Our Town Celebrates Opening of Southern Library

After years of anticipation, Our Town is opening the Southern Library to the public on Friday, April 19, at 9 a.m. and hosting a grand opening celebration for the community on Saturday, April 20, at 10 a.m. The Southern Library is located at 2518 Reader Road. With approximately 19,000 square feet, the library offers expanded collections, programs and meeting spaces. More than 70,000 residents live within 15 minutes of the library.

“We are thrilled to finally be opening the new Southern Library,” said the Our Town Library Director. “Our ability to provide our patrons with expanded access to materials, programs and technology is the direct result of all the hard work and dedication of our community supporters and elected officials.”

The Southern Library includes a children’s storytime area, reading nooks, a STEAM lab, study rooms, an outdoor patio, technology spaces, and more. 

The total cost to construct the new library was $14.7 million and was mostly made possible through the support of the community. In 2016, voters demonstrated their commitment to community enrichment by approving a $10 million bond for construction of the new library. Additionally, the Our Town Library Foundation, a nonprofit fundraising support group for Our Town Libraries, played a pivotal role, raising an additional $822,000 for books, amenities, technology and programming spaces.

“This library is much more than a physical space. It symbolizes a longtime commitment by residents to invest in community engagement and lifelong learning for generations to come,” said the Our Town Library Director.

For additional information on the Our Town Library, visit the Our Town website.