Voters in Wake County will decide in the Nov. 5 election on a $142 million bond referendum. The bond will be used to build, expand and renovate public libraries in this county.
The Wake County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution calling for the referendum after holding public hearings.
“This bond will allow us to build new libraries, expand existing ones, and ensure our facilities remain state-of-the-art and accessible to all residents,” said Wake County Commissioner Cheryl Stallings.
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What is a referendum?
A referendum is a popular consultation mechanism in which a proposal, law or political decision is submitted to a direct vote of citizens. This process allows the population to express their opinion and make important decisions directly, without the intermediation of elected representatives.
Tax increase if voters approve bond
The bond referendum aims to address the growing need for library services Top notch in all of Wake County.
If approved by voters, the $142 million bond will fund several library capital projects beginning in fiscal year 2026.
Currently, Wake County anticipates that a tax increase of $2,50 (per $100 of valuation) will be necessary in fiscal year 2026 if voters support the bond.
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Increase the percentage of close access to a library
Currently, almost all Wake County residents live within 20 minutes of a Wake County Public Libraries facility.
Almost 99% are less than 15 minutes away, and 84,7% are less than 10 minutes away from a library.
Projects funded by the proposed bond would raise the percentage of Wake County residents in that 10-minute category to 87%.
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What the projects include
- A new community library in Rolesville:
Rolesville is the only municipality in Wake County that currently lacks a library, and is one of the fastest growing communities.
- A new community library in the Apex Friendship area:
This library would help meet the needs of the area's growing population.
- Athens Drive Community Library Replacement:
When the Wake County Public School System renovates Athens Drive High School in 2026, a new library will need to be built to serve this area.
- Wendell Community Library Replacement:
The system's smallest library is no longer adequate to serve Wendell's rapidly growing population.
- A new installation
The board will continue to consider options to address needs across Wake County, including digital equity concerns and providing more library services to underserved populations.
Fuquay-Varina Community Library Expansion:
In fiscal year 2024, this library has recorded the highest circulation of all community libraries, and even more than several regional libraries.
This will expand the facility from a community library to a regional library.
Renovations
The referendum also seeks voter approval to fund the renovation of the Express Library – Fayetteville Street, Green Road Community Library, Leesville Community Library, Library Administration Building, Northeast Regional Library, Richard B. Harrison Community Library, Southeast Regional Library, and Zebulon Community Library.
Projects will focus on facility beautification, replacement of systems, furniture and other improvements.
Wake County last held a library bond referendum in October 2007 to fund $45 million in renovations, replacements and additions.
The referendum was approved by 70% of voters.
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