The Athens Drive Community Library is one step closer to its new home after the Wake County Board of Commissioners today approved the purchase of land across the street from its existing location in southwest Raleigh. The site is currently home to the former Well Fed Community Garden.
“We look forward to continuing to serve the community with a new, enhanced library,” said Wake County Commissioner Tara Waters. “This facility will support Wake County Public Libraries’ mission to inspire a love of reading and encourage lifelong learning for all residents.”
Commissioners voted 5-1 to approve the purchase, with Commissioner Susan Evans dissenting. Commissioner Vickie Adamson had an excused absence due to a death in the family.
Since 1978, the Athens Drive Community Library has operated within Athens Drive High School. The Wake County Public School System is preparing to redevelop the campus to meet current and future educational needs. The new high school design will not include space for the library, as those areas must be prioritized for academic and student program growth.
Wake County analyzed its service areas and customer drive times to identify suitable locations for a replacement facility, evaluating available properties in the preferred search area. They reviewed two potential sites in detail, and the parcels at 1321 and 1405 Athens Drive were selected as the most viable option.
The County will pay $1.57 million for the parcels, which total 2.62 acres. Funding is already appropriated within the County’s Capital Improvement Program and is supported by the 2024 bond for Wake County Public Libraries.
Design work for the new library facility is expected to begin in the fall. The library is projected to open in summer 2028.
For updates on the Athens Drive Community Library and other bond projects, visit wake.gov/librarybond24.
