Above: The engineering firm’s conceptual drawing of the proposed South County Library. Along with expanded space to host the library’s growing collection, amenities will include an auditorium, more public computer access, meeting rooms, a drive-up book return, a coffee shop and more!
Project Update: April 10, 2008
The design process for the South County Library is complete. Bids for construction will be taken in late May and early June 2008, and construction on the library is scheduled to begin in July 2008. The library will be located across from Penn Forest Elementary School in Southwest County.
In addition to more space for books, computer work stations and new media, the 55,000 sq. ft. South County Library will feature attractive displays, WiFi and docking stations, a small business center, cozy reading nooks, self-checkout stations and even a drive-through window for easy pick-up and return of materials. Bright colors and soaring ceilings will draw children into the area designed just for them with right-sized furniture and educational computers, as well as a special programming room. Windows throughout the first and second floors will offer sweeping views of the adjacent nature trails and parks.
The young adult section on the terrace level will have space for interactive technology, special collections, homework help, and individual and group study. The community center will include a large meeting room that can be subdivided into smaller rooms, an auditorium, a coffee shop, an information commons area, a used book shop, and two computer labs. The entire center can be closed off from the rest of the library to host after-hours events.
Construction work on the library should be completed by March 2010. Entrance to the library will be through a roundabout to be constructed at the intersection of Meadowlark Road and Merriman Road. Construction on the roundabout will begin in early 2009 and will be completed by summer 2009. Construction will be scheduled to minimize traffic disruptions on Meadowlark and Merriman roads.
Roanoke County is moving forward with plans to protect the wetland areas around the library in perpetuity, and has received preliminary approval for grant funds to install raised walking platforms and nature trails on site.
See the architect's conceptual 3-D flyover of Roanoke County's South County Library on our video page
Project Update: July 2007
Development continues on the proposed design for a new Roanoke County Library in South County. The required rezoning of the site off Merriman Road from R-1 to C-2 with special use permit was completed in July. This will allow planning to proceed for this much-needed addition to the Roanoke County Library system.
Roanoke County Staff will be working closely with the architects, engineers, and others involved in creating the building design. As the documents are developed, staff will schedule a time to present more information to the Board of Supervisors.
Information Links:
Top Reasons For A New Library
Download the latest South County Library Conceptual Presentation
(PDF document 1.4 MB)
Background
Since its opening in 1972, Roanoke County's 419 Library has weathered many changes in public library information access, storage needs and media. As demand for modern library services far exceeds the 419 Library's ability to serve its community, a new headquarters library has been proposed for the south area of the County.
In addition to more space for books, computer work stations and new media, the proposed 56,000 square foot South County Library will have more than 11,000 square feet of community space, which can be closed off from the remainder of the library for after hours use. This section will include a large meeting room that can be subdivided into smaller rooms, an auditorium, a coffee