History:

The Mechanicsville Branch opened on November 1, 1967 in one room. The collection contained about 1,000 books. Patrons recall that room as small and cozy, friendly and warm. The library eventually expanded to two rooms. Population and collection growth eventually required that a new library be built. On moving day a local food distribution company furnished a large truck and a driver to transfer the library’s collection. Volunteers from local civic organizations provided the labor to move and re-shelve the books. The grand opening for the new branch took place on May 7, 1983.

In May 2006, the library conducted a project to solicit ideas from the community about a new branch library. An architectural firm, The Lukmire Partnership, Inc., was hired to design the new branch and plans were submitted to Hanover County for approval. A groundbreaking ceremony was held December 9, 2007. Construction progressed through 2008, and on May 14, 2009, the former location of the Mechanicsville Library closed.  On Saturday May 16, 2009, many community volunteers and library staff helped moved books and other items to the new branch. The new branch location opened to the public on Saturday May 30, 2009.

The new library has become very popular with the community, with books, CDs and DVDs checked out by the bagful.  Our parking lot behind the building is often crowded before lunchtime and stays that way most of the day. Visit the new Mechanicsville Branch Library and see what we have to offer you!