How can we express Fayetteville Public Library’s importance to our community? The fact is it’s Beyond Words.
Our community boasts library use per capita that’s double the national average. We have proven by example the value of a library to its community, but our patrons’ needs are outgrowing our capacity, and we must grow to continue to meet the demand.
A new era for public libraries will begin right here, with ours, and the results really will be Beyond Words.
The new Fayetteville Public Library will be the first of its kind, with 82,500 additional square feet of space setting the stage for innovative programming and services well beyond just an increase in library collections. We’ll deliver experiences and opportunities that can’t be measured in checkouts and cardholders, but will be seen in the achievements of our patrons.
We need your help to make it happen. Fayetteville’s citizens demanded this transformation of the library with their votes, raising $26.9 million. We have $23 million more to raise in order to continue raising the bar and surpassing Fayetteville’s expectations.
The main entrance on School Avenue will allow for easy access to the addition and current Blair building.
The foyer at the new School Avenue entrance will feature a new grand staircase that links the second and third floors of the library and will be where patrons will pick-up holds and check out equipment.
The Center for Innovation will feature spaces like an audio recording studio, video recording studio, simulation lab, virtual reality lab, and editing suites.
The children’s library will double in size and feature distinct spaces for preschool, elementary, and teenage patrons.
The expansion will connect to the current building under the ellipse and cascade down School Avenue. Additional surface parking will be added at the south end of the site.
The gathering glade will allow for more outdoor programmable space like farmer’s markets, Summer Reading Club kick-off, community events.
