2009.10.28
Photos: Ground broken for South County Library
Tuesday morning, Oct 27 marked a pivotal time for the new South County Library, which was scheduled to be built over a year ago in July 2008. The building of the 55,000 square-foot library was delayed when the plans came up over budget last year. Now the county has come one step closer to a new full-service library branch- the first in over 30 years.
Community members, Roanoke County Officials, and Roanoke County Library Officials gathered at10:30 a.m. for a ceremony prior to the breaking of ground. Speakers included Diane D. Hyatt, Assistant County Administrator, Charlotte A. Moore, Supervisor, Cave Spring District, Diana L. Rosapepe, Director of Library Services, Michael W. Altizer, Chairman, Board of Supervisors, James O. Nelson, Chair of the Library Board of Trustees, John L. Nettles, President of Friends of the Library, and B. Clayton Goodman III, Roanoke County's Administrator. Several children also participated in the groundbreaking event, Ella Lawrence, Jackson Lawrence, Adrianna Hall, T. K. Washington, Brennan Washington, and Xavier Mills Also present was former County Administrator John Chambliss and Board of Supervisors, Joseph B. "Butch" Church and Joseph P. McNamara.
Moore said that this will be the first library built in the Cave Spring District.
"The walking trails will provide hands-on education near schools and the wetlands," Moore said.
Rosapepe humored the crowd with descriptions of what patrons can expect not to have to do once the new library opens. These included darting across 410, waiting for use of computers, books stuff on the shelves on their sides, and being too close to strangers.
Altizer said, "I want to thank my board- everybody for being so proactive."
According to Nelson the last constructed library was the Glenvar Library 30 years ago. He also said that it has long been recognized the need for a new library.
"This is an exciting time to see the construction of this new library," Nelson said.
County Administrator Goodman said, "This library will be different. It will be a living library. It's going to become a community center. I've only been here six months, so I do not take credit for it, but I'd like to thank the board and those those around us like John Chambliss and Elmer Hodge."
The plan for the library, which will be built on Merriman Road across from Penn Forest Elementary, will provide modern features and a community meeting space, and even walking trails along the site's natural wetlands. This new library will replace the current, outdated and crowded 419/HQ Library built 40 years ago. It is currently the busiest library out of six branches in the county. 400,000 people visit the 419/HQ Library.
Plans for the new library began in 2005 after a comprehensive assessment of future needs. The library will cost $9 million and will be 54,000 square feet, including 5,000 square feet for an auditorium or community meeting space. The library is expected to be open on or before June 2011.
Upon entering the South County Library, patrons will find a roundabout at the intersection of Meadowlark Road and Merriman Road. Completion of the roundabout is tentatively on or before September 2010 and is hoped to minimize traffic disruptions on those roads.
The South County Library will have books, DVDS, and other materials, a copy center and self-checkout station on the first level. It will also include a children's area and story-time room, computer stations, meeting rooms, and seating options. There will also be a bookstore and coffee shop operated by Friends of the Library. A drive-through lane will also be provided where patrons can pick up or return materials.
On the second floor patrons can expect an adult collection of books, another copy center, reference materials, research desk, computer instructional lab, seating areas and views of the wetlands, study rooms, Young Adult room with teen reading materials, projection screen, computers, two diner-style booths for group study and a board and conference room.
Another feature will include a raised walking trails through the wetlands that will link to nearby parks and athletic fields. Informational signs will also be placed throughout the trails.
According to a recent press release, the South County Library is:
-designed specifically for the site, reducing impact on the wetland area and optimizing building orientation for day lighting and views
-incorporates many sustainable features, including an open space design, energy efficient heating and air conditioning systems, solar glazed windows, recycled materials and building components
-has created an opportunity to create an educational partnership between the schools, wetlands, walking trails and the library.
-will be a warm and welcoming community center
-a modern building designed to meet the needs of all citizens for many years to come.
View the slideshow above for photos, or click here for a more traditional view.
