Locations Discussed For New Brookhaven Library

Several locations are being examined for a new , including a renovation on its existing site.

"This current location could house a new, 12,000-square-foot community library," said Library Director Alison Weissinger to about 40 people on Wednesday night during .

"Parking at a facility like this would be modeled after the ."

Other locations being considered, Weissinger said, are at the intersection of Peachtree Road and Osborne Drive, where a large open area sits behind the DeKalb County Community Services Center. The area is commonly known as Brookhaven Park, "and the county parks and recreation department has told us it isn't opposed to locating a library there.

"And, even though there's no money currently appropriated for land acquisition, there are several spots on the southside of Dresden Drive that could house a library," Weissinger said.

was first on the county's agenda in the mid-2000s, after a library bond referendum was approved by voters. Initially, plans called for a new library to be located near a renovation of the Brookhaven-Oglethorpe University MARTA station.

"However, that MARTA renovation never came through because of the economy, so we're back to looking at other sites," Weissinger said.

The current library, built in the 1950s, is classified by the DeKalb County Public Library system as a neighborhood facility, with 6,800 square feet and 26 parking spaces. It is open 30 hours a week.

A new facility would be designated a community library and would feature 12,000 square feet. It would operate 48 hours a week, and feature more computers and workstations, reading and meeting areas, study tables and seminar rooms.