Patrons of the downtown Williamsburg Regional Library can look forward to a new way to experience the well-known location.
Betsy Fowler, the library’s director, has wanted to make the library’s outdoor plaza a more enjoyable space for years and after the area was labeled a green space during the 2018 downtown vibrancy study, Fowler thought now was the perfect time to spruce it up.
In the past year, the plaza has featured several adirondack chairs that were donated by the Friends of WRL Foundation, which is a nonprofit that helps fund the library.
Additionally, according to the minutes from the city of Williamsburg’s Architectural Review Board meeting, the board approved the use of a number of chairs and umbrellas last year that were placed outside twice a week.
Both of those sets of furniture were not permanent, though, and this summer Fowler wants to make the plaza even better.
“I think the best places are when you combine art, culture and public spaces together,” Fowler said. “When I first came to this library, I knew that [the plaza] was a lovely space that was being underutilized.”
Fowler’s plan is to bring in five sets of cafe-style tables, each with four chairs as well as benches that are designed as colorful sculptural pieces that are child-friendly. In addition, she hopes to install some potted plants and landscape lighting in the future.
During the city’s Architectural Review Board meeting April 23, members of the board questioned whether the materials for the pieces would be durable but after some research, she said she learned the pieces are made of commercial-grade material and should fare well in various weather.
The project will cost less than $10,000, Fowler said, and be paid for out of library operating funds.
“Much of the scene is already set,” she said. “It just needs more seating, I think it will help elevate all of it into a more contemporary place.”
The colors for the proposed benches were questioned during the meeting as to whether they would fit with Downtown Williamsburg’s aesthetic, Fowler said. But she said the benches come in a variety of different colors, which allowed the project to be approved by the board on the condition that Fowler return to the board with a new color selection.
Since the meeting, Fowler has had a new color selection approved by the Architectural Review Board and is now working with city staff for final approval before ordering.
That new permanent installation comes at a time for the library as renovations and remodeling are considered. In March 2018, discussions began regarding the library’s expansion after an assessment found the place sorely lacking in space.
To address that issue, there could possibly be a new structure built in a different location, build a two-story structure at the current location, or to expand the current structure.
While a decision has not yet been made for the library’s future, Fowler said the permanent outdoor seating installations are entirely unrelated these possible changes.
“We are looking to enhance the plaza and experience right now,” she said.
There is not currently a set time for when the outdoor seating area will be available to guests, but Fowler said she hopes to have all of the pieces in place by June.
