News Summary
Residents of James City County came together at the Recreation Center to discuss a proposed 25,000-square-foot library addition. This session is part of an effort to gather public feedback on a $49.58 million project, which aims to enhance library services in the community. Library officials emphasize the need for more space and modern facilities to meet evolving community needs. The next input session is scheduled for Wednesday, allowing more residents to share their thoughts on this significant enhancement to the local library system.
James City County Hosts Community Input Session for Proposed New Library Addition
James City County residents gathered at the James City County Recreation Center on Monday for a community input session to discuss the proposed construction of a new library. This event marks the first of two planned sessions aimed at gathering public feedback on a proposed 25,000-square-foot library addition to the Williamsburg Regional Library system.
The estimated cost for the new library addition is $49.58 million, which is separate from the proposed government center that carries an estimated cost of $189.5 million. The new facility is planned to be located adjacent to the government center, enhancing access for community members who frequent both sites. Approximately 80 residents attended the session, which featured an open house format that allowed attendees to view displays and ask questions about the project.
The addition of this library would create the third branch in the Williamsburg Regional Library system. Currently, the system includes the James City County Library on Croaker Road and the Williamsburg Library on Scotland Street. Due to the aging infrastructure of the Williamsburg Library, there are also plans to replace it to better serve the community.
Library Director Sandy Towers highlighted that the need for additional square footage has been recognized for several years, as the request for the new library has been part of the county’s capital improvement plan since 2019. The last library constructed in the county was the Croaker Road library, completed in 1996. With this new proposal, officials aim to offer a modern, 21st-century library experience that caters to the evolving needs of the community.
The upcoming library is planned to provide a variety of services, including computer access, Wi-Fi, resume support, and reading groups, emphasizing the library’s role beyond just a place to borrow books. Assistant County Administrator Brad Rinehimer noted that libraries have transformed to meet diverse community needs, and the new facility is expected to reflect this change.
The strategic location of the proposed library is designed to ensure ease of access for citizens visiting the nearby government center, further fostering community engagement. Both Williamsburg and James City County jointly contribute to shaping the library system, with York County also playing a supportive role. Ongoing discussions are occurring regarding contracts with the regional library system, with the intention of ensuring continued support and collaboration with York County.
The next public input session will take place on Wednesday, from 4:30 to 7 p.m., at the same recreation center. Community members who wish to provide input but are unable to attend the session can fill out an online survey regarding the new library proposal. For additional information, residents are encouraged to visit the library’s designated project webpage.
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Additional Resources
- Daily Press: Williamsburg Regional Library Holds First of Two Public Sessions on Proposed New Library
- Williamsburg Families: Summer Reading Program
- Daily Press: James City County Approves Contract for Library Playground
- Wikipedia: Public Library
- Williamsburg Families: Public Input Sessions for Proposed New Library
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Library
