Morrisville Community Library Opens Quietly
The Morrisville Community Library's interactive art installation
The Morrisville Community Library's interactive art installation "Stacks" by artist Randy Walker was inspired by stacks of books on a shelf, which come and go. Each colored plate represents the diverse background and experiences of people in the community.
The Morrisville Community Library's interactive art installation
The Morrisville Community Library's interactive art installation "Stacks" by artist Randy Walker was inspired by stacks of books on a shelf, which come and go. Each colored plate represents the diverse background and experiences of people in the community.
Self-checkout stations allow visitors to scan their library card and books. Staff members sanitize the stations after every use.
Self-checkout stations allow visitors to scan their library card and books. Staff members sanitize the stations after every use.
The Morrisville Community Library's Books on the Go and Book Bundles allow patrons to schedule a contact-free appointment to pick up books.
The Morrisville Community Library's Books on the Go and Book Bundles allow patrons to schedule a contact-free appointment to pick up books.
Returned books are collected outside the front entrance. They are held for several days before they are put back on the shelves.
Returned books are collected outside the front entrance. They are held for several days before they are put back on the shelves.
Dressed in a
Dressed in a "Cat in the Hat" top hat, Morrisville Mayor T.J. Cawley welcomes visitors during the public opening of Morrisville Community Library on Friday, Jan. 26. Cawley was promoting Read Across America Day, March 1, which is Dr. Seuss' birthday.
Morrisville Mayor TJ Cawley stands before a temperature gauge at the entrance to the library. Anyone entering a Wake County facility must pass a health screening and wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth.
Morrisville Mayor TJ Cawley stands before a temperature gauge at the entrance to the library. Anyone entering a Wake County facility must pass a health screening and wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth.
Safety glass divides librarians from visitors to the Morrisville Community Library.
Safety glass divides librarians from visitors to the Morrisville Community Library.

The Morrisville Community Library opened its doors with a “soft opening” on Friday, Jan. 29. Because of COVID-19, the traditional fanfare that usually accompanies a new library opening was postponed, but bookworms of all ages were still able to tour and enjoy the new library.

“Historically, when a new county library opens, a ceremony with county officials, town officials and library staff is presented to the community to celebrate the new facility,” said Helen Yamamoto, Morrisville library branch manager. “The formal opening ceremony will be scheduled for late spring or early summer.”

Staff were encouraging brief visits focused on recreational reading, what they call the Express Library Experience. Like other Wake County libraries, the new location has been equipped with environmental controls, social distancing queues, health screening stations, and hand sanitizing areas for both staff and patrons. Masks are required for all patrons over five years of age, and capacity is limited. Books on the Go services are also available, allowing patrons to reserve up to 30 books and materials and schedule contact-free pickup.

Located on the corner of Town Hall Drive and Carolina Street, the new library is the first located in the Town of Morrisville. At roughly 8,800 square feet, it houses approximately 50,000 adult and children’s books and 16 public computers. Construction began in late 2018 and was completed in April 2020. The library’s opening was delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic.