Wake County residents can track progress on library bond projects on new website

Residents can now stay up to date on projects funded by the $142 million bond for Wake County Public Libraries, which voters approved in November, thanks to a new website.

The site, wake.gov/LibraryBond24, provides a centralized location where people can find up-to-date information on all bond-funded initiatives. The webpage includes a project-by-project chart outlining the current status, estimated opening date and phase of development — from land acquisition to planning, design or construction.

“Voters approved this bond, so we want to keep them informed when it comes to progress on projects,” said Wake County Commissioner Vickie Adamson. “It allows residents to see exactly how their tax dollars are being invested in modernizing and expanding access to public libraries.”

While timelines may change due to factors such as vendor availability and other needs, the first round of projects is expected to be complete in 2028. This includes renovations at Richard B. Harrison Community Library, the Express Library – Fayetteville Street and the Library Administration Building; replacement of the Athens Drive Community Library; and construction of a new community library in Rolesville.

More project details

The bond, which was approved by 56% of voters in November, will fund projects to construct new libraries, as well as expand and renovate existing ones.

In order to increase the number of Wake County residents who have a public library within a 10-minute drive of their home, the County will build the following:

  • 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 will help meet the needs of the area’s growing population.

  • Replacement of the Athens Drive Community Library: When the Wake County Public School System begins renovation of Athens Drive High School in 2026, 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.

To meet the demands of population growth on library services, the County will expand the Fuquay-Varina Community Library into a regional library. In fiscal year 2024, this library has seen the highest circulation of all community libraries — and even more than several regional libraries.

Renovations will address aging facilities, building system upgrades (such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning and roof replacement), furniture and other enhancements at:

Updates will be posted regularly at wake.gov/LibraryBond24.

Department
Libraries
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Press Release