A decade of debate over where to build a new library in Jackson County was put to rest this week.

County commissioners voted 3-2 Monday night (Oct. 1) to build a new library next to the historic courthouse overlooking downtown Sylva. The vacant courthouse will be renovated in conjunction with the library addition. An architect will get to work immediately. Money for construction has been budgeted for 2008.

Years of wrestling over a location for a new Jackson County library will come to a close next month.

Jackson County commissioners pledged to pick a site for a new library at their next meeting on Oct. 1. There are two main contenders: the hill behind the historic courthouse overlooking Main Street and a two-acre tract on the outskirts of town adjacent to the Jackson Plaza strip mall.

Jackson County commissioners whittled down three construction projects on their wish list to two last week.

After years of the public waiting for a new library in Jackson County, county commissioners last week pledged to set aside $4.2 million to start construction in 2008.

Where to put a new Jackson County library is no closer to a resolution following a $20,000 study by a consultant intended to lay the groundwork for building a library.

A coffee shop.

That’s one of the more unique but interesting ideas that emerged during a series of public input sessions last week for a new Jackson County library.

The Sylva library is favorite destination for Kim Mathis and her four children. There’s just one problem.

“The library has been this same size since I was a child,” said Mathis, 39. “I just want it to be larger and provide more books and more things and more space. It’s just not enough.”

The best location for a new library in Jackson County appears to be up for discussion once more — with the idea of renovating and adding on to the vacant historic courthouse downtown back on the table.

What would you like to see in your new library?

It’s no small task moving a library.