OAKLEAF—The county is calling on Oakleaf residents to help shape the future of the new Oakleaf Library with its second community workshop on Jan. 29.

The event, to be held at the Plantation Oaks Athletic Center, 845 Oakleaf Plantation Pkwy., will be an interactive session for members of the community to share what they think the library should include—using visioning boards and priority-setting exercises.

While last October's workshop asked attendees to scope out concepts to be incorporated inside the library, such as technology, outdoor spaces and art displays, District 2 Commissioner Alexandra Compere said Thursday evening's event will highlight the furniture layout.

"The first one was, 'Hey community, what would you like to see?' And we had a lot of folks show up and share what they would like to see in the library, what needs could be met," Compere said.

"If you have an opinion, [we'd] love to see you."

The long-awaited library is set to be located near Oakleaf Village Elementary at the end of Plantation Oaks Boulevard. Since early last year, the project has been moving forward, with the county approving a $750,000 grant from the State of Florida Department of State in February, helping to begin the design phase.

Fleischman and Garcia will be overseeing the project. An award-winning local firm with 53 years of design experience, the team has also worked on two other similar projects — the Wesley Chapel Public Library and the Riverview Public Library.

During last year's workshop, the majority said natural lighting was a design element that mattered, while they also said they saw themselves using a reading space more than anything else. Having a nature-connected feel was also at the top of most people's lists.

Attendees also ranked the programs, special resources and book genres they wanted to see. Science Fiction/Fantasy and eBooks (Libby and hoopla) were popular. For programs, there was a tie between arts and crafts, recreational activities, book clubs and STEM opportunities.

The workshop will begin at 6 p.m.

To sign up for updates on the library's progress, go to public.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLCLAYCO/subscriber/new.