PENDER COUNTY — Pender County is moving forward with a major expansion of its library system, scheduled to break ground on a new 20,000-square-foot facility in Hampstead next week.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Hampstead Branch Library is set for Wednesday, May 6, at 10 a.m. at 15146 U.S. Highway 17. Once completed in summer 2027, the library will be roughly twice the size of the current Hampstead branch, moving to a standalone facility built to accommodate the rapid population growth in the eastern part of the county.
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The $10-million-plus project was designed by Sawyer Sherwood and Associate, alongside library consulting firm ReThinking Libraries. The physical build, handled by Daniels & Daniels Construction Co., accounts for $7.9 million of the budget, while the remaining funds are allocated for architecture, engineering, and outfitting the interior with technology and books.
The design process relied on community surveys and public work sessions where residents specifically requested more than just book storage; as a result, the plans include a noise-buffered children’s wing and a dedicated teen space with lounge seating and tables for group work.
Planned features for the new branch include a significantly expanded children’s collection and a semi-covered outdoor courtyard for reading and public programming. The facility will also house two large meeting rooms and eight private study rooms for individual or group use.
The new location on Highway 17 is part of a long-term strategy by county officials to keep pace with a population that has surged by nearly 20% over the last decade. By placing the facility on the Highway 17 corridor, the county is targeting the area’s highest density of residential growth, ensuring educational resources are available within Hampstead.
Community members and local officials are invited to attend the ceremony. Additional project updates and site plans can be found through the Pender County Library website.
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