After years of anticipation, Union County is opening the Southwest Regional Library to the public on Friday, April 19, at 9 a.m. and hosting a grand opening celebration for the community on Saturday, April 20, at 10 a.m. The Southwest Regional Library is located at 1515 Cuthbertson Road in Waxhaw, next to Cuthbertson Middle School. With approximately 19,000 square feet, the library offers expanded collections, programs and meeting spaces. More than 70,000 residents live within 15 minutes of the library.

“We are thrilled to finally be opening the new Southwest Regional Library,” said Nina Chaffin, Union County Library Director. “Our ability to provide our patrons with expanded access to materials, programs and technology is the direct result of all the hard work and dedication of our community supporters and elected officials.”

The Southwest Regional Library includes a children’s storytime area, reading nooks, a STEAM lab, study rooms, an outdoor patio, technology spaces, and more. 

The total cost to construct the new library was $14.7 million and was mostly made possible through the support of the community. In 2016, voters demonstrated their commitment to community enrichment by approving a $10 million bond for construction of the new library. Additionally, the Union County Library Foundation, a nonprofit fundraising support group for Union County Libraries, played a pivotal role, raising an additional $822,000 for books, amenities, technology and programming spaces. 

“With heartfelt gratitude, the Union County Library Foundation extends our thanks to the many individual donors, partners, and sponsors who helped transform the dream of Southwest Regional Library into a reality,” said Angela Bennett, Chair of the Union County Library Foundation. “Southwest Regional stands as a testament to the transformative power of collective vision. The joy of exploring, creating, and learning will now flourish within this space thanks to the steadfast support of our incredible community.”

Construction broke ground in 2021 and was delayed at times due to supply chain issues.

“This library is much more than a physical space. It symbolizes a longtime commitment by residents to invest in community engagement and lifelong learning for generations to come,” said Deputy County Manager Patrick Niland.

Click here to watch the ribbon-cutting ceremony. For additional information on the Union County Library, visit uclnc.org.

From left to right: County Manager Brian Matthews, Library Board of Trustee Terry Settle, Library Board of Trustee Beverly Osborn, Library Board of Trustee Julie Thomas, Board of County Commissioners Chair J.R. Rowell, County Commissioner Clancy Baucom, County Commissioner Melissa Merrell, Board of County Commissioners Vice Chair Brian Helms, Library Director Nina Chaffin, Library Board of Trustee Charlene Baucom, Library Board of Trustee Renee Hottle, Library Board of Trustee Gustavo Arévalo, Library Board of Trustees Vice Chair Valerie Gromlovitz, and Library Board of Trustees Chair Karen Bowman.