Charlotte County Library Rebuild Moves Forward After Hurricane Ian Damage
CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. — Nearly three years after Hurricane Ian forced the closure of the Mid-County Regional Library, construction to restore the facility is finally progressing, with officials targeting a reopening in spring 2026.
Storm Damage Forced Library’s Closure
The library has been closed since 2022, after Ian’s winds ripped open the roof, allowing water to pour inside. The flooding caused severe damage to books, technology, and interior finishes, making the facility unusable for the community.
Construction Progress Underway
Charlotte County officials recently offered an inside look at the project, showing that crews are making steady progress on roof repairs and structural rebuilding. Once the construction phase is finished, staff will still need to move in, reshelve materials, and reestablish full operations before the library can reopen.
County leaders emphasized that the process has been lengthy but necessary to ensure the facility is better equipped to withstand future storms.
Looking Ahead to 2026
If work continues on schedule, the Mid-County Regional Library will officially reopen in spring 2026, nearly four years after the hurricane forced its closure. Officials say the reopening will restore not only a public building but also a community hub for education, technology access, and cultural programming.
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