NEW HANOVER COUNTY — A fifth branch of the New Hanover County Public Library is one step closer to becoming a reality.
READ MORE: NHC hosts information sessions about adding fifth library branch
With unanimous approval from the county commissioners, excluding Jonathan Barfield, who was absent from the meeting, the construction contract for the proposed 19,941-square-foot Northchase library has been authorized.
The project cost is estimated to be $13 million, including a $95,000 allocation for public art, in addition to construction expenses, furniture, fixtures, and equipment.
Monteith Construction has been contracted, out of six bids received in April, for the project for $9.3 million.
The library, to be located at the intersection of North College Road and Northchase Parkway, will include a multimedia social room, a dedicated gaming area, children’s pavilion, and, as commissioner Rob Zapple humorously remarked during the meeting, “plenty of room for books.”
David King, senior facilities coordinator for New Hanover County, emphasized that the space will be thoughtfully designed to maximize natural light.
The library is anticipated to be completed in 2025.
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