South County Regional Library Reopens

Posted on March 2, 2021

Photos courtesy of Charlotte Mecklenburg Library

Closed for renovations since November 2019, South County Regional Library has reopened with limited services. The branch has the highest print circulation in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library system, at 20%, or more than 1 million copies. Expected to open at a later date, a newly-installed automated materials handling system will assist with the check-in of such large quantities of materials.

Patrons will walk through a noticeable addition when entering the library from the parking lot: New public art titled “Open Books, Open Minds” by artist Jim Gallucci. Colorful installments represent different book titles, which staff members helped select. Gallucci used fonts from the actual book titles within the installation.

Once inside the building, library-goers will notice the circulation desk is now on the left, and the staircase is refurbished. Bright orange and green paint colors and enhanced lighting and glass elements make the space on both floors seem more open. Soundproof glass walls in community spaces will allow sunlight to filter in and patrons to peer in and out with minimal disruption.

The children’s programming room is glass-enclosed as well. Branches from a towering tree structure in the corner of the room extend up and over into the main children’s space. Reading nooks tuck into the walls and look like houses.

The children’s outdoor patio area – which the Bissell Companies transformed into a learning garden in 2015 with a gift on behalf of Ballantyne tenants – is being updated with new furniture.

Staff members say they are eager for the public to return to the building.

“We look forward to welcoming South County Regional Library customers home,” says Asha Ellison, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s marketing and communications specialist.

For current hours and available services, visit cmlibrary.org.