Marion County officials broke ground this week at a library in southwest Ocala that will expand to nearly four times its current size.
On Tuesday, local officials celebrated the groundbreaking of the new expansion planned for Freedom Public Library, which is located at 5870 SW 95th Street in Ocala.
According to the county, the library will expand from 8,100 square feet to 32,000 square feet in size, providing more room for books, resources, and community activities.
When completed, the expanded library will also offer new study rooms, workspaces, and a 5,000-square-foot children’s area that is designed for “learning, creativity, and exploration,” according to a statement issued by the county on Tuesday.
Additionally, the Friends of the Freedom Public Library will run a new bookstore at the library that will sell gently used books, with proceeds supporting the library and its initiatives.
The expansion project has been several years in the making. Ocala-News.com reported on the county’s bid process for designs back in January 2022.
Freedom Public Library is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., closing one hour earlier (6 p.m.) on Friday and Saturday.
The library offers computers, printers, Wi-Fi, copiers, faxes, and meeting rooms.