Chesterfield seeks community feedback on library expansion
TL;DR: Chesterfield County is seeking community input on an expansion of the Ettrick-Matoaca Library from 8,000 to 25,000 square feet through three public feedback sessions beginning November 7.
Quick facts
- Who: Chesterfield County, Chesterfield Public Library, and HBA Architecture
- What: Community feedback sessions on Ettrick-Matoaca Library expansion project
- When: Saturday, November 7 (2-3 p.m.) and Thursday, November 12 (10-11 a.m. and 6-7:30 p.m.)
- Where: Matoaca Park Picnic Shelter and Ettrick-Matoaca Library
The story
Chesterfield County is hosting three community feedback sessions to gather public input on the planned expansion of the Ettrick-Matoaca Library. Representatives from the county, Chesterfield Public Library, and architecture firm HBA Architecture will present the expansion plans and solicit resident feedback at each session.
The feedback sessions are scheduled for Saturday, November 7, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Matoaca Park Picnic Shelter, and Thursday, November 12, from 10 to 11 a.m. and 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Ettrick-Matoaca Library itself. The county is seeking input from residents, students, workers, and commuters who live, attend school, work, or commute in the Ettrick, Matoaca, Petersburg, Hopewell, Colonial Heights, Prince George County, and Dinwiddie County areas.
For residents unable to attend an in-person session, an online survey is available through Chesterfield County's official channels to provide feedback on the expansion plans.
The Ettrick-Matoaca Library currently occupies 8,000 square feet and has not undergone renovation since 2013. The expansion project is budgeted at $12.2 million and is intended to grow the facility to 25,000 square feet, bringing it to size parity with six other county library locations. According to the 2022 Community Facilities Bond Plan, the expansion would add meeting rooms, small study areas, community programming space, and hands-on maker spaces to address overcrowding at the library.
Key players
- Chesterfield County: Project sponsor
- Chesterfield Public Library: Library system implementing expansion
- HBA Architecture: Project architect presenting design
Key dates
- 2026-11-07: Community feedback session, 2-3 p.m. at Matoaca Park Picnic Shelter
- 2026-11-12: Community feedback sessions, 10-11 a.m. and 6-7:30 p.m. at Ettrick-Matoaca Library
The case for
Library expansion would address demonstrated space constraints at a facility that is among the smallest in the county system, enabling the library to host more community programming, maker spaces, and study areas that are available at newer branches.
The case against
A $12.2 million expansion represents significant public investment; county officials and residents may weigh whether the funds could address other library branches or county capital needs, or whether phased or alternative approaches could deliver programming improvements at lower cost.
Why it matters: The Ettrick-Matoaca Library serves a broad geographic area spanning southern Chesterfield and neighboring counties. Expansion would increase the library's capacity to support community programming and educational services, while feedback from this process will help shape the final design and implementation approach.
Places
Development timeline
- 2022-11-08Community Facilities Bond Plan approved by voters: Bond plan includes $12.2 million budget for Ettrick-Matoaca Library expansion [source]
- 2026-11-07First community feedback session scheduled: Session at Matoaca Park Picnic Shelter, 2-3 p.m., to gather input on expansion plans [source]
- 2026-11-12Two additional feedback sessions scheduled: Sessions at Ettrick-Matoaca Library, 10-11 a.m. and 6-7:30 p.m., to gather community input [source]
Related links
- Chesterfield County Libraries
- Ettrick-Matoaca Library Facility Information
- 2022 Community Facilities Bond Plan
Read the original at Google News: Matoaca →
Sources
- Chesterfield seeks community feedback for Ettrick-Matoaca Library expansion
- 2022 Community Facilities Bond Plan: Libraries and Parks
- Ettrick-Matoaca: Chesterfield's Hidden Gem