Rappahannock library unveils designs for expansion

Rappahannock County Library officials unveiled designs of the library’s proposed expansion to the Board of Supervisors on Monday and received pushback from one supervisor.

“I have to tell you, I don’t hear a big hue and cry in the community for a new library,” Piedmont Supervisor Christine Smith told members of the library’s Board of Trustees. “I understand we have wants and needs, I hope we can pull this together where it is something that we need … I think it is a very ambitious approach you are taking.”

The project, which has been in the works since 2017, would almost double the library’s usable  space from 4,946 square feet to 9,300 and expand its capacity for books, computers, classes and other resources. 

Current plans suggest expanding to the east and west of the building, minimally altering the existing facade. Additional unfinished basement space will be added as well, which will have the potential to be renovated and used by the library or county at a later date. The estimated cost of the project is $5 million, which the library plans to raise through a three to five year campaign.

Board of Trustees President Victoria Fortuna said with an expanding catalog, programs operating at full capacity and the problems associated with an aging building, the remodel is necessary. 

“We’re trying our best, but the facility is now 33 years old,” Fortuna said.

Gil Ensminger from Enteros Design, an architectural firm based in Richmond, said a majority of the updates included in the draft design came from a 2021 community survey and space-needs study, which 500 county residents provided input.

Ensminger presented concept renderings of key features and spaces in the updated library, such as separate youth and adult wings, an open-concept accessible entryway, meeting rooms and comfortable sitting areas. 

John Beardsley, chair of the expansion committee, made it clear that the renderings are only suggested layouts and interior design concepts for the space, and final plans will be made closer to the construction date, which is yet to be determined. 

Smith expressed concerns over the additional operating costs associated with increased utility and staffing needs. She listed several places teens and children can meet in the community like schools, the public park or the current library. 

“Right now, our teen space consists of two bookcases and a beanbag chair,” Fortuna said during her presentation. “There is no place in the county for teens to gather in a safe place after school that’s a neutral space.”

Fortuna said that the library could be closed for one year during renovation, and while the board has not made a final decision about how the library will operate during this time, it may use the Book Barn space or rented trailers. 

Smith also suggested they “take down” the existing Book Barn and move it to allow for more parking closer to and level with the library entrance, and said that they can “rebuild an accessory building like the Book Barn very easily.”

Jackson Supervisor Donna Comer said that although she has not heard constituents specifically request expanded library space and programs, she said many have articulated needs that would be addressed by the new library.

“I haven’t had anyone come to me and say, ‘I need a bigger, newer library.’ What I have had constituents say is, ‘I need a place to meet. I need more programming for my children. Where can my kids go to study?’” Comer said. “I agree it’s ambitious, [but] ask not, receive not … I think it can serve our community well, as it has in the past.”

Chair and Wakefield Supervisor Debbie Donehey said the use of natural light in the design feels more “bright and uplifting” than the current space, and may help lower lighting and electric costs. She said that safe spaces for children and young adults are needed in the county, and will hopefully influence children to read and socialize in person rather than online. 

“In today’s world, if you can get children in a book and not a computer, I think that’s a win,” Donehey said. 

Hampton Supervisor Keir Whitson and Stonewall-Hawthorne Supervisor Van Carney were absent from Monday’s meeting for personal reasons.

Fortuna said the next step for the board is to hire a fundraising consultant with expertise in this large of a capital campaign, which the library will undertake in collaboration with the Friends of the Library organization. The board is looking into grant funds to cover the consulting costs. 

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