Checkin’ Out the New Public Library

Presley Sockwell

Gracie Abhram reading at the new Frisco library. This is Abhram’s first time at the library since the rebuild.

Madelyn Emmett and Presley Sockwell

After months of anticipation, the new Frisco Public Library opened its doors on March 3, 2023.  Upon opening, families flocked in to make use of the library’s new amenities. 

The assets the new library offers greatly improve upon the previous Frisco library. Frisco’s population has grown 71 percent from 2010 to 2020, so making a larger library space for the community of Frisco was a necessity. 

“I can speak as both a citizen of Frisco and as a staff member of Frisco Public Library,” librarian Suzanne Shinohara said. “I’ve been working here for nine years. The old building was beautiful, but with the population growth that Frisco has had, over the years, we definitely ran out of space. The new building will definitely help Frisco grow several years down the road.”

The amount of effort put into this updated establishment in Frisco shines through. During the construction of this new addition to the town of Frisco, the best interests of the children were kept in mind. 

“The new library is a great addition to Frisco,” resident and mother Teresa Stephenson said. “It’s such a great place to burn off energy on a rainy day. There are lots of open spaces, and lots of different activities for the kids to learn with.”

The library also serves as a space with opportunities for Frisco families to spend quality time together while partaking in activities that allow them to enrich themselves. 

 “I think it’s gonna be a great place for families to come and explore together,” librarian Julie Chappell said. “As well as do some fun things together.”

Additionally, the library creates a new and modern space for Frisco residents of all ages to take advantage of and enjoy. 

“It’s really spacious and there are lots of activities for kids along with lots of activities for adults, which is really, really cool,” resident Michelle Ward said. “I’m from a different state and they don’t have stuff like where I’m from.”

The creation of the library provides the community with a space where anyone can come to enjoy themselves and time with their family and friends. 

“It gives the community a place that they can all use open access to everyone,” Chappell said. “It’s a place people can come and feel safe and welcome.”

Agreeably, one of the most prominent factors of the new library is that it serves as a secure space for the entire community no matter who they are, where they come from, or how old they are. 

“It’s so important because of the access that it lends to everyone in the community,” Shinohara said. “It doesn’t matter what your socioeconomic status is or what your education level is, it’s open to everyone and anyone.”