CLAYTON – Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library, a cornerstone of the Clayton community, will soon undergo a $2.5 million renovation aimed at modernizing and enhancing the space to better serve visitors of all ages.
The project, expected to be completed by summer 2026, will preserve the library’s historic charm while creating a dynamic, collaborative, and welcoming environment for learning, connection, and creativity.
“We are excited to bring this vision to life for our community,” said Library Manager Melissa Poole. “The goal is to create a library that is not only functional but also inspiring, a place where visitors can gather, collaborate, and explore new ideas. This renovation will allow us to continue our role as a community hub for years to come.”
The renovation project focuses on enhancing the library’s layout, resources, and design elements to reflect the evolving needs of the community. The revamped space will feature modern amenities, flexible seating arrangements, dedicated areas for collaborative work, and a variety of interactive spaces.
“We are not just renovating a building, we are transforming an experience,” said Councilmember and Library Advisory Board Liaison Gretchen Williams. “Our aim with this project is to create a new space that inspires creativity, sparks conversation, and fosters lifelong learning. This renovation will ensure the library remains a central, cherished part of our community’s fabric.”
Though construction will take place over the next year, library services will continue with minimal disruption. Once the renovations begin a temporary location for the library will be made available, with a curated collection of books, technology, and other resources. Customers will still have the ability to place books on hold for pickup. Additionally, the library’s programming will not be impacted by the project.
All programs, including the summer reading program, craft nights, story time, etc., will be held at various locations throughout the Town. Exact dates and locations for these services will be shared in the coming weeks through the library’s normal communication channels.
According to Poole, the largest anticipated public impact will be from May through June 2025. During this time access to physical materials will not be available while the library relocates to a temporary location. However, the library’s digital collection, including eBooks, eAudiobooks, online learning resources, and more, will remain available throughout the renovation period. Library cardholders can continue accessing these resources online.
“We are committed to ensuring our community stays connected with the library’s services during this time,” said Poole. “We want to continue offering access to educational and recreational materials while the physical space undergoes this exciting transformation.”
Over the next few weeks, the community is encouraged to visit the library to view renderings, floor plans, and design materials during regular business hours. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about the renovation and ask questions of library staff.
“The transformation of Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library is about more than just new walls and updated facilities,” said Williams. “It’s about creating a library that reflects the evolving needs of our community, one that will serve as a gathering place for learning, connection, and creativity now and in the future.”
Some parking would be good too
I can think of a lot I mean a lot of ways to better utilize $2.5 million dollars! typical local town wasteful spending….on a library this is 2025 seriously!
I’d like to know how that 2.5 million is being spent. The building isn’t even large.
This is why I live out in the country. How do the Clayton residents that actually pay city rate property taxes feel about this? What will be next, subsidizing the local news paper?
I like reading books…too bad most of Clayton doesn’t…