February 1, 2012 —  Howard County Library System celebrated the Grand Opening of The Charles E. Miller Branch & Historical Center. The festivities began with musical entertainment by Mount Hebron High School students, followed by the Presentation of Colors by Boy Scout Troop 757. U.S. Congressman Elijah Cummings (D-MD), Maryland State Senator James Robey, Howard County Executive Ken Ulman, Howard County Library System CEO Valerie J. Gross, and other dignitaries provided remarks and then cut the ribbon to officially open the building.

Ken Ulman commented in a release, "How many places in this country need police directing traffic at a library? That's because of everyone here and the priority that you place on education."

The building matches the caliber of the curriculum HCLS delivers under its three pillars: Self-Directed Education, Research Assistance & Instruction, and Instructive & Enlightening Experiences. At 63,000 square feet, the new Miller Branch is HCLS' largest branch. It includes nine study rooms (for individuals and groups), 100 public computers, a 3,000 square foot meeting room (which can be partitioned into three smaller rooms), and a state-of-the-art tech lab. It includes a collection of 250,000 items, including books, e-books, audiobooks, movies, music, and specialized online research tools. Designed to capture the benefits of natural lighting and maximize energy efficiency, the new Miller Branch was designed to achieve LEED Silver Certification. The building also features a Terrace Overlook and green vegetated roof on the second floor.

Partnering with the Howard County Historical Society and other organizations, the Historical Center vision brings history to life through research opportunities, classes, seminars, and events that focus on Howard County and Maryland history. The HCLS Charles E. Miller Branch & Historical Center is envisioned as a hub for historical research in Howard County and central Maryland.

Situated on the quarter-acre parcel adjacent to the new branch, an Enchanted Garden will be used to teach children and adults how to grow edible and indigenous plants. Opening in May of 2012, the garden will also supplement HCLS' systemwide focus on STEM and environmental education.