By Christian Warren Freed
If you’re like me, you’ve spent plenty of time wandering through libraries. Okay, I might be dating myself here, but there was a time when the library had all the answers to our questions and offered an escape from the classroom. While times may have changed, the library continues to play an important role in our society. Instead of shrinking or disappearing in the digital age, the library system continues growing. There are an estimated 10,000 library systems nationwide, each with multiple branches or facilities. The Wake County Public Library System maintains and operates a total of 23 facilities spread across the county. Some have been here forever. Our very own Holly Springs Community Library has only been a part of our town since 2006.
In order to maintain healthy buildings, Wake County has its libraries on a renovation schedule. Every 20 years, state engineers come in to determine upgrades, repairs, etc. This ensures that the libraries remain viable places for the host of programs in their curriculum. Our library has reached that age and is now closed for most of 2026 as upgrades and repairs are conducted.
Senior Library Manager for Facilities and Operations Mark Englebrecht explained the reasoning behind the upgrades. “Wake County Public Libraries are on a 20- to 25-year renovation rotation. In addition to the renovation, this library is due for a roof replacement and updates to its heating and cooling systems. We are doing so much at once to make the best use of the closure period. The renovation will update the floor plan with a patron-focused design. This includes moving the service desk to the entrance, replacing carpet, new furniture, and installing a family restroom accessible from the shared lobby. We will also update the furniture in the shared lobby, which will benefit patrons of the library and the cultural center.”
The Holly Springs library is expanding who and how it serves our community. Already a place for people of all walks and ages, the library is adding a dedicated space for special programs with the flexibility to meet day-to-day community needs. Whether this is welcoming families for story-time in the morning or transitioning to hosting book clubs and providing unique space for students to do their homework or work on special projects, this room is a place Holly Springs needs as we continue growing.
The library may look massive from the outside but most of the building belongs to the Holly Springs Cultural Center on the other side of the hallway. Out of over 25,000 square feet, the library uses just over 6,000. What is impressive is there are almost 37,000 books on the shelves for readers to peruse. (I dare anyone to read them all!)
Ever a community staple, libraries help bring residents together in ways comparable to places of worship and good restaurants. The Holly Springs Community Library offers STEM and craft programs while also going the extra mile in helping develop the next generation through a Teen Leadership Corp. But don’t think the library is just for kids. Oh no. There is plenty for adults, too!
In the mood for bingo? We’ve got you! Maybe you’re looking for something wellness- or lifestyle-related. Check! One surprising aspect of life the library handles is helping adults with job searches. Throw in custom booklists, research and technology assistance, and a one-on-one appointment service, and the library truly remains part of the backbone of Holly Springs.
Mark states that the library doesn’t stop there. “All-ages family events happen a few times a year as well. Most notably, we held a Diwali program and a holiday craft program featuring mug decorating and hot chocolate.”
Once the library reopens later this year, they will resume inviting local authors to come speak about their books. If you happen to be one of those local authors, it might behoove you to swing over to the Wake County library home page and learn how to get your books into the system. Not only will this expose you to new readers, you might find it easier to arrange a signing or speaking engagement through existing programs.
The library is an owned operation by the county, but the Holly Springs Cultural Center belongs to us, and it remains open and ready to serve. Both entities work hand in hand to mutual agreement for the benefit of all citizens. You probably already know the cultural center as the site and backdrop for concerts and our weekly farmer’s market, but there’s an added benefit the market brings to the library with nearly one thousand guests visiting every Saturday morning. Annah Lee, Cultural Center Manager, sums up the symbiotic relationship perfectly. “The weekly farmers market is housed on our grounds creating a truly holistic hub for our community. Our space is one where connections are made! We value the proximity of the library and make efforts to connect our programs to the power of books!”
Thanks to the farmer’s market, the library and cultural center see an influx of crowds and the relationship deepens from there. Housed in the cultural center are spaces to meet and gather, a place for artists to showcase their work, and rental opportunities for private meetings, events, and celebrations. (There’s always something to celebrate in Holly Springs!)
One shining star is the Holly Springs Playhouse. This youth theater ties its productions in with literature, from the classic “Wizard of Oz” to the recent “James and the Giant Peach.” Each year, this outstanding troupe of aspiring actors puts their heart into delivering the best possible performances for us. Annah says, “We strive to honor the importance of books in the cultural arts and to create connections across the library and cultural center’s programs.”
Our library is a vital gathering place that renews our commitment to each other, strengthens the town, and contributes to making this little part of North Carolina a home for us all. Looking ahead to the library’s unveiling, Mark says, “We are excited to share the new space with all residents. We hope there will be something for everyone with a new programming space, worktables, and a new layout for the book collections. We look forward to serving you when we return!”
Well said, sir. I, for one, can’t wait for the grand reopening. What about you? To keep up with updates and developments, please go to hollyspringsnc.gov/2923/Wake-County-Library-Renovations. For programs at the cultural center, visit hollyspringsnc.gov/346/Performances. And for the latest market updates, check out hollyspringsnc.gov/319/Farmers-Market.
