The Williamsburg Regional Library (WRL) needs new, expanded library spaces to serve the existing and future populations of our region.
The population has increased by 300% since the Williamsburg Library branch was constructed in 1973. The library building has not been expanded since 1998. The Williamsburg Library needs to be replaced. Read below to find out more about this issue.
WRL is a regional library system.
Williamsburg, James City County, and York County jointly fund the Williamsburg Regional Library system through a regional contract. Under the contract, each jurisdiction pays for the cost of construction for any library building within its borders, and all 3 share the annual operational budget for the library system. The buildings in the system include Williamsburg Library in the City of Williamsburg and the James City County Library in James City County with WRL staff also managing public spaces inside the Stryker Center in Williamsburg.
The funding contribution of each locality is calculated by the number of items checked out by its residents. The library is governed by a Board of Trustees made up of appointees from each jurisdiction.
Strong support from its regional partners, the local community, and the Friends of WRL has made this library system one of the top libraries in the country.
By the Numbers
James City County residents account for 70% of the checkouts from the Williamsburg Library building.
By the Numbers
The population that WRL serves has grown by more than 300% since the Williamsburg Library on Scotland Street was constructed in 1973. When it was built, it was a beautiful, state-of-the-art building for its time. The Williamsburg Library has been a much-loved public space by generations of residents for over 50 years and has a place in the hearts of many. Over the years, the population in the area has grown dramatically, and the building has lived beyond its functional life. The library is ready to be recreated into an exciting new space that will fit all the people, collections, and activities of today, so the community can have a new library building to love for future generations. In 2017, WRL’s Board of Trustees recommended that James City County construct a 40,000 sq. ft. library to serve the growing county population.
Also, in 2017, the Board of Trustees engaged an architect to do an assessment of the existing Williamsburg Library facility. In 2018, the option of new, jointly funded facility was suggested to address both jurisdictional needs. In 2022, the Library Board shared its preference that the City of Williamsburg and James City County build a new 55,000 sq. ft. joint facility on the current Williamsburg Library site. This preference is based on the documented need for a new and expanded library space; findings of a 2018 community wide survey expressing strong public support across all 3 jurisdictions for a downtown facility and the need to minimize future operational costs. The decision on how to proceed rests with the jurisdictions.
Parking
The library currently shares spaces with the police station and only has 88 spaces. In a 2018 survey, over 700 people commented on the lack of parking.
Safety Issues
The space is hard to monitor, with no clear lines of sight across the building; second floor is hard to monitor; there is no clear path to exits in case of emergency; the building layout is confusing
Age & Deterioration
The Williamsburg Library moved to its present location on Scotland Street in 1973 and was renovated and expanded in 1982 (theatre) and 1998. In almost 25 years, there have been no additional renovations.
Theatre
The lighting is obsolete and difficult to adjust; the stage has no ramp access front or back.
No Room for Books
Demand for physical collection is highest at Williamsburg Library, but due to its small size, books must be warehoused at James City County Library; there is no room to expand the collections.
Access
Access is a challenge for users with mobility issues and parents with young children. To leave the second floor on the small elevator, you must phone staff to assist you to ride downstairs.
Lack of Seating & Power Outlets
People have trouble finding a space to read and work because of a lack of seating. To work, patrons must find a space where they can charge electronic devices. It is difficult to find outlets in the Williamsburg Library. Also, teens have no special space just for them.
Lack of Natural Light
The current building does not have the architectural presence of a modern public library. The interior is dark and confusing, and the children's area has poor lighting and few windows.
