A Framework for the Future: Residents Anticipate New Clemmons Branch

Gabrielle Frazier with her twins, Silas and Sidonie.

“THE LIBRARY IS DEFINITELY PART OF THE GROWING

COMMUNITY. It’s expanding to meet the needs of the area,” said Gabrielle Frazier, who visits the Clemmons Branch frequently with her twin daughters.

In 2010 Forsyth County voters approved a $40 million bond that funded a major renovation of the downtown Central Library and construction of new branch libraries in Kernersville and Clemmons. Ground was broken for the new Clemmons Branch on August 15, 2019, and the branch will welcome its first customers in May.

The 20,000 square foot branch has spaces devoted to teens and children. The branch also has a large auditorium and smaller multipurpose room, a makerspace, three small meeting rooms, a quiet reading room and a sunny, spacious outdoor courtyard.

Alex Williams and his father, Shawn Williams. (below) The Clemmons Branch in the 1980s. Courtesy of the Forsyth County Public Library Photo Collection.

The Clemmons Branch in the 1980s. Courtesy of the Forsyth County Public Library Photo Collection.

“The library has been an absolute miracle. It’s truly been a blessing that it’s been able to be open. The staff is wonderful.”

— BOB METIVIER

On the technology side, the library will open with collaborative technology in all meeting spaces, gaming stations, a 3D printer, a 3D laser cutting printer, Cricut machine, sewing machines, self-checkout, and updated public computers for all ages. The interior of the branch features warm wood accents, bright colors, and abundant light from every angle.

Nancy Metzgar is just one of many super readers in Clemmons who is emphatic about the importance of the library in her life. “I want to have another book ready to read as I get close to finishing one,” she said.

Shawn Williams uses the library himself and relies on it to support the homeschooling of his son Alex. “I read fiction — a novel every two weeks — and 90 percent of what I read comes from the library,” he said. “Storytime was invaluable for Alex and helped me know what kinds of books to get my son, which helped him learn to read at an early age. The interaction with other kids was great for him too. The library has been the one constant, even with less hours during the pandemic.”

Regular library users understand the need for a new library in Clemmons. “The fact that we’re getting a new building with more space shows that we need it. I can get almost everything I want through the library” said Bob Metivier.

And while the new library branch is exciting to many Clemmons residents, the current library served a particularly important role in the community over the last year. “The library has been an absolute miracle. I panicked when I thought the library might be closed,” Metivier said. “It’s truly been a blessing that it’s been able to be open. The staff is wonderful.” I| S

— ELIZABETH SKINNER, deputy director