Wake County voters will decide in November on a $142 million bond referendum for new libraries, renovations and expansions of existing ones.

Wake County voters will be asked whether they want to approve a $142 million bond for new libraries and renovations and expansions of existing ones.

The bond issue will be on November ballots, and if approved, homeowners with homes valued at $100,000 would pay an estimated $2.50 more per year.

The last bond referendum for libraries was held in October 2007 for $45 million in renovations, replacements and expansions.

That referendum passed with 70% voter approval.

The goals of the 2024 plan are to increase the number of Wake County residents who have convenient access to a public library, renovate aging library buildings and make existing libraries more appealing.

The bond calls for eight library renovations, five new libraries and one library expansion.

The potential renovation sites are:[GJ1]

· Express Library on Fayetteville Street, 336 Fayetteville Street in Raleigh

· Green Road Community Library, 4101 Green Road in Raleigh

· Leesville Community Library, 5105 Country Trail in Raleigh

· Library Administration Building, 4020 Carya Drive in Raleigh

· Northeast Regional Library, 14401 Green Elm Lane in Raleigh

· Richard B. Harrison Community Library, 1313 New Bern Avenue in Raleigh

· Southeast Regional Library, 908 7th Ave. in Garner

· Zebulon Community Library, 1000 Dogwood Drive in Zebulon

Renovations typically include system upgrades, circulation desk styles and carpet, furniture and shelving replacements.

· The bond calls for new libraries to be built in Rolesville and in the Friendship area of Apex.

· Libraries on Athens Drive in Raleigh and in Wendell would be replaced. And a new library would be built at a location in Fuquay-Varina to be determined.

If the bond referendum is passed, work will begin nearly right away with land acquisition expected by late 2024 and after community input has been received.