Groundbreaking for new regional library in Accomack Co.

PARKSLEY, Va. – On Wednesday, ground was broken on a new public library in Accomack County.

Planning for the new Regional Library and the Eastern Shore of Virginia Heritage Center took years to complete.

“It’s been a very big effort on a lot of volunteers who helped,” said Colette Nelson, President at the Eastern Shore Public Library Foundation.

“It’s just a very exciting day for the Eastern Shore,” said Virginia Governor Ralph Northam.

People in the county say right now, they have a lack of resources, so this new facility will help breath new life into the area.

“There was no place before for any events or anything like that,” said Nelson.

The 5-million dollar project will include the construction of a maker-space, where kids will get the chance to experiment with technology.

“We have a lot of kids in this county who don’t have the opportunity to have internet,” said Accomack County School Board Member, Gary Reese.

The facility will also allow people to dive deeper into local history.

“They’re going to have access to digital information as well as historical collection from the Eastern Shore,” said Library of Virginia Board Member, Blythe Scott.

But, the benefits of this facility do not stop there. Governor Ralph Northam says it will help boost the state’s economy.

“At the end of the day, we want jobs,” said Northam.

“Everybody wants a job that they can support themselves and their families with, so this is a large part of that overall plan,” said Northam.

The new Regional Library and the Eastern Shore of Virginia Heritage Center will open in 2020.

After this new library is opened county leaders will close the 1965 facility in Accomac.

The Eastern Shore Public Library Foundation says they are still looking for more donations.

If you would like more information about how to contribute, click here.