Design

The facility consists of 12 rows of 30-foot high racks containing approximately 9,900 shelves. Staff use a hydraulic order picker to store and retrieve materials on the high shelves. The storage area is climate controlled to maintain an appropriate environment for books and documents (temperature 65, humidity 50%). The storage trays are made from acid-free cardboard to prevent deterioration of materials stored in the facility.

Fire Suppression

The WRLC book storage facility is outfitted with 60 ESFR (Early Suppression Fast Response) sprinklers located above the aisles, activated individually by heat detection. ESFR suppression-mode sprinklers are designed to suppress fires in warehouses by discharging large amounts of water at a high speed very early in fire development to penetrate the fire plume, prevent the fire from spreading beyond its origin, and reduce roof level temperatures quickly to safe levels, minimizing structural damage. The auxiliary fire pump attached to the main water supply supports the ESFR sprinklers so that up to 12 sprinklers will operate simultaneously at a discharge pressure of 75 psi. Up to twenty sprinklers will operate simultaneously at a discharge pressure of 50 psi.

The facility is also equipped with a complete fire protection signaling system, with detection and alarm capability. It monitors the readiness and operation of the sprinkler system (tamper and flow) and provides for early-warning smoke detection via 32 smoke detectors in return air ducts and at ceiling height.

Security System

Access to the entire WRLC facility is controlled by a card-access security system. Staff members are issued cards programmed to permit or deny access to controlled interior areas (including the book storage facility) on a "need-to-enter" basis. The book storage area also contains motion detectors which are automatically activated from 7:00 pm to 6:30 am daily.

Central monitoring

WRLC maintains a contract with a security firm for 24-hour remote monitoring of smoke, fire, and security conditions at the WRLC facility.

901 Commerce Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774

Phone:

(301) 390-2000