Home Worldwide Hits

7 Unforgettable Features Of The Eva Perry Library Apex And The New $142 Million Library Project

• minute read
Contents

The Eva Perry Regional Library in Apex, North Carolina, has been a cornerstone of the community for nearly three decades, but its story is far from over. As of December 24, 2025, the Wake County Public Libraries system is undergoing a massive transformation, with the existing Eva Perry facility continuing its vital role while a brand-new community library project is underway in the rapidly growing Western Apex area. This exciting development ensures that the Town of Apex remains at the forefront of educational and community resource accessibility for its diverse and expanding population.

This article dives deep into the legacy of the Eva Perry Regional Library—a full-service regional hub—and brings you the most current, up-to-date information on the future of library services in Apex, including details on the new facility funded by the recent $142 million Library Bond. Understanding the distinction between these two key institutions is essential for every Apex resident and library enthusiast.

The Legacy of Eva H. Perry: A Biographical Profile

The library is named in honor of Eva Hall Perry, a woman whose life was intertwined with the history and growth of Apex, North Carolina. While a full, detailed biography from birth to death is not widely publicized by the library system, her connection to the area is a matter of public record and local historical significance, making her an enduring community figure. The naming of the regional library serves as a permanent tribute to her and her family's place in the town's development.

Eva H. Perry Biographical Snapshot

  • Full Name: Eva Hall Perry (often cited as Eva H. Perry).
  • Affiliation: A significant figure in the local history of Apex, NC.
  • Family Connection: She and her husband, O. B. Perry, were noted residents of Apex. Public records indicate that they built a house in the area around 1948, solidifying their long-term presence and investment in the growing community.
  • Library Naming: The Eva Perry Regional Library, which opened in 1996, was named to honor her contributions and the deep roots of her family in the town.
  • Historical Context: Her life spanned a period of significant change for Apex, transitioning from a small railroad town to a major suburban hub in the Research Triangle region.

By naming one of its most active branches after Eva H. Perry, the Wake County Public Libraries system acknowledges the importance of local heritage and the individuals who laid the groundwork for the community’s current success. The library, located at 2100 Shepherds Vineyard Drive, continues to be a central meeting point for thousands of patrons each year, embodying her legacy of community service.

7 Core Features That Define the Eva Perry Regional Library Experience

Opened in late January 1996, the Eva Perry Regional Library was only the fourth regional library in Wake County at the time, and it remains one of the most active branches, serving both the Apex and Southern Cary areas. Its status as a regional library means it offers a broader range of resources and services than a smaller community branch. Here are seven key features that define its service to the public:

  1. Extensive Regional Collection: As a regional hub, the library houses a massive, robust collection of materials, including adult non-fiction, fiction, and a comprehensive children's section.
  2. Full-Service Technology Access: Patrons have access to public computers, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and printing services, making it a critical resource for those needing digital access for work, education, or job searching.
  3. Dedicated Program Spaces: The library includes dedicated meeting spaces and programming rooms that host countless events, from storytimes for toddlers to adult education workshops and community meetings.
  4. Programs for All Ages: The branch offers a wide variety of services for all age groups, including the popular "1000 Books Before Kindergarten" initiative, teen programs, and senior engagement activities.
  5. Strategic Location: Situated at 2100 Shepherd's Vineyard Drive, its location is ideal for serving the populations of Apex and the rapidly growing southern section of Cary, NC.
  6. Access to the Wake County System: Patrons can easily request and pick up materials from the entire Wake County Public Libraries' 1.5 million-volume collection, circulating millions of items annually.
  7. Community Partnership Hub: The library frequently partners with local organizations, such as Advance Community Health, to bring vital healthcare and social resources directly to the community.

The Next Chapter: The New Friendship Community Library and Western Apex Expansion

While the Eva Perry Regional Library continues to thrive, the explosive population growth in Apex, particularly in the western and southern areas, has necessitated the creation of new library infrastructure. This is where the Friendship Community Library project comes in, representing the most significant recent development in Apex’s library services, funded by a substantial portion of the $142 million Library Bond Project.

The new community library is a direct response to the needs of residents who currently face long drives to the existing regional branches. This new facility will complement the services of Eva Perry, not replace them, by providing localized access to essential resources in the fast-growing Friendship area.

Key Details of the Friendship Community Library Project

The Wake County Commissioners have taken decisive action to move this project forward, securing the land and outlining the facility’s features.

  • Location: The new library will be situated in the Friendship community of Western Apex, specifically at the intersection of Humie Olive Road and Old US 1.
  • Size and Scope: The facility is planned to be approximately 12,000 square feet, designed to serve as a modern, accessible community hub.
  • Collection Capacity: It is projected to house a collection of between 24,000 and 44,000 books and other materials, tailored to the needs of the immediate community.
  • Features: The new library will include all essential modern amenities, such as public computers, free Wi-Fi access, and dedicated programming spaces for children and families.
  • Timeline & Funding: The project is a key component of the 2024 Library Bond Project, which allocated significant funds to expand and improve library services across Wake County. While a precise opening date is subject to construction timelines, the commitment to the project is firm, marking a new era of library access for Western Apex.

This expansion demonstrates the Wake County Government's commitment to ensuring equitable access to information and education across all its communities. The new library will alleviate pressure on the highly utilized Eva Perry Regional Library and provide a much-needed resource closer to home for thousands of new residents in the Western Apex area.

Entity Breakdown: Eva Perry vs. Friendship Community Library

To fully grasp the library landscape in Apex, it is helpful to understand the different roles these two institutions play within the Wake County Public Libraries system:

Feature Eva Perry Regional Library Friendship Community Library (Future)
Type of Library Regional Library (Larger, full-service hub) Community Library (Smaller, localized service)
Opening Date 1996 Projected (Part of 2024 Bond)
Primary Service Area Apex and Southern Cary Western Apex (Friendship Community)
Location 2100 Shepherd's Vineyard Drive Humie Olive Rd. & Old US 1
Collection Size Very Large (Regional Collection) Medium (24,000–44,000 items)
Historical Context Named for local figure Eva H. Perry Named for the Friendship Community

The continued operation and high level of service at the Eva Perry Regional Library, combined with the exciting development of the Friendship Community Library, solidify Apex's status as a community that prioritizes education, literacy, and public resources. The future of library services in Apex, NC, is bright, promising more spaces for learning, connection, and community engagement for generations to come.

7 Unforgettable Features of the Eva Perry Library Apex and the New $142 Million Library Project
eva perry library apex
eva perry library apex

Detail Author:

  • Name : Penelope O'Hara DDS
  • Username : adan.conroy
  • Email : pnolan@yahoo.com
  • Birthdate : 1981-06-08
  • Address : 716 Bessie Harbor Laviniamouth, TN 41242-6244
  • Phone : 575.619.2557
  • Company : Rogahn Group
  • Job : Bridge Tender OR Lock Tender
  • Bio : Sit pariatur commodi et illo. Est fuga aliquid incidunt quidem rerum. Iusto velit illo expedita et repellat saepe facere ut.

Socials

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/marques_dev
  • username : marques_dev
  • bio : Animi suscipit eum architecto consequatur. Et aut dolorum voluptas nemo laboriosam quasi minima. Quia ipsam nihil ex natus error.
  • followers : 1518
  • following : 2754

facebook:

linkedin:

tiktok:

Random Posts