Wed. Nov 27th, 2024

sign for library bonds

Wake County voters approved on Tuesday a $142 million bond to build, expand and renovate local libraries. (Photo: Clayton Henkel)

Voters in Wake County approved $142 million in new funding to the region’s libraries Tuesday, according to an unofficial tally by the North Carolina State Board of Elections that showed 56.4% of voters backing the bonds referendum.

According to the county’s project page, officials aim to maximize the number of Wake County residents with access to a library within 10 minutes of home, as well as expand existing libraries to accommodate the county’s population growth and upgrade outdated library infrastructure. To cover the expenses, the estimated property tax liability for Wake County residents will go up by $2.50 each year per $100,000 in value.

The county estimates that $67.1 million will go to the construction of new libraries, $43.3 million will go to renovations, and $12.3 million will go to expansion of existing libraries. The funding will come into effect beginning in July 2025, the start of fiscal year 2026 — covering an anticipated five years of library construction as part of Wake County’s 2024 strategic plan, which includes a pledge to uplift the region’s educational facilities by 2029.

Planned construction includes the addition of a new library in Rolesville, the only municipality in the county without one, as well as a community library in the unincorporated area of Friendship and the replacement of the Athens Drive and Wendell community libraries. The Fuquay-Varina Community Library, which the county said sees the highest circulation of all its community libraries, will be expanded into a regional library. Smaller renovations are expected at libraries all across Wake County.

Rolesville Mayor Ronnie Currin praised voters for approving funding that would deliver the town its first library in a statement Wednesday, calling the facility “a necessity for our residents.” In the absence of their own library, the town’s roughly 11,000 residents must travel to Wake Forest or Zebulon to access one.

“Rolesville is a growing community with expanding needs, and we are very excited for this opportunity,” Currin said. “We look forward to turning this dream into a reality.”

The bond is Wake County’s first referendum for library funding since 2007, when voters approved $45 million for upgrades and expansion with 70% of voters in favor. The margin for this year’s ballot measure was much narrower, with the referendum succeeding by just under 13 percentage points this year as opposed to around 40 in 2007.

“We’re excited to embark on this journey with you, and we’ll keep you updated throughout the planning process,” the county wrote on its website. “Thank you for helping us write the next chapter for Wake County Public Libraries.”

Election night results are unofficial and vote totals will likely change over the coming days as local boards of election consider provisional, military, and overseas civilian ballots. The state Board of Elections is scheduled to meet Nov. 26 to certify the results.

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