Wake County Library Bond Referendum (2024)
The 2024 Library Bond Referendum was a voter-approved bond measure that provided $142 million in funding for new library facilities and renovations in Wake County.
History
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On January 8, 2024, County staff presented an overview of Wake County Libraries and shared details about the last library bond referendum in 2007.[1] Staff also presented a proposal for $94 million; $79.7 million in renovations and replacements, and $14.3 million for a new library in the Town of Rolesville, the only municipality without a library at the time.
Staff used the State of North Carolina Library's standards for siting and renovating local libraries, including that all residents should be within a 10 minute drive of a library in urban areas.[2] For instance, adding a library in Rolesville increases the percent of Wake County residents having a library within a 10-minute drive from 84.7% to 87.0%.[1]
On March 11, staff proposed two libraries to be replaced: The Athens Drive Library for $16.3 million and the Wendell Library for $18.2 million, which needed an expansion due to the Town of Wendell's growing population.[3] Staff presented that the new total would be $91.1 million.
On April 8, staff were instructed by the Commissioners to prepare for a bond of up to $142 million to appear on the November 5, 2024 ballot.[4] The final list of priority projects included:
| Project List | Cost (Million) |
|---|---|
| Renovations | $43.3 |
| Athens Drive (replacement) | $16.3 |
| Wendell (replacement) | $18.2 |
| Rolesville (new library) | $13.3 |
| Fuquay-Varina (expansion) | $12.3 |
| Friendship (new library) | $19.3 |
| New facility (TBD) | $19.3 |
| Total | $142 |
A public hearing for the bond was held on July 8, 2024.[5]
On November 5, the bond referendum was approved with 56% of the vote in favor.[6]
| Park Bond Vote | Count | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | 350,510 | 56.42% |
| No | 270,749 | 43.58% |
Green Road Library expansion & Southgate relocation
[edit | edit source]In April 2025, Wake County announced updates to several projects funded by the 2024 Library Bond, including changes to the scope and sequencing of the Green Road Community Library project.
Under the updated plan, the Green Road facility will be expanded rather than renovated as originally proposed. The library is now planned to increase from approximately 8,000 square feet to about 12,000 square feet. County officials cited rising demand for library services and updated cost estimates as factors informing the change.[7]
At the same time, Wake County shifted plans for the Southgate-area library project. Rather than renovating the existing Southgate Library building, the County will pursue a relocation to a new site within the Southgate community.[8]
The total $142 million in funding for public library projects will not change. These updates were made during early project planning following voter approval.[9]
References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Wake County Commissioners Regular Meeting Minutes." (January 8, 2024). (link). Public Libraries 2024 Bond Projects Accessed January 31, 2026.
- ↑ "Public Library Standards" (link). statelibrary.ncdcr.gov. (). Accessed January 31, 2026.
- ↑ "Wake County Commissioners Regular Meeting." (March 11, 2024). (link). 2024 Library Bonds Project Accessed January 31, 2026.
- ↑ "Proposed $142 Million General Obligation Bond Referendum for Wake County Public Libraries on November 5, 2024" (link). Wake County Board of Commissioners. Agenda itemMay 20, 2024 Accessed January 31, 2026.
- ↑ "Wake County Commissioners Regular Meeting." (July 8, 2024). (link). Public Hearing on Proposed $142 Million General Obligation Bond Referendum for Wake County Public Libraries on November 5, 2024 Accessed January 31, 2026.
- ↑ "NC State Board of Elections" (link). ncsbe.gov. (November 5, 2024). Accessed January 31, 2026.
- ↑ "Wake County announces updates to library bond projects" (link). wake.gov. (). Accessed January 31, 2026.
- ↑ "Wake County library expansion projects underway thanks to bond funding" (link). ABC11 WTVD. (). Accessed January 31, 2026.
- ↑ "Wake County library bond projects shift timelines and locations" (link). WUNC. (April 7, 2025). Accessed January 31, 2026.