Proposed New Library in Hampstead: Pender County Library Invites Public Input on Location

HAMPSTEAD – Pender County is contemplating the construction of a new, larger library in Hampstead and seeks public feedback on the location. This would replace the existing Pender County Library Hampstead Branch. The new facility will replace the current Hampstead Branch, with two potential sites under consideration, both on Highway 17.

The first option is to renovate and expand the existing Hampstead Branch on Library Drive (across the street from Taco Bell and Wendy’s), while the second proposes constructing an entirely new library next to the Pender County Government Annex in Hampstead (across the street from Bojangles).

No matter which option is chosen, the size of the new, larger library would be the same at either location. Additionally, the associated project costs are expected to be roughly equal. This is because if the county renovates and expands the existing Library Drive site, the county will need to purchase additional surrounding property. On the other hand, if the new library is built at the Annex site, the county could offset costs by selling the existing Library Drive property.

To gather public opinion, a survey is available both in paper form at the Hampstead Branch Library (75 Library Drive) and the Main Library in Burgaw (103 S. Cowan Street) and online at penderpubliclibrary.org. The survey will be open from July 20 to August 20.

In addition, there will be two public information sessions at the Hampstead Branch Library on Tuesday, August 8 at 6 pm and on Saturday, August 19 at 10:30 am. These sessions will provide attendees the opportunity to ask questions and to learn additional details about the two locations under consideration.

For more information, please contact Allen Phillips-Bell at 910-259-0306 or abell@pendercountync.gov.