A new library is planned for east Charlotte
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A new library is planned for the Eastland area, the current Mecklenburg County budget shows and a Charlotte Mecklenburg Library confirmed to Axios.
Why it matters: East Charlotte is in the midst of a major transition with the Eastland Yards development. The library isn't part of the development, but it'll be another draw for current and future residents.
State of plate of play: The county has allocated $3.4 million to acquire land for the new library, which is anticipated to be along Albemarle Road, a Charlotte Mecklenburg Library spokesperson tells Axios.
- The land for the project is expected to be acquired by early 2027.
- The exact start date for design and construction of the new library will begin after funding for those phases of the project has been approved.
What they're saying: "Charlotte Mecklenburg Library has identified this area as being underserved and believes that a new community library would have a huge impact for residents in this neighborhood," according to a Charlotte Mecklenburg Library spokesperson.
- Of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library's 21 branches, the closest existing locations to the area are Independence Regional Library and Hickory Grove Library.
By the numbers: Building a new library costs roughly $20 million to $22 million on average, per Charlotte Mecklenburg Library.
- It's not yet clear how much the new east Charlotte facility will cost, however.
Between the lines: The library is in the midst of building a new Uptown location. The five-story, $137.3 million project is expected to open in spring 2026.