New Bonita Springs library offers state-of-the-art building, thousands of books

Reporter: Breana Ross
Published: Updated:
New library opens in Bonita Springs (WINK News)
New library opens in Bonita Springs (WINK News)

Reading is fundamental, but it’s also been hard to do in Bonita Springs.

Hurricane Irma forced the library to close temporarily, causing readers to drive to neighboring libraries. But now, that’s changed.

Michelle Cudnik is so glad a new library has opened. Ever since Hurricane Irma forced the temporary closure of the old Bonita Springs library, Cudnik’s driven to other libraries to check out books.

“It was well worth the wait,” she said.

Monday marked the opening of the state-of-the art, 31,000 square-foot library; one of two new libraries to open this month. The price tag? $14 million.

“North Fort Myers and Bonita Springs; we recognized a need for libraries in both of those communities and the challenge was who to do first and it was a unanimous decision by the Board of County Commissioners to do them both at the same time, and we delivered,” said Library Director Mindi Simon.

The Bonita Springs Library has more than 50 public-use computers, a story time room, gaming area and two stories full of books. There are more than a million titles for visitors to use or check out.

“I just think a community can’t be dependent on Amazon and eBay for books or talks and things. It’s just so nice to be able to have the space right here for all of us to use,” said Helena Nesbit, president of the Friends of Bonita Library.

“So much of our time is spent looking at a tablet or a phone,” said District 3 County Commissioner Ray Sandelli. “I hope this is a place for interaction, people interaction, people talking to one another, people running into one another.”

A place for a community to bond over books.

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