Residents to Get First Look at New Alpharetta Library Plans

Alpharetta residents – and other library fans – will get their chance to see what the new Alpharetta Library will look like on Monday, March 18.

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System is holding a progress meeting on the new 25,000-square-foot library, planned on 3 acres of land in the City Center development, in Alpharetta City Hall at 6 p.m. and again at 7:30 p.m.

First, residents will get a chance to meet members of this project’s architectural and engineering team from Cooper Carry, in association with Vines Architecture, along with library team members, said Kelly Robinson Vann, public relations and marketing director for the library system. They'll also learn about the progress to date. Architects will be available to answer questions.

Phase I of the Library Building Program includes eight new libraries and two expanded libraries, she said. Design has begun on several of the projects, with construction beginning in late 2013 and openings beginning late 2014 and continuing into 2015.

"Community engagement has been the cornerstone of our Library Building Program, and we would like you to join us, she said.

 A full presentation also will be made during the regularly scheduled Alpharetta City Council meeting at 7:30 p.m.

. What Robinson Vann said about that design applies to Alpharetta's as well. Input from past meetings was used in what architects designed, and now is the time for them to show that design.

Fulton County Commissioner Liz Hausmann said for both libraries the county is ready to get the public input and to show them to the City Councils.

"We're getting ready to start the construction," she said.

A 25,000-square foot facility is capable of holding a collection of over 100,000 materials including books, DVDs, CDs and audiobooks. The branch will feature computers with high-speed Internet access; wireless access; a separate children’s area; an area for adult seating; a space for teens; a browsing area of new and popular materials; as well as a general collection; reference services; and self-checkout units.

To follow the library's progress online, visit the Atlanta-Fulton Library System's website page, "Building for the Future."

If you have questions, call 404-730-1777, or ask them at the early presentation.