Wake County proposes Southgate library replacement with stronger digital services after debate over standalone digital equity center

Wake County library staff presented timelines and options for 14 library projects funded by a voter-approved $142,000,000 bond and sought direction on a single “to be determined” (TBD) project: a stand-alone Digital Equity Center or a replacement of the Southgate Community Library using the bond’s prototype (a 12,000-square-foot facility).

"The bond voters approved a hundred and $42,000,000 and that was for a total of 14 different, bond funded projects," Matt Roylance briefed the board, noting the library system includes 23 branches and that the bond funds cover a mix of new buildings, an expansion and renovations across the system.

What staff said - System size and coverage: Wake County has 23 libraries (11 in Raleigh), and county planning uses a 10-minute drive-time goal. Roylance said current coverage is roughly 85% of residents; projects in the bond would raise coverage to about 89%. - Prototype and sizing: staff said the bond-funded new libraries will use an updated community-branch prototype of about 12,000 square feet (an up-size from prior ~8,000 sq. ft. community branches) to add enclosed programming space, teen areas and more public PCs. - Computers and digital access: staff reported about 373 public internet computers in the system, 81 catalog computers, and about 16 public computers currently at Southgate. Tammy Badgett said the county had been awarded a two-year digital championship grant for nearly $400,000 to pilot device lending (Chromebooks and hotspots) and fund two positions: a "digital literacy navigator" and a device-support technician.

The TBD choice: digital center vs Southgate replacement Tammy Badgett framed the two TBD options. She said a Digital Equity Center would provide dedicated space and staff for technology training, makerspace-style equipment and more advanced software and devices. "This would allow an opportunity to foster additional partnerships that are specific to digital equity," she said.

For a Southgate replacement, Badgett noted constraints at the current location (a shopping-center lease) and argued a larger, purpose-built 12,000-sq.-ft. prototype would expand programming rooms, computers, meeting space and collection capacity in Southeast Raleigh. Commissioner Waters, who represents the area, described the current site and urged replacement: "It broke my heart to see that level of resource for a community that sees such literacy disparities," she said, noting vulnerable neighborhoods and proximity to Title I schools.

Commissioner positions and staff response Commissioners expressed two themes: (1) the strong equity case for a larger Southgate replacement in Southeast Raleigh to address literacy disparities, program space and the cramped current site; and (2) interest in countywide digital-skilling capacity. Several commissioners urged that the Southgate replacement be designed with robust digital-skilling infrastructure, equipment and staffing so it can operate as a local hub for advanced training while distributing basic digital services across other branches.

Staff cautioned the board that bond funding and timing constrained doing both projects simultaneously. Roylance and facilities staff said the original bond program and cost estimates were built around more traditional library standards; adding makerspace infrastructure, vented rooms or extensive specialized technology increases capital costs and could affect the number and order of projects the county can deliver within the approved borrowing.

Timing and sequence Roylance showed a staggered timeline that limits concurrent major projects, explaining the county plans to sequence two major (new) projects and two smaller (renovation) projects at a time to match county construction staff capacity and to preserve competitive contractor responses. Staff noted Athens Drive has scheduling pressure because construction on the high school campus will start in summer 2026, and staff asked commissioners to confirm sequencing and priorities so site work and design can proceed.

Decisions and next steps During the session commissioners signaled support for replacing Southgate with a larger, modern branch that incorporates enhanced digital services and programming; staff said they will return with site-selection options, refined cost estimates that reflect upgraded digital infrastructure, and a public engagement schedule. Roylance reminded the board that Southgate’s lease currently runs through June 2028 and that staff will use the lease timeline to coordinate replacement planning.

Provenance: Presentation and Q&A occurred during the March 10, 2025 Wake County Board of Commissioners work session on library bond projects and the TBD site decision.