Do Williamsburg and James City County Really Need New Libraries?

By John Womeldorf | mrwilliamsburg.com

The Williamsburg Regional Library system is at a crossroads. Williamsburg is preparing to demolish and rebuild its aging downtown branch, while James City County is considering constructing a new branch as part of a $189 million government complex. Both projects are being framed as essential upgrades—but do we truly need two brand-new libraries just three miles apart?

The Case for Rebuilding

There’s no question the downtown branch on Scotland Street has serious challenges. Built in 1973, with expansions in 1982 and 1998, its patchwork floor plan requires extra staff just to keep things functional. Director Sandy Towers notes that the building wasn’t designed for the Internet era, can’t accommodate additional data lines, and fails to meet modern accessibility standards. Heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems are also long past their prime.

As Towers explained:

“We need a program room for tweens, we need a program room for teens. We’ve had to make sacrifices because the spaces are being used differently than they were when this library was built.”

The reality is clear: Williamsburg’s branch is outdated. A new building would allow for modern programming, accessibility, and flexibility.

The Price Tag Problem

But here’s the sticking point: a new downtown library is expected to cost $30 million, and that doesn’t include long-term debt service. James City County’s initial plan was even larger—$49 million for a 50,000-square-foot branch. That figure has since been cut in half, but county taxpayers would still be committing tens of millions to the project.

Critics aren’t convinced this is money well spent. Resident Chris Henderson told the James City County Board of Supervisors:

“I don’t know why we’re jumping forward prematurely with a location and a facility that may not be in the best interest of James City County taxpayers.”

And Williamsburg resident Robert Wilson called the proposed 50,000-square-foot downtown replacement “grossly oversized,” arguing that William & Mary students, who can use campus facilities, inflate the usage figures that justify expansion.

Do We Need Two New Buildings?

This is the central question: if Williamsburg builds a new branch, should James City County follow suit?

Supporters of the county library argue that JCC residents account for about 70% of the system’s usage, thanks to decades of steady population growth. A county branch could also be designed with a distinct focus—as a technology and makerspace hub, complementing Williamsburg’s cultural programming and the Croaker branch’s children’s services.

Still, others worry about redundancy. Two major new libraries just three miles apart could cannibalize patronage, while straining budgets. If Williamsburg builds its $30 million replacement, perhaps James City County’s needs could be met through renovations, partnerships, or more creative service delivery like mobile units.

Usage and Standards

By the numbers, the Williamsburg Regional Library is busy. It serves about 90,000 residents and circulates more than 1 million items annually—roughly 11.4 items per person per year. By Virginia standards, WRL is a top-tier system. The Library of Virginia recommends one square foot of space per capita and five volumes per resident. To meet those targets, WRL estimates it would need an additional 14,000 square feet. Current plans for both the city and county libraries would add about 33,000 square feet in total—well beyond the state baseline.

That raises an important point: should we aim to exceed standards by that much, or focus on bringing our current facilities up to code and truly functional?

The Overlooked Gems: Swem & Rockefeller Libraries

Lost in the debate over whether we need new buildings are two extraordinary research resources already here in Williamsburg: the Earl Gregg Swem Library at William & Mary and the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library at Colonial Williamsburg.

At 265,000 square feet, Swem Library dwarfs our local branches. It offers expansive collections, research databases, collaborative study spaces, technology access, and even makerspace-style facilities. Thanks to a reciprocal borrowing agreement, residents of Williamsburg, James City County, and York County can use Swem’s resources for free, including checking out books and DVDs, using computers, and accessing specialized databases. It is, by any measure, one of the finest academic libraries in Virginia—yet many local residents remain unaware they can take advantage of it.

Equally impressive, the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library at Colonial Williamsburg is a specialized research center devoted to early American history. Its holdings include tens of thousands of rare books, manuscripts, maps, architectural drawings, and visual collections, many of which illuminate life in the 17th and 18th centuries. While the Rockefeller Library primarily supports Colonial Williamsburg’s historians, curators, and interpreters, members of the public can also use its collections for research by appointment.

Together, Swem and Rockefeller form a remarkable pair of knowledge resources—one academic, one historical—that most communities our size could only dream of. When you combine them with the existing public library system, Williamsburg and James City County already sit at the heart of one of the most library-rich regions in Virginia. Which begs the question: before committing tens of millions to new construction, are we fully leveraging the world-class libraries we already have?

A Call for Prudence

Nobody disputes that Williamsburg’s downtown branch is outdated. It deserves replacement or major renovation. But the leap to build two costly new facilities—at a time when taxpayers are already funding schools, roads, and infrastructure—feels premature.

If Williamsburg builds a $30 million state-of-the-art branch, should James City County double down with its own new library just three miles away? Or should it consider partnerships, renovations, and smarter use of resources—leveraging both the existing Croaker branch and the unmatched Swem Library?

Before we break ground, let’s slow down, ask the hard questions, and ensure we’re investing in what our community truly needs—not just what looks good on a planning document.

Meet Your Local Guide: Mr. Williamsburg

Pssst! I’m going to let you in on a little secret… While I am a real estate agent, I’m not your average one.

I’ve built my reputation on being a local ambassador first and a Realtor second. Known throughout the region as Mr. Williamsburg, I’ve made it my mission to help people fall in love not just with a house, but with the lifestyle of Greater Williamsburg, Richmond, and Hampton Roads. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just daydreaming for now, I bring a blend of deep community insight, honest advice, and creative marketing that helps buyers and sellers get exactly where they want to go.

Looking to sell your home in Williamsburg or James City County? I take a storytelling approach that goes beyond square footage and granite countertops. I’ll help you showcase your home’s unique story—one that future buyers can connect with on a personal level. Want to see what I mean? Check out my “Every Home Has a Story” series here.

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Curious about other Williamsburg neighborhoods or looking farther afield in Yorktown, New Kent, Poquoson, Chesapeake, Suffolk, or Richmond? I’ve helped hundreds of folks find the community that fits their lifestyle and their budget.

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Thanks for stopping by—I look forward to helping you find your next home (or helping you say a fond farewell to this one).

Warmly,
John Womeldorf
A.K.A. Mr. Williamsburg

Sources

• McNamara, Nick. “Do Williamsburg and James City County Need New Libraries?” WHRO Public Media, August 22, 2025.
• Williamsburg Independent. “Guest Commentary: Local World-Class Libraries Open to Local Residents.” August 2025.
• Williamsburg Independent. “Commentary: Planning for New Public Library Not So Public.” August 2025.
• Earl Gregg Swem Library, William & Mary. “Visitor Borrowing Privileges.” libraries.wm.edu.
• James City County Comprehensive Plan. “Public Facilities Standards.” jamescitycountyva.gov.
• Library Technology Guides. “Williamsburg Regional Library.” librarytechnology.org.