3/19/04

Public Forum Scheduled for Library and Cultural Arts Center
Residents Invited to Voice Programming Ideas

Town officials and project architects are inviting Holly Springs residents to share their ideas about what types of activities they would like offered in the new Holly Springs Library and Cultural Arts Center, planned to open in 2006. The public forum will be held in the Town Hall Council Chambers, March 30, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

As part of designing the future cultural center and library, Town officials stressed the importance of considering ideas from Holly Springs residents about the activities they would like to see offered in the center. Because the building's design and site plan will be determined by the activities residents want offered, Town officials want to focus the forum on programming ideas.

“Programming will drive the building's design, and the building's design will drive the site plan,” explained Jenny Mizelle, director of the Town's Economic Development Department.

Once the Town determines what activities the center will offer, the site plan and building will be designed.

The new Wake County branch library will be approximately 8,000 square feet. Preliminary plans for the cultural arts component call for a 150-seat performing arts space with adjacent classrooms and spaces to accommodate various cultural arts functions in a facility that is approximately 5,000 square feet.

The library and the arts center are expected to share a lobby. The shared space will provide opportunities that would not be possible if the library and arts center were built separately. The library can benefit from a large performing space for functions such as children's book readings, book signings and lecture series. The arts center will benefit from the library by having continuous public space and area for an art gallery. The arts center is planned to offer various events, including children's theater, adult theater, dinner theater, dance recitals and events, and senior programs.

For more information about the public forum, contact Mizelle at 557-3906.

Town of Holly Springs - PO Box 8 - 128 South Main Street - Holly Springs, NC 27540 - (919) 552-6221 - Holly.Springs@hollyspringsnc.us