Downtown library theater expanded to hold 220 people

An expanded theater at the downtown Fredericksburg library (1201 Caroline St.) will be unveiled during a free and public ribbon-cutting event at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 30. The facility, which is popular with local theater groups, will have the capacity to hold 220 audience members, up from 160 previously.

In addition to the expansion to allow for larger audiences, a sound booth and a larger screen have been installed, the entire space has been repainted, and the stage floor has been refinished. In addition to making improvements to the theater, the City of Fredericksburg has also installed new carpet, enhanced lighting, and added an environmentally friendly water fountain, among other enhancements, at the library. Two offices on the lower level have been converted to meeting rooms for customer use. Security enhancements and landscaping have been upgraded in addition to the recent parking lot expansion behind the library.

“The City Council adopted a twenty-year Vision in 2016, and the ‘Council Priorities’ we developed to execute on that Vision included efforts meant to expand City performing arts spaces. This project, along with the doubling of parking, account for more than $500,000 in recent upgrades and investments to our treasured downtown library,” stated City Councilwoman Kerry Devine.

We plan a “Freehling Finds” video on this soon, so stay tuned!