Memphis Public Library will celebrate the grand opening of its reconstructed Raleigh Library branch with a virtual ribbon cutting on Thursday, November 19 at 3:15 p.m. It will be celebrated in partnership with the newly constructed Austin Peay police station and Raleigh Springs Town Center skate park which will also occupy the plot at 3452 Austin Peay Highway. State and local officials including Mayor Jim Strickland and Secretary of State Tre Hargett are expected to attend.
The new location, which has been under construction since 2018, will replace the original location at 3157 Powers Road. Originally constructed in 1966, the 10,000 square foot library served upwards of 250 patrons per week with reduced capacity in the wake of COVID-19. The new location will offer a spacious 17,500 square feet for patrons and serve 400+ patrons weekly
at normal capacity.
With a space almost double the size of the former location, Raleigh Library staff are eager to get to work serving more members of the community. With the public re-opening set for mid-December, the library promises to offer expanded programming in the areas of dietary wellness, arts, robotics, and general technology in addition to its regular books club meetings. New features such as a state of the art demo kitchen will help assist staff in meeting the needs of the community.
“Bad libraries build collections, good libraries build services,” Raleigh Library Manager Michael King said. “Great libraries such as the Raleigh Branch Library build great communities.”
“Raleigh plays a significant role in Memphis’ history,” Director of Libraries, Keenon McCloy said. “Looking forward, the Raleigh Springs Civic Center Library will transform the community we serve by bringing the highest quality services for literacy, economic and workforce development, and STEAM activities including a family lab to the area of which all Raleigh residents are aware.
Raleigh Library will serve as a city-wide magnet, offering classes on food literacy and healthy living, and so much more!”
The Raleigh Library is expected to open to the public on December 14, 2020. In the meantime, patrons are encouraged to visit the Frayser, North, Hollywood and Bartlett branches for services.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Michael King at michael.king@memphistn.gov.