By Matt de Simone
Botetourt County is in the early stages of a due-diligence process to determine the future location of the Buchanan Library, a long-anticipated project made possible by a $3.5 million Google grant and a commitment to the community that dates back nearly three decades.
County officials stress that no decision has been made. The process is intended to evaluate whether the library would best serve residents by remaining in its historic downtown building on Main Street or relocating to a former commercial property commonly known as the old Dollar General, also within the Town of Buchanan.
To promote transparency, the county recently launched an interactive webpage outlining both options, the studies underway and opportunities for public input. Officials have also addressed questions circulating on social media, including confusion sparked by a “sale pending” sign posted at the former Dollar General property.
County Communications Director Brent Watts said the sign reflects the county’s option on the property while studies are conducted.
“That’s kind of a technicality right now that they (the seller) do because the property is on hold so that we could have the option to purchase it if we need to, if we want to, or go that option,” Watts said.
The existing Buchanan Library is located at 19795 Main Street. in a building constructed in the 1920s that once housed a store and later apartments. Botetourt County purchased the building in 1998, and the library relocated there from Lowe Street with approximately 5,500 square feet of finished space, with the understanding that additional space would be completed later.
Library Director Julie Phillips said the current building presents several operational limitations.
“One of the biggest things we’ve run into is people want quiet study space that’s separated from the rest of the building,” Phillips said. “We don’t have that access unless the meeting room happens to be open and can be reserved at the last minute.” She also added that the Buchanan Library’s children’s area is very limited, with only a small space for kids and parents, making the area feel crowded and insufficient for the number of books.
Accessibility and parking are also concerns, she said, particularly given traffic along Main Street.
“If they have limited mobility, it’s hard to get to the library because even if they park right in front of the library and there’s a space available, someone who’s mobility impaired getting out on the traffic side when all those semis are rolling through town just make people really nervous,” Phillips said.
A full renovation of the existing building would activate three usable levels and significantly redesign the interior while preserving the building’s historic character. Phillips said patrons would notice major changes, including new study rooms, expanded children’s areas and additional programming space.
“It will look very different than it does today,” she said, “but still the beautiful wood floors, still the beautiful historic building kind of effect.”
Renovation would require the library to close for at least 12 months.
“Construction will take at least 12 months,” Phillips said. “We would be completely closed for construction.”
During that time, limited services would be offered from a temporary location in town, while full services would remain available at other county library branches.
Graphics courtesy of Botetourt Co.
The second option under consideration is a single-story commercial building at 17720 Main Street, outside the traditional downtown core. Once renovated, Phillips said, both facilities would ultimately offer the same amount of space.
“They’re totally even,” she said. “They’re just laid out differently.”
County information indicates the former commercial site could offer more parking, outdoor programming space and a single-level, fully accessible layout. Phillips said it would also allow the current library to remain open during construction.
“The alternate location on the outskirts of town, because it’s one story and because we can make that building more efficient, the operating costs should be lower than they would be with the historic structure,” she said.
Phillips said public feedback has been mixed.
“It’s been really interesting to see the conversation,” she said. “Both sites have their pros and cons.”
She also addressed questions about expanding the library into multiple downtown buildings, saying it would not be feasible.
“That budget would look astronomical,” Phillips said. “We would also have to staff separate buildings, and that would require basically the equivalent of two library’s operating budgets.”
Buchanan Town Manager Tim Mack said the town does not have a role in the county’s property acquisition but is involved in zoning considerations during the due-diligence period. Current zoning does not allow libraries in commercial districts, where the former Dollar General building is located.
The town plans to hold a joint public hearing between the Planning Commission and Town Council to consider allowing public uses in commercial districts through a special use permit. If approved, the county would still be required to apply for a permit through a separate public hearing process.
If the library relocates, Mack said the town looks forward to working with the county on the future of the existing downtown building.
“It would make available an open, warm, and wonderful space right in the heart of our downtown,” Mack said. “The Town Council has been extremely supportive of getting that building occupied.”
Phillips said modern libraries have evolved into community hubs that go beyond book lending.
“Libraries have really evolved to be that community hub,” she said. “It’s creating a space where people can learn and be together and build community.”
County officials stress that the due-diligence process does not signal a predetermined outcome, but rather a careful evaluation before committing public funds. Residents are encouraged to follow updates and provide feedback through the county’s interactive webpage (www.botetourtva.gov/1018/Buchanan-Library-Renovation) as studies continue.
