Chapel Hill Public Library Prepares for Move

The Chapel Hill Public Library will close on Sept. 23 to move to temporary quarters in University Mall. The library will reopen at University Mall in early October.

The Town of Chapel Hill’s library services will be provided at this location during an expansion construction project at the permanent location on Library Drive. The library will reopen at its expanded permanent location in December 2012.

In preparation for the move, the library has stopped accepting book sale donations until it reopens at University Mall. Book donors are asked to hold their used items until October. Donors who can’t wait until October are being urged to consider a one-time donation to another community organization that accepts books.

After Aug. 25, library meeting space will no longer be available to the public until the library reopens in its renovated facility in December 2012.

For more information, call 919-969-2046 and continue to check the library website for updates: chapelhillpubliclibrary.org

Background about the Library Expansion Project:

Chapel Hill residents approved a $16.23 million bond in November 2003 to pay for an expansion of the Town of Chapel Hill’s Public Library. The library is located within Pritchard Park, a 32-acre public park with nature and walking trails. The current 27,000 square foot library was built in 1994 in the northeast section of the park.

Robert A.M. Stern & Architects and local project partner Corley Redfoot Zack Inc. are the design team for the expansion project. In addition to the main collection areas, the building renovation will include a meeting room complex, a youth services library, teen activity room and a computer learning center. A paved trail around the building will provide pedestrian access and an opportunity for public art.

Robert A.M. Stern Architects is known for its creative use of natural and enduring building materials. The Library’s design includes extensive use of exposed glue-laminated wood structural components and wood wall and ceiling panel systems, notably in the large entrance lobby and the main reading room.

In addition to its high quality interior finishes, the building’s masonry exterior includes native stone design elements and sections of standing seam metal roofing. The building will feature integrated meeting room media systems, separately ventilated server rooms, a video security system and backup power generation.

Consistent with the Town Council’s sustainable building policy, the construction is designed to be certified as a LEED silver building, including extensive day-lighting, high-efficiency ventilation systems, and solar hot water and photovoltaic panels.