The next chapter: Aberdeen cuts ribbon on new library

One chapter has ended and another has begun for Moore County readers with the opening of the new Aberdeen Library. The celebration had been postponed twice due to inclement weather, but the skies were bright and clear as residents packed Exchange Street on Monday, Feb. 9, to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the town’s new library, a project more than a decade in the making.

Before cutting the ribbon, Barbara Allred, founder of the Friends of the Aberdeen Library, reflected on the long path to opening day. 

“I never thought in my life that we would have anything as beautiful as this building,” said Allred, smiling. “This dream came true because of the people standing here and the people who supported us. Thank you for making my dream come true.”

A preview of the inside of the library and scenes from the ribbon cutting. 

Allred explained that she began pushing for a new library in 2014 and spent years searching for a suitable location.

The town donated the building in 2022, gifting the project a permanent home for a larger, modern library. Now, the newly-renovated space features cozy reading areas, a vast (and growing) selection of books, dedicated areas for children and teens, a community room for meetings and programs, and a 400‑square‑foot rear patio outfitted with tables and umbrellas.

“This space was built with everyone in mind,” the Friends group said in a statement. “We are proud to finally welcome our community inside.”

Across the street, nearly an acre of land owned by the Friends group is being transformed into public green space. The lower half-acre already includes new sod, shrubs, and a stacked stone wall. Plans for the upper half-acre call for a passive park with a pollinator garden, stone patio, water feature, and pergola.

Allred credited the late Ken Byrd, a retired Air Force colonel who helped guide early planning efforts, as well as a long list of donors who kept the project moving. A major gift from Sue Donothan-White jump‑started fundraising, followed by contributions from the McNeill family, Rep. Jamie Boles, and Jimmy Donothan, among others.

In the end, the Friends group raised more than $1 million.

Patrons will have full access to the Sandhill Regional Library System, expanding the reach of the small‑town branch. The library also welcomes its new librarian, Kelly Ficker, who will oversee programs and daily operations.