. Moreover, the proximity to Urbana Elementary School on the adjacent side of the park highlights its function as a family-friendly destination. This facility is particularly adept at handling first-time passport applications for minors, a common necessity for families in this family-oriented area, offering a calm and professional setting that many find preferable to busier postal branches. The library staff, often seasoned employees with extensive public service experience, are trained to navigate the intricacies of passport requirements with patience and precision, an invaluable asset for applicants who may find the process daunting. The commitment to providing accessible, efficient, and friendly service makes Urbana Regional Library an exemplary passport acceptance facility, embodying the proactive spirit of the Frederick County Public Libraries system in supporting its patrons’ diverse needs, from literary pursuits to international travel preparations.
