LEE COUNTY, Fla. -- Ribbon-cutting ceremonies are planned at brand new library facilities in North Fort Myers and Bonita Springs later this summer.
The first will take place on Monday, August 5th at the Lee County North Fort Myers Public Library at 2001 N. Tamiami Trail. It will open to the public that morning, with a ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled at 10 a.m.
The new 26,390 square foot library there replaces the 8,864 square foot building that was on the same site. It includes dedicated interior spaces for children, teens and adults with expanded comfortable seating and spaces for collaboration. The library features a large meeting room as well as three study/conference rooms with audiovisual capabilities. Enclosed outdoor reading spaces and a courtyard are available for gathering and library programs.
Later that month, the Lee County Bonita Springs Public Library at 10560 Reynolds Street will open the week of August 19, with a ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled for a soon-to-be-announced time and date that week.
The modern 30,988 square foot, two-story building replaces the existing 11,562 square foot library a mile away on Pine Avenue. The first floor features a spacious area for children and a large meeting room. A monumental stairway leads to spaces for adults and teens. Conference/study rooms with audiovisual capabilities are also on the second floor. Reading decks overlook a large courtyard available for library events and programs.
Each library features an automatic materials handling system, a gaming area for teens, a storytime space for children and 50 public access computers. Both locations offer a covered, drive up book return and ample parking. Both libraries will feature expanded book and audiovisual collections.
The $27 million construction cost for the libraries was paid for through existing library funds. The new facilities were constructed simultaneously at the direction of the Lee Board of County Commissioners.
