Groundbreaking for new NFM library Nov. 29
Things have been progressing quickly for the North Fort Myers Public Library,and the days are counting down to when North Fort Myers residents will have a state-of-the-art library to call their own.
The notice to proceed occurred on Oct. 23, after which the land was cleared for the new facility. Meanwhile, the old one, which was built in 1980, was torn down this past week, only a month after it was officially closed.
The next big landmark will be on Wednesday, Nov. 29, when the county will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the new library at the construction site at 10 a.m.
Many area dignitaries will be there, including Lee County Commissioner Brian Hamman, who said it will prove to be an exciting and historic day.
“This is one of the best parts of the process. Over the last few years we’ve looked at drawings and designs and had meetings about the vision for this building,” Hamman said. “To see the ground finally begin to move, it’s becoming reality. I can’t wait to see this new focal point for the community come out of the ground.”
During construction, the library has moved to a temporary location at 50 Pine Island Road North. That opened on Oct. 12, just three days after the closure of the old facility.
The temporary site offers public computers, holds pickup, new materials, popular materials (books & DVDs), a youth programming area and reference services. The hours are Sunday and Monday- closed; noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
The new library will be about 25,000 square feet and is expected to open in the summer of 2019. The $12.5 million construction cost will be paid from existing library fund balances.
“We’re on track to get this done on schedule. We’re full speed ahead on construction,” Hamman said. “All the planning is done and now it’s time to build this thing.”