Aberdeen is turning a new page as progress is made on the new library project.
The Town of Aberdeen currently hosts the second-oldest continuous-use public library in North Carolina. Page Memorial Library is 960 square feet. For the past decade, Aberdeen town officials have been working on plans to update the library, and in 2022, a historic building on Exchange Street was donated by the town as a location for a new, larger library.
According to Tom Cruce, president of the non-profit Friends of Aberdeen Library, the new library is finally in the home stretch after a long journey filled with fundraising, renovations, and years of community support.
“Renovations resumed in January after we made some modifications in the interior design by John Heckethorn Architecture and selected DWA Construction as our general contractor,” said Tom, crediting the teams that have made the physical design possible. “Significant progress has been made, and one can now easily envision each room and space that creates the interior.”
Tom recounted that the new library project has been a collective community effort from the beginning.
The project began in 2014, founded by Mrs. Barbara Allred, who is still part of the team and sits on the Advisory Board along with six other original board members: Betsy Mofield, Janet Peele, Tim Marcham, Elease Goodwin, Jewel Monroe, and Wilma Laney.
The building and space were provided by the town, and over the last decade, the community has responded generously with individual donations, businesses offering in-kind services, volunteers assisting on projects and fundraisers, and funds provided by the town and grants. Once completed, the library is expected to cost $1.1 million.
“The community’s response has made a quantum leap, and the excitement level has gone through the roof, especially from the younger families that have been a large part of Aberdeen’s growth,” said Tom. “Donations of all sizes have poured in, our fundraisers have been more successful, and we are near the point of crossing the goal line.”
The project is on schedule, and if there are no unforeseen issues, the plan is to open the new library early to mid-September.
The new library will offer a variety of features tailored to serve Aberdeen’s growing population, including:
• Dedicated areas for children and teens, with after-school and summer reading programs.
• A community room for small meetings, speaker events, and children’s programs.
• A study room/lounge equipped with technology for patrons who need a quiet place to work.
• A 400-square-foot rear patio with tables, chairs, and umbrellas.
• Access to books through the Sandhill Regional Library System.
• Full-time hours, pending approval of a full-time librarian position by County Commissioners.
Aberdeen is the largest town in Moore County that is part of the Sandhill Regional Library System, and the new library will be the second largest of the five libraries within the system.
Beyond the library itself, the land across the street will be developed into two distinct public spaces. The lower half-acre, now called the Town Green, has already undergone improvements, including fresh sod, shrubs, and a stacked stone wall.
The upper half-acre will become a passive park with a pollinator and shrub garden, a stone patio with a water feature, and a pergola for shaded seating. Tom clarified that this park will “not be a kids’ play park, but a passive, relaxation park.”
Community involvement
Though the library is nearing completion, Tom assures everyone that the community can still engage with the project.
Bench Sponsorships Available – Individuals, businesses, and civic groups can sponsor benches that are still needed for the passive park and Town Green for $1,600, complete with a personalized plaque. Civic groups such as the Aberdeen Lions Club (who purchased a bench), individuals, professional organizations, and businesses should contact Tom at [email protected] if interested.
Summer Reading Program – Sessions will be held on June 9 & 23, July 14 & 28, and August 4 & 18 at the Post Master’s House. Enjoy a story, snacks, and social time with friends. A book will be gifted to each child.
As fundraising efforts continue, Tom and the Friends of Aberdeen Library remain optimistic about meeting the final financial goals and seeing the project through to completion.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel Assistant Editor Abegail Murphy. Abegail has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2021.
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