Eastern Shore Getting Two Expanded Libraries in 2013
Virginia’s Eastern Shore Public Library system includes branches in Cape Charles, Nassawadox, and Chincoteague. The main library currently is in Accomac but will move to Onley.
By SARAH BARBAN
Cape Charles Wave
November 27, 2012
On Virginia’s Eastern Shore, 2013 is the Year of the Library. Not one, but two of the Shore’s five branch libraries are moving to greatly expanded locations.
Cape Charles Memorial Library will relocate to the former Bank of America building on Mason Avenue. But even more significant to the Library system is the expansion and relocation of the main branch.
Carol Vincent of the Eastern Shore Public Library detailed plans at the November 20 Northampton County Board of Supervisors meeting.
Despite being a small community, the Eastern Shore has a thriving library system that has changed and grown along with the needs of the community, Vincent said.
The Accomack branch will be moving to a five-acre site donated by Shore Bank located behind the Burger King on Route 13 in Onley.
“We are looking forward to being near the population center,” said Vincent — a population center that will expand much more with the relocation of Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital just west of the new library.
The 30,000 square-foot space will hold a children’s room, a teen room, a computer lab, an Eastern Shore history room, and a meeting space for up to 150 people. The meeting space will also be open after library hours for use by community groups.
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“One of the things we talked about having in a library was something similar to what Williamsburg had — an auditorium where you can have events,” said Chairman Willie Randall.
The current library in Accomac was constructed in 1964, and a new wing was added in 1984. But there is no more space for the abundance of historical documents the library owns.
The new Onley branch will enjoy almost triple the current library’s 11,500 square feet.
Technological needs also demanded more space: “We have 12 public computer stations that are located right in the middle of the floor, with cabling coming down from poles,” said Vincent.
The new computer lab will have its own dedicated space where the library can offer computer instruction.
The new library will also provide study areas for the students and tutors.
“What we’re really looking to do here is build a community center, an area that the entire Eastern Shore can be proud of,” said Vincent.
In Cape Charles, Bank of America sold its building to the highest bidder — the Town.
In Onley, Shore Bank donated the land for the library — with the stipulation that the foundation be laid and walls framed not later than March 2016.
The race is on to raise funding. A foundation has been created, and grants are being applied for.
The project is expected to cost $8 million.
The new space will better serve the more than 17,000 Eastern Shore residents who hold library cards, Vincent said.
Wonderful! Cape Charles has long needed an expanded space. I travel from Cheriton to Accomac to use the Eastern Shore room often. Miles Barnes has so many more records than he has space for and it will be so nice to have space to put them in the room. Also at this time they do not have adequate space for speakers on genealogy and history. The new libraries will be a great benefit to both communities. Nancy Garrett
Now, THIS is a “good news” article! Expanding and enhancing the library space is so very important for Cape Charles. Libraries have always been an asset to communities, but never so much as during times of economic downturn. Knowledgeable staff and updated print and computer resources help job seekers gain new skills and find employment opportunities, help students with schoolwork and enrichment activities, aid historians and genealogists in research, and facilitate continuous learning. In addition, an expanded library space provides meeting rooms for community groups and cultural programming for all.
Let’s all chip in to make the new library space the pride of Cape Charles! Make a donation to the Friends of the Cape Charles Library as a holiday “toast to learning!”
Yes, please donate to the Cape Charles Memorial Library at the Friends website:
http://www.friendscapecharleslibrary.com/
Click on any “Donate” button to donate with a credit card or mail a check to FCCML, PO Box 27, Cape Charles 23310
All donations tax-deductible.
The Friends sent out 1,990 fund-raising flyers in May and received 62 replies: a response that can only be described as pathetic.