Readers of all ages have an inviting new space to curl up with a good book.

On Sunday, the Cary Regional Library opened in downtown, across from the Cary Arts Center and next to the Downtown Park. More than 3,700 people visited on opening day and checked our nearly 4,000 books, according to event organizers.

“Since 1960, the library has held a special place in the hearts of Cary residents — and as the town has grown, so has its love for the library,” said Jessica Holmes, chair of the Wake County Board of
Commissioners in a news release. “This brand new building and increased programming will serve library patrons for years to come.”

The new 23,450-square-foot space includes more than 90,000 books, 32 computers and free Wi-Fi. The first floor houses the children’s collection and a large children’s program room. The second floor houses the adult collection and features a community meeting room and quiet study spaces. The new building features a generous amount of daylight, and patrons will be able to look out over the town park that will be located northeast of the library.

“The new downtown Cary Library is a stunning setting and inspiring environment for learning and growing, and we are incredibly proud to have it in our community,” said Harold Weinbrecht, Cary mayor.

The $23.7 million project, which also includes the 600-space parking deck, was a partnership between Wake County and the Town of Cary. The parking deck will serve library patrons and visitors to downtown Cary attractions.

A calendar of library events — including reading with See Spot Read therapy dogs, preschool and toddler story time, and author book signings — is available at wakegov.com/libraries/locations/cry.