When people think of the Forsyth County Public Library, they often think of dark rooms and cramped spaces.  The old library was in desperate need of an upgrade, and that’s exactly what it got.  

The old library was torn down, leaving the foundation as the basis for the new one.  Nothing from the old building remained.

“This building was purposefully designed for us and our patrons,” said teen supervisor Jacquelyn White.

Modernized and technologically improved, the new library provides many services for a variety of people.

“It’s definitely the nicest and most colorful public library I’ve ever been to,” said Reagan media coordinator Lauren Davis-Fossa.  “It’s a friendly environment for teens.  It’s almost like a book store, which is really neat.”

Updated technology is present in the new building, with over 90 computers offering Internet access, a green screen, an audio production room and more.

“People can get access to what they’re looking for much easier than before,” said library supervisor Carolyn Woods.

The building is also much more family-friendly.  With double the space in the new teen room and an interactive children’s room, kids of all ages can find what they’re looking for here.

“We have more Internet-access computers in teen central,” White said.  “We also have two gaming consoles and a green screen for film-production.  All in all, the new teen central is more cohesive than the other one.  It works better for day-to-day operations.”

While the library itself didn’t move locations, the employees did.  They were moved to the government center, with some people moving out to the different branches.

The challenge with this came when it was time to move into the new building.

“Re-coding the books was the worst part,” said library aid Walter Sanchez.  “We had to re-scan all 250,000 reading materials using the modern code system.  It was tiresome work.”

The result of the effort put in is beneficial to all.

“The taxpayers really deserved better than what they had before,” Woods said.  “It was way overdue.”

The taxpayers did pay for this new establishment.  $28 million was budgeted for the new library, but many are of the opinion it was completely worth it.  

“I think it has a lot more pizzazz and it feels fresh and inviting, which is something that the other one lacked,” said kindergarten teacher Nicole Londonl.  “This was something we, as citizens of Forsyth County, were in desperate need of.”

Beneficial amenities, increased square footage, lounge areas and an outdoor terrace make this learning environment much more comfortable and accommodating for anyone who wants to use it.

“It’s spacious and has an aura of peacefulness,” Woods said.