Drakeford Library Complex draws strong early use; county outlines partnerships and access issues

Orange County assistant library director Jody Smith reported that the Drakeford Library Complex has seen heavy early use since a full operational schedule began in late February, with the southern branch already matching or exceeding some activity at the main library.

Smith told the joint meeting of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners and the Carrboro Town Council that the southern branch recorded 7,326 door counts in February and was over 10,000 month-to-date when the data were compiled, and that daily averages for the southern branch were about 414 visitors versus 392 at the main library. "We were truly busy from the very first day that we opened," Smith said. He added that the branch recorded 791 attendees at the grand opening and that early reviews showed a five‑star rating online.

Why it matters: the Drakeford Complex colocates library services, workforce and social services and recreation programs in one building, increasing foot traffic and creating new opportunities to connect residents to training and support.

Smith said the branch registered 810 new library users in February and was at 969 by the time the month’s statistics were compiled; he said that number likely exceeded 1,000 by the end of the month and noted that the Carboro branch had registered 700 cards in all of 2024. He also reported higher courier volumes because materials are moving between locations daily rather than three times a week.

Programming and partnerships: Smith reviewed early programming: a family story time on March 15 drew 18 attendees; a baby lap story time on March 18 had 14; and a youth story time on March 20 drew 42. He said adult and teen programming are planned for coming months and that the Carrboro Recreation, Parks and Cultural Resources Department expects to support story time and other programs.

Sharon Henson, assistant director, Orange County Department of Social Services, described colocated workforce and benefits services at the Drakeford NCWorks/skills development space. Henson said the center offers training and work-experience programs funded through the North Carolina Department of Commerce, on-site Durham Tech classes including CNA and Human Resource Development training, GED support and partner-provided services such as nursing assessments by UNC.

Henson said DSS provides a "touchdown" rotation of staff so residents can receive help with Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), Medicaid and childcare assistance at Drakeford rather than traveling to other county offices. "This is the first time that the skills development center is not a stand alone facility," she said, and described coordination with Carrboro Parks and Rec and other partners.

Questions from commissioners and council members focused on classroom scheduling, public access to multipurpose rooms and safety and access control. Council members were told that Carrboro Parks and Recreation will make multipurpose rooms reservable via its website soon and can accept reservations by email or phone in the interim.

Several officials raised recurring concerns about ingress and egress in the parking deck and late‑night access to the library terrace. Alan Dorman, Orange County director of asset management services, said the county approved attractive permanent fencing for the bioretention (bioswale) planting areas in front of the building and that fence installation is underway. County and town staff said they are developing a security plan and plan to contract third‑party security support; that work includes coordination on locking points, parking‑deck access, stairwells and bathrooms.

The presentations included several community partnership examples: Durham Tech will provide in‑building classes such as CNA and HRD; Alamance Community College will accept referrals and tuition support for classes not offered locally; a local Girl Scout troop installed an on‑site food pantry; and the Orange County Community Remembrance Coalition intends to display a soil exhibit at the southern branch in late April or early May.

Officials said the library has mechanisms for public feedback (email, web form and paper form) and that staff will reply to submissions directly. Smith closed by thanking the community and noting early public support for the new branch.