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Williamsburg Proposes New Downtown Library

Architectural rendering of the proposed downtown library in Williamsburg.

News Summary

Williamsburg is moving forward with plans for a new downtown library, inviting residents to contribute feedback during two public sessions and through an online survey. The sessions aim to gather community input on the design and functionality of the proposed facility, which will be located near the existing library site. The project, estimated at $26.1 million, seeks to better serve the growing population and enhance community resources, ensuring the new library meets future demands for learning and connection.

Williamsburg is taking steps toward enhancing its community resources by proposing a new downtown library, and the city is inviting residents to participate in the planning process. Two public input sessions will be held to gather feedback and suggestions from the community about the proposed facility.

The first public input session is set for Thursday from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the Williamsburg Fire Department, located at 440 N. Boundary St. The second session will follow on May 20 from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM, also at the fire department. In addition to these sessions, the city will offer an online survey starting Thursday, available on the library’s website, which will remain open until May 30.

The new library is expected to be situated at or near the current library site, adjacent to the Stryker Center and City Square Park in downtown Williamsburg. Although the proposal is still in its early stages, the input gathered during these community sessions is essential for understanding the needs and preferences of library patrons.

The public input sessions will be conducted by the architecture team from Hourigan | Tymoff+Moss in an open-house format. Attendees will have access to five information stations where they can view design renderings, floor plans, site plans, and other materials related to the proposed library.

Hourigan, the architecture firm leading the project, has experience in library construction, having designed and built two libraries in Norfolk. The firm is currently working on constructing the new Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. The architectural team envisions the new library as a “centerpiece” for Williamsburg, aiming to serve the city and its surrounding communities effectively.

Sandy Towers, the Library Director, highlighted that the current library has been in operation since 1973 and has reached the end of its functional lifespan. The proposed development is intended to meet future demands for learning, access, and community connection. The library has undergone expansions in 1982 and 1998 to accommodate growing demand, but the city has noted that the community’s population has increased by 300% since the existing library was established.

The library’s development process will involve a two-phase approach outlined in an interim agreement with Hourigan construction. Phase 1 will focus on public input, while Phase 2 will concentrate on design elements, ensuring community feedback is integrated into the plans. The estimated cost for the new library’s design and construction is projected at $26.1 million.

The online survey, which is accessible at wrl.org/new-library, is aimed at gathering community input regarding the design and programming of the proposed library. This digital input mechanism is an additional avenue for community members who may not be able to attend the in-person sessions to share their thoughts and ideas.

The importance of including community input in the library’s development cannot be overstated as it is vital for ensuring that the final design reflects the needs and aspirations of the people it will serve. These input sessions and the online survey present opportunities for residents to express their vision for a new and enhanced library that can better serve Williamsburg for generations to come.

As Williamsburg moves forward with the proposal for a new downtown library, the city encourages all community members to participate in these opportunities to influence the design and functionality of a vital community resource.