OAKLEAF — For years, Sabina Escalada has been waiting for the greenlight on one of Oakleaf's most anticipated projects.

With five libraries in Clay County, it was only right that her community had one to call their own, she said. A safe place where children and families can roam freely and be emerged in literature and interactive programs.

And with the new Oakleaf Library said to break ground later this year, she's hoping that it all comes to fruition.

Escalada was just one of dozens of residents who showed up in droves to the Plantation Oaks Athletic Center on Thursday, July 16 — all to get a first glimpse at what the approximately 12,000-square-foot future library could look like.

Modern exterior, rolling bookshelves, a covered reading porch, window-paned rooms and a grassy outdoor scenery made up the proposed design plans for the long-awaited project, set to be located near Oakleaf Village Elementary at the end of Plantation Oaks Boulevard. 

With heavy push from District 2 Commissioner Alexandra Compere, the project has been moving forward since early last year. A $750,000 grant from the Florida Department of State helped to officially begin the design phase.

Fleischman and Garcia will be overseeing the project's design, while E. Vaughan Rivers will handle construction. An award-winning local firm with 53 years of design experience, Fleischman and Garcia have also worked on two other similar projects — the Wesley Chapel Public Library and the Riverview Public Library.

The evening was a culmination of various installments of a workshop series dedicated to gaining public input and gauging community wants and needs for the project.

Oakleaf residents were previously invited to participate in vision boards, where they picked out potential concepts to be incorporated into the library. Natural lighting was a popular design element, as well as a reading space and nature-connected feel. Residents also wanted new programs, arts and crafts, recreational activities, book clubs and STEM opportunities.

President and Director of Design Marcel Maslowski said public input was a large catalyst in the overall project design, which included various sunlit study and meeting rooms, multi-purpose rooms, a dedicated teen lounge and a children's room — which will be one of the largest spaces in the library.

Pushed back from the road and surrounded by green space, Maslowski said the library aims to foster flexibility, wellness and community connection. It's purpose of being the go-to place for literature, he said, will coincide with being a community hub.

"People would be coming here to hang out with their kids, maybe, but then they realize, 'I can go to the library, I can grab a book.' There [are] maybe some programs happening in the children's room that they may be interested in learning more about. So, that transition there will be very critical," he said.

 Low rolling bookshelves stocked with fresh books and convertible lounge furniture will not only allow for easy visibility but also aid in providing a flexible space — perfect for library programs, events and concerts, said Director of Library Services Mary Canfield.  Computers will also be moved to the front of the library to make getting assistance easy.

And as people enter through the doors, they will be met with a wall gallery, showcasing works from local artists.

Like many parents, Escalada said the open space and dedicated rooms are a plus. 

"I have young kids and I want to be more active again in the community. So, the fact that this is so close to actually happening, I'm thrilled," she said. "I'm looking forward to being able to make new memories with my kids."

Currently the project is at 90% design. Once at 100%, the project will go before the Board of County Commissioners for final approval. The overall construction will take one year to complete.

"We're hoping to take it to the commissioners around early October," Canfield said.

Until then, Oakleaf residents can remain hopeful that their dream is right around the corner.