I have been getting questions on the closing for the Herndon Library. Here is a letter I received from the CEO and Library Director explaining the situation. I do empathize with everyone on the closing. I also have memories of brining my kids when they were toddlers to this library for group reading activities. I will miss it as well!
May 15, 2020
Greetings:
After thoughtful consideration, the Orange County Library System Board of Trustees voted on May 14, 2020 not to extend the lease for the Herndon Branch library, which is located at 4324 E. Colonial Drive in the Colonial Promenade Shopping Center.
This was a difficult decision but given the history of challenges with this location and the current economic environment, the board has decided to close the Herndon Branch. The Colonial Promenade is in a state of flux, and library staff have been in discussion with Greater Orlando Aviation Authority about the future of the property since 2013. The property has a history of roof leaks and water intrusion, as well as many other property concerns, such as potholes in the parking lot and the overall appearance of the outside of the building. The branch is currently the only tenant in the shopping center, which also poses a safety concern for our customers and staff.
We have worked with brokers from CBRE and evaluated other options for a branch in the immediate area, but a suitable replacement site has not been located, despite our best efforts. Due to the economic environment posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the money saved by closing the Herndon Branch will be reallocated for other library services.
The Herndon Branch will not reopen for business, and the book drop will be closed on June 1, 2020. Library customers will be directed to visit nearby library branches, including the Chickasaw Branch, which is only 4.6 miles from Herndon, and the Orlando Public Library, which is 3.5 miles from Herndon. An analysis of Herndon usage indicates that 84 percent of customers who use the branch already frequent our other locations. We are confident that we can continue to serve Herndon customers at one of our other branches. Customers can also continue to use our growing number of virtual amenities and our home-delivery service, which brings library materials to the customers’ home on request.
We hope that you will support us in making this difficult but important decision, which we feel is in the best interest of both the library and our customers.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Most sincerely,
Mary Anne Hodel
Library Director / Chief Executive Officer