Council approves new library location behind current site

The City of Round Rock’s future library finally has an official location — and it’s not having to travel far. 

On Thursday, April 11, City Council approved the $4.2 million purchase of land situated on the block directly north of the current library’s location, in order to build a new library that will allow the department to expand its services and make room for Round Rock’s growing population. 

In November 2013, voters approved funding to build a new main library through general obligation bonds. Feedback received from the community since then showed strong support to locate the main library as close to downtown as possible. 

“We are excited to keep this important public space in the heart of our downtown — this is going to be a legacy project that our community can enjoy for decades to come,” Library Director Michelle Cervantes said. 

The City previously considered building the new library at 500 N. Mays Street, east of C.D. Fulkes Middle School. In fall 2018, officials began to consider the new location, which is bordered by Austin and Liberty Avenues to the north and south, and Sheppard and Lampasas Streets to the east and west. Officials expect the new location to have fewer design limitations than the previously considered property, which had the potential to experience more traffic flow issues due to its proximity to Mays Street, Brushy Creek and the middle school. 

The scope of the project is expected to remain largely unchanged despite the change in location. The new building is expected to be approximately 60,000 square feet and three stories, with an adjacent 300-stall parking garage. The library currently has an average of more than 30,000 visitors on a monthly basis. 

The City of Round Rock expects to maintain ownership of the current library building at this time. The expected completion for construction of the new library is January 2023.  

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Source: City of Round Rock