WRL buildings & population timeline
Population
1970 – JCC: 17,966, WBG: 9,644
1973 – Williamsburg Library (WL) built
1980 – JCC: 22,587, WBG: 10,313
1982 – WL Theatre addition built
1990 – JCC: 35,037, WBG: 11,701
1996 – James City County Library built
1998 – Final WL addition built
2020 – JCC: 76,032, WBG: 15,034
JCC Population Estimates
2030 – 88,216
2040 – 101,769
2050 – 116,845
City of Williamsburg Population Estimates
2030 – 16,541
2040 – 17,986
2050 – 19,699
Work we’ve done so far
WL = Williamsburg Library
JCC = James City County
2018-2022 annual CIP submissions to JCC, WBG
2007 – Original consultant building report
2017
- Library Board resolution for new JCC Library
- First JCC library CIP request
2018
- WL facility assessment report
- Consultant study on proposed joint library
- Public survey, focus groups, final consultant report
2021
- Additional consultant site and conceptual renderings
- Building included in WRL Strategic Plan 2021-2022
- City of WBG CIP request
2022
- Presentation to JCC Board of Supervisors at annual retreat
A VISION OF A NEW LIBRARY
See below for inspirational photos of modern library spaces. WRL’s vision of a new library includes comfortable, spacious, light-filled public areas that can be easily adapted to different uses with the infrastructure to support library services and user needs, as well as well-lit, well-displayed book and media collections set up for browsing and discovery. Also, a wide variety of comfortable seating for different tasks, a living room area with a fireplace and soft seating, modern collaborative workspaces, and a variety of small meeting rooms for the public. There should be spaces for experimental learning and creation like a small recording studio; a large, versatile maker and creation space; a dedicated teen area with space for gaming technology, lounge, and study seating; a homework hub for tutors, families, and students; a big, bright children’s room with learning activities and space for play; an updated theater; expanded outside public spaces; and a teaching kitchen.
Hands On Collaboration Spaces
Modern libraries need spaces where people can do hands-on projects and collaborative work.
Makerspace
A Makerspace is a place where people can use high-tech tools for creative, artistic pursuits like sewing, 3D printing, laser cutting, and more.
Recording Studio and Other Tech Spaces
Modern libraries offer access to special technology spaces like recording studios used for podcasting, making music, and more.
Teen Space
Teens need a space of their own in libraries where they can gather, study, and feel independent.
Meeting and Study Rooms
Public libraries are gathering places where people look for collaborative spaces to meet and work.
Spaces with Natural Light
Natural light is an important aspect of building design.
Imaginative Children's Area
Children need a space where they can read and play; this is the same sort of space WRL created with the Kiwanis Kids Idea Studio in the James City County Library.
Cozy Yet Modern
Modern libraries can have a comfortable, cozy feel.
Safety Issues
The space is hard to monitor, with no clear lines of sight across the building; second floor is hard to monitor; there is no clear path to exits in case of emergency; the building layout is confusing
Parking
Parking has always been an issue in the City of Williamsburg’s downtown area, and has only gotten more vexing as many more events are occurring there and more parking spaces have been converted to pay spaces, leaving free spaces (like those at the library) harder to find Patrons have noted this to be of upmost concern in a recent survey, and say they avoid visiting the library when events occur or when there is no parking
Age & Deterioration
The Williamsburg Library (WL) moved to its present location on Scotland Street in 1973 and was renovated and expanded in 1982 (theatre) and 1998. In almost 25 years, there have been no additional renovations Due to age and building deterioration, renovation isn’t viable
No room for books
Demand for physical collection is highest at Williamsburg Library, but due to small size, books must be warehoused at James City County Library and shuttled across town JCCL is getting full as well, so books are now being removed from the collections.
Lack of seating and power outlets
People have trouble finding a space to read and work because of a lack of seating. To work, patrons must find a space where they can charge electronic devices. It is difficult to find outlets in the Williamsburg Library. Also, teens have no special space just for them.
Lack of natural light
A library should be a beacon – a visible, recognizable institution; current building isn’t recognizable and isn’t visually accessible from exterior The interior building is dark, with low, confining ceilings and a confusing layout Children’s area has poor lighting and cramped layout
Imaginative Children's Area
Children need a space where they can read and play; this is the same sort of space WRL created with the Kiwanis Kids Idea Studio in the James City County Library.
Teen Space
Teens need a space of their own in libraries where they can gather, study, and feel independent.
Recording Studio and Other Tech Spaces
Modern libraries offer access to special technology spaces like recording studios used for podcasting, making music, and more.
Meeting and Study Rooms
Public libraries are gathering places where people look for collaborative spaces to meet and work.
Makerspace
A Makerspace is a place where people can use high-tech tools for creative, artistic pursuits like sewing, 3D printing, laser cutting, and more.
Hands On Collaboration Spaces
Modern libraries need spaces where people can do hands-on projects and collaborative work.
Cozy Yet Modern
Modern libraries can have a comfortable, cozy feel.
Spaces with Natural Light
Natural light is an important aspect of building design.
