In 2024, voters passed a $142 million bond for Wake County Public Libraries.
Current Status
Learn about the status of current projects and progress that's been made so far. Please check back, as timelines may change due to factors such as vendor availability and other needs.
View the current status of approved projects:
| Project | Estimated Opening Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Southgate Community Library | 2028 | Planning & Design Phase |
| Richard B. Harrison Community Library | 2028 | Future Project |
| Express Library – Fayetteville St. | 2028 | Future Project |
| Southeast Regional Library | 2028 | Future Project |
| Athens Drive Community Library | 2029 | Land Acquisition |
| Friendship Community Library | 2029 | Future Project |
| Rolesville Community Library | 2029 | Future Project |
| Green Road Community Library | 2030 | Future Project |
| Zebulon Community Library | 2030 | Future Project |
| Leesville Community Library | 2031 | Future Project |
| Wendell Community Library | 2031 | Future Project |
| Fuquay-Varina Community Library | 2032 | Future Project |
| Northeast Regional Library | 2032 | Future Project |
| Olivia Raney Local History Library | 2032 | Future Project |
Status options: Future Project, Land Acquisition Phase, Community Engagement Phase, Planning & Design Phase, Construction Phase
Project Descriptions
Select a category below to learn more about the details of current projects.
New Libraries (total $67.1 Million)
Goal: Increase the number of Wake County residents who have a public library within a 10-minute drive of their home.
- A new community library in Rolesville: Rolesville is the only municipality in Wake County that doesn’t currently have a library, and it is one of the fastest-growing communities. The design would include a Peace and Justice Memorial.
- A new community library in the Friendship area of Apex: This library would help meet the needs of the area’s growing population.
- Replacement of the Athens Drive Community Library: When the Wake County Public School System completes renovation of Athens Drive High School in 2029, a new library will need to be built to serve this area.
- Replacement of the Wendell Community Library: The smallest library in the system is no longer adequate to serve the rapidly growing Wendell population.
- Replacement of the Southgate Community Library: Replacement of this library with a larger stand-alone facility will better meet the needs of the population of southeast Raleigh.
- Replacement of the Olivia Raney Local History Library.
Library Expansion (total $12.3 Million)
Goal: Meet the demands of population growth on library service.
- Expansion of the Fuquay-Varina Community Library: In fiscal year 2024, this library has seen the highest circulation of all community libraries—and even more than several regional libraries. This will expand the facility from a community library to a regional library.
- Expansion of the Green Road Community Library.
Existing Library Renovations (total $43.3 Million)
Goal: Address aging facilities, building system upgrades (such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning and roof replacement), furniture and other enhancements.