Switzer Library To Reopen In June After Major Renovations

MARIETTA, GA — Charles D. Switzer Library is set to reopen June 1, Cobb County officials announced Monday, after undergoing extensive renovations to its interior and exterior over the last two years.

The nearly $10 million renovations to the central library complex and its administrative and support services spaces were funded with $6 million of Cobb County's 2011 and 2016 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) money, as well as a $2 million grant from the Georgia Public Library Service.

The Cobb County Board of Commissioners representatives also allocated $1.6 million in late 2020 to completely replace the roof of the 30-plus years old building after contractors discovered the roof and exterior walls were in need of extensive repair.

“The Switzer Library will grow as a destination for the Cobb and Marietta communities as everyone experiences all Switzer Library offers,” Cobb Library Director Helen Poyer said. “This combination of special areas, innovative programs and services, and traditional library space will be full of energy and promote community connections.”

New features include:

• Family computing space on the main floor;
• The Accessibility Services Room for patrons with disabilities, sensory processing disorders and library patrons in need of a calmer environment;
• The Georgia Room — the Cobb library special historic and genealogical collection — now has a dedicated conference room and additional space;
• An enclosed outdoor plaza with seating and a garden area accessible through the Hattie Gaines Wilson Youth Services area;
• A new children’s programming room;
• Two makerspaces, for both teens and adults.

Library hours will be:

• Mondays-Wednesdays: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Thursdays-Fridays: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Saturdays: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Sundays: Closed

Switzer Library will also offer curbside hold pickup service from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-7 p.m. from Monday-Wednesday; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays; and all day on Saturdays.

The library first opened in 1989 — replacing the Central Library in the historic Marietta Post Office building off the Marietta Square, which now houses the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art — and is located at 266 Roswell Street in Marietta.