A groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the Freedom Public Library is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, at the Freedom Public Library, 5870 SW 95th St., Ocala.
The beginning of the construction phase will become a reality as the Marion County Board of County Commissioners, county and library administration, Friends of the Freedom Public Library, and interested citizens join together for the groundbreaking event. Funding for the capital expansion is provided through Marion County ad valorem taxes.
Over the course of the next year, the current Freedom Public Library location will more than triple its current space by expanding from 8,100 square feet to approximately 32,000 square feet. Children, teens, and adults will enjoythe expanded public service areas such as:
- Additional shelving space for library books and materials.
- New study rooms and spacious workspaces will featuremore comfortable seating.
- A separate 5,000-square-foot children’s area with increased space for age-appropriate programming and a story timeroom.
- An additional, larger meeting room for library programming, early voting, and community engagement.
- A Friends of Freedom Public Library bookstore will provide gently used books, CDs, and other materials for the public to purchase. All proceeds from the bookstore sales will support Freedom Public Library programming and other efforts.
“We are excited to celebrate, along with members of the public, the groundbreaking for the expansion of the Freedom Public Library. We look forward to providing space that is inviting and welcoming to all, where students can study and learn, small and large groups can meet and connect with others and where young children can experience the joy and wonder of reading” stated Julie Sieg, Marion County Public Library System director.
Architectural design was provided by Rispoli and Associates Architecture, Inc, in partnership with Harvard Jolly Architecture and construction will be coordinated by Charles Perry Partners, Inc.
The public is invited to attend the Nov. 12 event. Light refreshments will follow the ground-breaking ceremony, provided by the Friends of the Freedom Public Library. For more information, visitlibrary.marionfl.organd follow the Marion County Public Library System on social media. |
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