Mesa is on the path to becoming home to a state-of-the-art library, with the groundbreaking of the new Gateway Library in Southeast Mesa on May 18, a report from the city announced. The new addition marks the city's first full-service library in over two decades and will stand at 5036 S. Eastmark Parkway, according to officials.
"The Gateway Library is a beautifully designed facility that will bring innovative services and programs to southeast Mesa," Mesa's Mayor John Giles expressed during the ceremony. Councilmember Scott Somers added, libraries aren't mere repositories of knowledge, they are also vibrant meeting spaces and hubs for education that "represent an invaluable resource for education, a sanctuary for imagination, and a cornerstone of community," he described.
The approximately 28,000 square-foot library is said to be imbued with modern features, designed by the firm Richärd Kennedy Architects, known for their award-winning libraries. Scheduled to open in the summer of 2025, the new establishment promises a multi-purpose room, a collaborative workspace, and dedicated areas for adults, teens, and children, Mesa officials have stated.
Polly Bonnett, the Director of Mesa Public Library, could hardly contain her anticipation. "Our library patrons are going to be very happy with Gateway Library and what it will offer and we can't wait for it to open," she gushed. Among the amenities are a digital art display wall, outdoor reading patio, and a plaza for community events. Apart from the 2018 General Obligation Bond, the construction is also backed by sales tax revenue, with Willmeng Construction laying down the bricks and mortar for the project.
