ABINGDON, Va. – The Washington County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to open a new library in Glade Spring.
“I think the money that we can put into this library and this project will be a stimulus to encourage further interest in the town of Glade,” said Supervisor Tom Taylor, who represents the area. “The library is a part of the overall improvements to the downtown section of the town of Glade, and … I think this library is a key part of that.”
The board approved a memorandum of understanding with the town and a contract for design services for the renovation of the 6,600-square-foot former Peery Grocery Company building on the town square, which has been donated for a library.
The deed of gift to the town from Mary L. Peery requires that a library be operating in the building by January 2011 and remain there for at least 20 years.
The county’s $268,000 share of the project would have the library operating by the end of next year; the town is seeking grant funding to pay the cost of renovation of the second floor for other town uses. The total project cost is estimated at $687,725.
A contract is proposed for the county to lease the first floor of the building for $1 a year.
Steve Rowland, mayor of Glade Spring, said after the meeting that if everything stays on track construction will begin in early spring – and it will help stimulate the town’s economy even amid a recession.
“Things are changing a whole lot right now because of the economy, and I think you’ll see people start shopping closer to home,” Rowland said.
The town, once a booming railroad stop, declined for decades after travel shifted from rail to interstate highway; within the last five years an effort has been under way to revitalize downtown.
Rowland said a restaurant, a consignment store, a video store and a hair salon are among the new businesses that have opened recently on the town square – and he anticipates continued growth when the library opens.
dmccown@bristolnews.com | (276) 791-0701
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