Bookworms rejoice. A new library branch will soon be opening in the Gainesville area.
"I see this library benefitting the community in that it will allow the residents in that area to have a library that will be in walking distance for a lot of the kids," said Shaney Livingston, Alachua County Library director.
Once completed, the facility will be at 2841 E. University Ave. Livingston said the construction will cost $1.57 million and that the money will come from the capital projects fund.
"Our facilities manager has worked with a contractor and we're looking at things that truly are energy consumption and environmental friendly," Livingston said.
For 16 months, the library has been operating out of a temporary 1300-square-foot modular building. Livingston said in that time the library has circulated 44,000 items and had more than 109,000 visits.
The new building will have computer access, a teen space for the students, a "snuggle-up" center for children and a quiet reading room. Livingston said they are bringing a diverse collection to the library with e-Books, print and online databases.
The new library will have the same number of resources and same level of service as the other libraries in Alachua.
The library will be built in what is currently a park and recreational facility.
"We're just excited to be there and this is truly a collaboration with the city of Gainesville. So this is a unique partnership and a great partnership and we're just excited to partner with the city of Gainesville in this joint venture," she said.
Sarah Brand edited this story online.