Mesa held a groundbreaking ceremony May 18 for the new Gateway Library on May 18. The state-of-the-art facility, located at 5036 S. Eastmark Parkway will be Mesa's first new full-service library in more than 25 years.
"The Gateway Library is a beautifully designed facility that will bring innovative services and programs to southeast Mesa," said Mayor John Giles. "Libraries not only lend books but also inspire and connect our community. Im thrilled to see this project underway and am grateful to Mesa's voters for approving the bond issue that made it possible."
"Libraries are more than just buildings with books; they hold far more profound significance for our city," said Councilmember Scott Somers, "Gateway Library represents an invaluable resource for education, a sanctuary for imagination, and a cornerstone of community."
Gateway Library will be approximately 28,000 square feet and will include a multi-purpose room; THINKspot collaborative workspace and makerspace and specific areas for library books and resources for adults, teens and children. Designed by Richrd Kennedy Architects, a firm that has designed several award-winning libraries, the Gateway Library will feature an open concept with rows of books and other materials under a high ceiling and bright lights. Other features will be a digital art display wall, outdoor reading patio and outdoor plaza that can be used for community events.
"We are excited about having an architecturally stunning, innovative library providing a much-needed service to this part of Mesa," said Polly Bonnett, Mesa Public Library Director. "Our library patrons are going to be very happy with Gateway Library and what it will offer and we cant wait for it to open."
The new library is scheduled to open in the summer of 2025. Funding for Gateway Library is from both the 2018 General Obligation Bond approved by voters and construction sales tax. The library is being built by Willmeng Construction and designed by Richrd Kennedy Architects
After the groundbreaking ceremony, there were activities adjacent to the site at BASIS Mesa at Eastmark School, including library project information, a virtual reality experience, take and make craft kits, raffles to win building sets, STEM activities for kids and information to sign up for a library card and the Summer Reading Program. Kids Need to Read was there to hand out free books.