Growing Together: The New Gibsonville Public Library
Project Overview
In December 2021, the Town of Gibsonville purchased approximately 5 acres of land at 502–564 Minneola Street to build a new library that can better serve all of Gibsonville’s residents. Following a consultant-led planning project in 2022 that gathered extensive community input, the Town selected Clearscapes Architecture + Art to design a facility that reflects our community’s vision.
Current Project Status
After a period of exploration in 2024 to evaluate alternate funding and renovation options (such as the Minneola Mill), the Town Board determined that a new 16,000-square-foot facility at the Minneola Street site remains the most viable and cost-effective path to meeting our long-term needs.
The project reached several critical milestones in late 2025:
- Schematic Design (SD) Completion: Final schematic designs were completed and approved in October 2025.
- Design Development (Current Phase): The project is currently in the Design Development phase (scheduled for completion in February 2026), where the team is refining technical systems, interior materials, and furniture layouts.
The Vision for the New Facility
The new library will be a modern, one-story facility designed to serve a projected population of 20,000–24,000 residents. It will include:
- Expanded Children & Teen Spaces: Dedicated areas for early literacy and young adult collaboration.
- Community Hub: A large multipurpose room with a kitchen for events, alongside a community art gallery.
- Flexible Workspaces: Small study rooms and quiet reading areas to accommodate remote work and tutoring.
Funding
The total estimated construction cost is $11M. The Town intends to fund the bulk of the project through a USDA Community Facilities Direct Loan, which provides low-interest financing for essential rural infrastructure. The Town is also working to secure additional public and private funds to minimize total debt.
Projected Timeline (subject to change)
- February – July 2026: Final Construction Documentation.
- August – September 2026: Permitting.
- October – November 2026: Bidding and Contract Negotiation.
- January 2027: Projected Construction Start.
- Early 2028: Projected Project Completion and Closeout.
Why Now?
Our current library operates out of a 2,400-square-foot building constructed in 1937. At just 0.25 square feet per capita, we rank 78th out of 84 North Carolina libraries in size, yet our community uses the library at rates significantly higher than the state average. This new facility will ensure we continue “Growing Together” for generations to come.
