The newest addition to Lexington’s public library system is a 30,000 square foot space just off Versailles Road in the Cardinal Valley Neighborhood. It replaces the original Village Branch, which opened in 2004 and worked with community leaders to provide resources serving the surrounding community’s large Hispanic population.
Programs at Village Branch included Spanish-language GED preparation classes, English as a Second Language classes, and assistance with social services. Marksbury Family Branch manager Jenny Smith says the new library is dedicated to expanding and broadening those services in their new space.
“One thing that the community told us when we asked them what they wanted this new library to have was a place to meet, whether it be community groups or individuals," said Smith.
The new branch offers a large meeting room which can hold up to 150 people, a smaller conference room that seats 16, and several 4-person study rooms. Smith says the facility also has a dedicated classroom space for expanded programming.
Marksbury boasts the only intergenerational makerspace in the Lexington Public Library system, as well as its largest collection of Spanish language books.
The Grand Opening starts at noon and is open to all ages.