An Open Book

New Hanover County’s new downtown library, which is part of the Project Grace redevelopment project, opened October 6.

The main library, 230 Grace Street, Suite A, is down the street from the former downtown branch, which closed for good earlier this summer.

After entering the new library, users pass by the circulation desk and shelves for new book releases and holds. The library’s children’s area is located in a space just below. It features books for a range of ages, a play area, and a room for children’s programs.

DANA CONNERS, director of the New Hanover County Public Library system, says the new space is a better fit for the library because it was designed around the needs of children and their families.

“The old space was confined because it was just off to the side and had been a department of the department store that was there, so we were constrained by the architecture,” she says. “This space is big. It’s wide open. You can stand at the desk and see the entire space.”

The new library will share its building with the Cape Fear Museum, which is expected to open next summer.

Want more WILMA? Click here to sign up for our WILMA newsletters and announcements.