Gainesville and Haymarket have a new community library.
Hundreds gathered Thursday for a dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting for the new Haymarket-Gainesville Community Library on Lightner Road, just off Route 15.
The newly constructed 21,734 square foot building is the first new large community library to open since Bull Run Regional Library opened in September 1994.
“This is a dream come true for me, and this a dream come true for the community,” said Mary Jo Rigby, who serves on the Prince William County Board of Library Trustees, and is credited for being a tireless advocate for the construction of the new facility. “I want to thank those who worked at the old library in tight conditions, and some unusual circumstances.”
The new $11 million structure replaces the old Gainesville Neighborhood Library, located at James S. Long Park, that opened in 1987. That library closed its doors for the final time on October 1.
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The Haymarket-Gainesville Community Library is one of two new community libraries opening in Prince William County this year. A ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony for the new Montclair Community Library located at 5049 Waterway Drive in Montclair, near Dumfries, will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29.
Each of the new libraries will be outfitted with $1.5 million in new materials, to include books and DVDs. The Haymarket-Gainesville Community Library has 33 new computers, three community rooms, a large meeting room, a quiet study, and WiFi access throughout the building.
Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chairman, At-large Corey Stewart said the county’s growing population demands more county services like libraries. The county is building these two new facilities to meet demand while other localities in the U.S. opt not to build new libraries, he added.
“Some ask, ‘why build new libraries when Google can give you 10,000 answers?’ Only a librarian can give you the right one,” said Stewart.
Gainesville Supervisor Peter Candland said the new library will be a “hot spot” for students working on homework, seniors, and for those looking for information on community resources.
Construction on the Haymarket – Gainesville Community Library began in July 2014.
