Community Corner
Library Renovation Expands Fredericksburg's Performing Arts Space
The Fredericksburg library's renovated theater will give the city a much-needed boost to its performing arts space.
FREDERICSKBURG, VA — The renovated theater at the Fredericksburg Branch of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) will almost double in seating capacity, giving the city a much-needed boost to its performing arts space. CRRL will let the public see the theater renovations at a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening on Thursday, Jan. 30.
Along with expanding the room to accommodate 300 audience members, up from 160, the multipurpose theater space will have a new sound booth, a larger screen and a refinished stage floor.
In 2016, the Fredericksburg City Council established a list of priorities that included expanding the city's performing arts spaces. "This project, along with the doubling of parking, account for more than $500,000 in recent upgrades and investments to our treasured downtown library," Fredericksburg Councilwoman Kerry Devine said Wednesday in a statement.
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The library is located in a building that was originally the city's Lafayette Elementary School when it was built in 1908. The city donated the building in 1969 as part of the creation of the CRRL system. The building serves as the Fredericksburg Branch Library and was CRRL headquarters from 1969 to 2017. The library's administrative offices are now located at 125 Olde Greenwich Drive.
Two years ago, the city took over maintenance of the Fredericksburg Branch from CRRL. Prior to the change, Fredericksburg paid a set amount to CRRL for the library system to maintain the building. The city and the library system agreed that it was better for the city to maintain the branch using its own public facilities team.
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As part of the renovations to the library branch, the city installed new carpeting, lighting and a new water fountain in the building. Two offices on the lower level were converted to meeting rooms for use by library patrons. Along with the recent parking lot expansion at the library, security and landscaping have been upgraded at the building.
The ribbon cutting and grand opening for the renovated theater space will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 30 at 1201 Caroline St.
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