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Hampton Park Library breaks ground in Forsyth
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It was a soaking wet day Dec. 10, but the 40 or so people who came to see ground broken on the newest Forsyth County library were all smiles if a bit damp.
Library officials began work on its new $6.8 million, 23,000-square-foot Hampton Park branch on Settingdown Road between Hampton Park Drive and Cross Roads Road. The library will be built with a combination of $2 million in state funding, county SPLOST money and impact fees collected from developers.
"It's been a long time coming," said Library Director Jon McDaniel. "We initially bought the land for this library 10 years ago."
Forsyth County Chairman Charles Laughinghouse said the county "is blessed" to have such an outstanding library system.
"It is consistently ranked one of the finest in Georgia," he said. "This library will be an excellent addition to the library system."
Architect for the project is Pope/Partners, Inc., and the general contractor is Hogan Construction Group, LLC. Harris Interior Design will plan the furnishings and décor.
Hampton Park will join its sister libraries, the Cumming Library Branch and Sharon Forks Library Branch on Old Atlanta Road , and open seven days a week.
Its collection will eventually be comprised of 96,000 items. It addition to fiction, nonfiction books and CDs, it will have a range children's and adult educational DVDs; music CDs; multimedia programs; recorded books; and periodicals.
It will offer 38 computer stations and will support wireless Internet connections. Children will find a full slate of story programs just for them including Lapsit, Storytime, Summer Reading Fun, and seasonal family programs.
Four child-friendly computer stations will provide educational games for the youngest library patrons.
"We're pleased to say the new building will incorporate a number of sustainable and environmentally friendly features," said Carla Beasley, assistant director for planning and facilities. "Wider roof overhangs will shade windows from heat and ultraviolet sun rays, and gray water will irrigate the grounds. Outside, an attractive plot of native water plants will filter runoff from the parking lot. Inside, the library will have the comfortable feel of a mountain lodge, with exposed beams and warm, autumn colors."
Construction funds and a library site are available for a fourth branch on Post Road near Kelly Mill Road, with a projected opening in 2012.
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