Source: Cary Memorial Library via Instagram

After 20 months of renovations and three weeks of modified hours, the lower level of Cary Memorial Library will reopen to the public on Saturday, March 21, and the library’s hours will return to normal. 

There will be no formal grand opening given the project delays; however, there will be “fun giveaways” for Saturday’s visitors, courtesy of the Cary Library Foundation. “We just want to get the lower level open for families and teens as quickly as possible,” Library Director Koren Stembridge said.

The $4 million renovation updated the library by modernizing the Children’s Room and the Large Meeting Room, and installing a new, more environmentally sustainable HVAC system. The layout plan of the Children’s Room will improve upon the old design by being more open and expansive, making better use of the space. A kitchen was added to the Meeting Room to accommodate cooking and crafting classes.

Cary Library was originally scheduled to reopen in June 2025, but has faced significant delays due to sizing issues relating to the HVAC duct

While the lower level has been closed, library programming has been hosted at other locations within the community, including several local businesses, Cary Hall, and the Community Center. Stembridge has been grateful that local businesses and town buildings have stepped up to support the library.

Over the past three weeks, new furniture has been installed on the lower level and thousands of books have been placed back on the shelves. Library staff have also moved into their new offices. 

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