Buncombe Commissioners Vote to Keep Swannanoa Library Open Until New Site Found

Buncombe Commissioners Vote to Keep Swannanoa Library Open Until New Site Found

Asheville, N.C. – Buncombe County commissioners have backtracked on their plan to close the Swannanoa library. Commissioners voted Thursday afternoon to keep the Swannanoa library open at its current location until a new building in the Swannanoa Valley is found.

Even after Thursday’s vote, roughly a dozen people in favor of keeping the library open took to the mic to show their support. Sadie Simpson celebrated the vote as a win, while acknowledging there’s still a long road ahead for the library’s future.

Community Support for Swannanoa Library

Swannanoa Community Council Vice-Chair LeeAnn Johnson explained that keeping the library open goes beyond having a place to find a book in the community. She said it’s also the only place to access the internet or use a bathroom, for some. Johnson said if the library does have to change locations, she hopes it stays within about a 4- to 5-mile radius and gets more accessible for people.

Previous Building Repair Concerns

An analysis done in 2021 found the library in the Grovemont neighborhood needed about $635,000 in repairs, prompting a decision to close the facility when the lease on the building ended on June 29. During a community meeting last month, nearby residents said they were blindsided by the county’s decision to close the facility.

Buncombe County officials said Swannanoa residents could use the libraries in Black Mountain or East Asheville. However, officials faced pushback on that suggestion because of limited public transit options.

Future Plans for Swannanoa Library

Once a new location is identified, the building currently housing the Swannanoa library will be returned to the Swannanoa Community Council. With the decision to maintain operations at the Swannanoa library, previously announced plans for additional hours at other locations and mobile programming will be suspended. So far, officials have not released a timeline for finding a new site.

Community Response

Swannanoa residents were initially shocked and appalled by the county’s plan to close the library. However, the recent decision to keep the library open until a new site is found has been met with relief and appreciation from the community.

Residents are hopeful that a suitable location for the new library will be identified soon, and efforts will be made to ensure that the new site is easily accessible to all community members.

Conclusion

The decision by Buncombe County commissioners to keep the Swannanoa library open until a new site is found reflects the importance of this community resource to residents. The ongoing support and engagement from local residents demonstrate the significant role that the library plays in the Swannanoa community.

As the county continues to work towards finding a new location for the library, residents remain hopeful for a positive outcome that will ensure the continued availability of library services in the area.