At the June 12 open forum Robert Wilson presented research and a written report arguing the city should terminate the current concept for a new 50,000‑square‑foot library and pursue a renovation of the existing facility instead.

Wilson said James City County residents account for a large share of current library patrons and that James City County plans its own new library, which would reduce demand on a Williamsburg replacement. He criticized the proposed new‑library concept as too large for the city’s resident population (which he stated as about 10,000 excluding college students), and he disputed architectural representations that a renovation would be cost‑comparable, arguing a major renovation could cost between $8 million and $10 million versus $30–$40 million for new construction. He also said the library board’s approach and county participation raise sustainability concerns for city taxpayers, and he asked the council to reconsider the project and examine renovation alternatives.

Wilson provided a written report and said he deposited a copy with the clerk and made the materials available publicly. He characterized some commonly repeated claims about the existing facility as inaccurate, including the severity of roof and structural issues, and urged a reappraisal of options.

Ending: Council received Wilson’s remarks and the written materials he supplied; no council decision was made at the meeting and the library project remains subject to the city’s capital planning process.