A bigger, brighter chapter is ahead for library services in Southeast Raleigh. The Wake County Board of Commissioners today approved the purchase of property on New Birch Drive as the future home of a new community library, which will replace the Southgate branch that has served residents since 1985.
“This is a meaningful milestone for Southeast Raleigh,” said Wake County Commissioner Tara Waters. “Southgate has served as a cornerstone of this community for nearly 40 years, supporting so many individuals, families and partner organizations. This new location not only honors that rich history, but also expands our ability to foster learning, increase literacy and empower residents for decades to come.”
The $6.7 million purchase includes two recently constructed buildings at 2802 and 2818 New Birch Drive. The site will be converted into a modern library to meet the growing needs of the community, with a new lobby to link the two buildings together.
When complete, the library will feature enhanced programming spaces and offerings for all ages, an increased collection size, more public computers and technology access, and additional spaces for study, work and collaboration.
The new facility is one of several projects funded by the $142 million library bond voters approved in 2024. The investment will allow Wake County Public Libraries to expand services and provide state-of-the-art spaces for residents to read, learn and connect.
Design work for the project will begin later this year, with construction expected to start in 2027 and the new library opening in 2028. In the meantime, Southgate Community Library will continue to operate at its Rock Quarry Road location.
Stay up to date on library bond projects at wake.gov/librarybond24, and learn more about Wake County Public Libraries at wake.gov/libraries.
