New state-of-the-art library to be built at planned Grove at Town Center in Snellville

Rendering provided by Gwinnett County government 

SNELVILLE, GA—Gwinnett County and the city of Snellville have a new construction project on the books. The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners on June 22 approved a contract with Reeves Young, LLC, to build a new library in the city’s planned The Grove at Town Center development on Wisteria Drive.

Construction on the new library is expected to begin in August 2021, officials said.  Gwinnett County and the city of Snellville are jointly funding the $10,235,000 project using 2017 SPLOST program dollars.

“We can always do more as a team than we can by ourselves,” said District 3 Commissioner Jasper Watkins. “With Gwinnett County and the city of Snellville combining ideas and resources, we can accomplish more for the people we both represent.”

The two-story building will house the library on the first floor. The second floor will be operated by the city for co-working space, college classes and other public or educational uses.

“The city is excited to partner with Gwinnett County and the Library Board on this project in The Grove at Towne Center,” said Mayor Barbara Bender. “Our residents are looking forward to using the new library and this location will add to the activity and vibrancy of our downtown.”

The new branch will replace the 33-year-old Elizabeth Williams Library on Lenora Church Road. The 22,000-square foot space will include adult, teen and children’s areas; 20 computer workstations; and a multipurpose room.  It will be closed shortly before the new library branch opens to provide time for transition.

“As stated in our strategic plan for Gwinnett County Public Library, our goal is to explore, design, and develop library facilities that are flexible and responsive to changing needs in our community,” said Library Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Wandy Taylor. “This new Snellville branch library will be in keeping with that vision.”