After a month’s delay due to winter weather, the grand opening ceremony for the Drakeford Library Complex in Carrboro is set again.

The Town of Carrboro and Orange County governments announced Tuesday that the rescheduled event — featuring tours of the building and a ribbon-cutting — is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Friday, Mar. 21. While the facility has been open to the public, the event to mark the complex’s its completion is cause for celebration, as the facility brings a new branch of the Orange County Public Library to fruition and represents the most significant development in downtown Carrboro’s recent history. A winter storm that brought a few inches of snow to the Triangle delayed the initial opening ceremony set for Feb. 21.

Among the dignitaries expected to speak at the opening ceremony are Derrick Drakeford and Bobby Drakeford, sons of the building’s namesake: former Carrboro Mayor Robert Drakeford, who was the town’s first Black mayor. Also on hand will be current Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee, Chair of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford, local U.S. Rep. Valerie Foushee, and Carrboro Town Manager Patrice Toney. Refreshments will be provided by Neal’s Deli and Open Eye Café.

The $42 million development took more than two years to construct and had been in the works dating back to 2016 when the town identified its own public parking surface lot as a potential site for renewal. Even before the grand opening ceremony’s initial date, the library opened to visitors and began operations earlier in February.

“The library is more than just a place for books; it is a dynamic community hub where learning, culture, and collaboration come together,” said Erin Sapienza, director of the Orange County Public Library, in a town release. “We are excited to welcome the Carrboro community into this inspiring new space and whether you’re here to borrow a book, find a study space, explore career resources, or participate in a community event, we are here for you.”

In addition to the library, the Drakeford Library Complex also houses office for Carrboro’s Parks and Recreation Department, the Orange County Skills Development and NCWorks Career Center, a town-operated teen center, meeting rooms, work spaces, a performance space for reservations, a studio for WCOM radio, and a third-floor terrace. The connected parking deck has 171 public parking spots, for use at the complex and otherwise. The spaces are consistent with Carrboro’s public parking rules, which is free for two hours.

According to the town and county government, the Orange County Southern Branch Library will be open seven days a week to the community. Its hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. The other agencies and groups housed within the complex will have their own hours of operations.

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