Wylam Library Construction Project Update: Slab Done, Walls Going Up

The new Wylam Branch Library construction project is well underway, with the concrete slab completely done and walls currently being constructed as of July 23.

The old, 2,000-square-foot Wylam Library closed in early May and was demolished. It is being replaced with a new 6,000 square foot facility three times bigger with extra amenities, including a conference room to host functions. The new library is tentatively scheduled to open in January 2020 at the same location, 4300 7th Avenue Wylam.

Elected officials from Birmingham and the Jefferson County Commission, Wylam area residents, and community partners joined BPL employees and library board members at a Wylam Library Groundbreaking Ceremony on June 10.

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin called the new Wylam Library project a project long overdue.

"I'm happy to see this $1.6 million project finally become a reality. The residents of Wylam have waited a long time to see a new library, and I'm glad that we can provide it for them,'' said Mayor Randall Woodfin. "This new building will feature a covered, outdoor patio; a reading room; a meeting room; work rooms; and landscaping. The sidewalk will be replaced on Seventh Avenue and there will be a new parking lot."

On April 26, BPL hosted a closing ceremony allowing community members to reminisce about the old Wylam Library. Its first location was at the Wylam Fraternal Hall in 1921. Later, the library saw other locations up and down Seventh Avenue and Huron Street in Wylam. The library relocated to its current location in 1962.

BPL Executive Director Floyd Council said the City of Birmingham, Birmingham Public Library, and the Wylam community are "exceptionally excited" about the construction of the new Wylam Library. 
"The community has long awaited this project for more than 20 years," Council said. "The new library location will continue to be the center of the small community and serve as a beacon to inspire additional economic development in the revitalizing area."

While a new Wylam Branch Library is being built by the City of Birmingham, all 2019 BPL Summer Learning programs scheduled for the old building were relocated. All Wylam Library summer programs for youth are being held at Faith Chapel Christian Center. Adult summer programs planned for Wylam were moved to Ensley Branch Library.