Board hears $3.5M renovation estimate for Buchanan branch; Dollar General option would cost more

At its May 13 meeting, the Botetourt County Library Board heard an update on plans to renovate the Buchanan branch. Library Director Julie Phillips said there has been no substantial progress on the project but that patrons continue to inquire about timelines and options. Phillips said staff estimates indicate renovating the existing Buchanan facility could be accomplished within a $3.5 million budget, excluding costs for storage and temporary space, while acquiring and converting the Dollar General site would require roughly $4.8 million.

Phillips told the board that Trinity Episcopal Church on Main Street has offered the use of its fellowship hall as a potential temporary location during renovation, but that staff still need to assess the space for technology capacity, layout and storage needs. Trustees asked staff about HVAC systems, basement conditions and storage solutions; Phillips said those technical issues are part of the ongoing assessment and that a full renovation timeline is expected to run about 12–18 months.

The board discussed tradeoffs between staying in the current building and pursuing a Dollar General conversion, including higher conversion costs and additional funding needs for the latter. Phillips cautioned that the $3.5 million estimate does not include expenses related to temporary facilities or off‑site storage, and that those costs would require separate funding decisions.

Next steps: staff will continue technical assessments, refine cost estimates that include temporary‑space needs, and report back to the board as plans develop.