Charlotte Mecklenburg Library leaders seek input on new Sugar Creek Library

Context: The existing location at 4045 North Tryon St. was built in 2003 and is 9,300 square feet. CML is building a larger facility to better serve the needs of the growing neighborhood, a CML spokesperson tells Axios.

What to expect: The new 20,000-square-foot location will be on the Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center campus not far from the current location.

• According to a CML spokesperson, determining what residents want at the new branch will help inform what the library will entail, from amenities to necessary features.
• Construction on the new library will begin in summer 2026 and it's expected to open in fall 2027.

By the numbers: $22 million has been approved for the project, which is in line with the average cost to build a new library.

What's next: Charlotte Mecklenburg Library will host two in-person events where you can weigh in on the design process at the existing Sugar Creek Library.

• Pop-up at the Library is Saturday, March 15, from 11:30am-1:30pm.
• There will also be a public meeting/workshop on Monday, April 14, from 6-8pm.

The Sugar Creek Library is currently open Monday-Thursday 9am-8pm, plus Friday and Saturday 9am-5pm.

The big picture: Charlotte's growth means the region needs more community spaces like libraries, parks and greenways.

• CML recently opened a new, 38,000-square-foot University City Regional branch at 5528 Waters Edge Village Dr.
• An additional location is planned for east Charlotte.
• Uptown's new $137.3 million location is expected to open in spring 2026.