Question 1

What is the new address?

Accepted Answer

533 Sid Martin Road, Unit 120, Gray, TN 37615

Question 2

When will the Gray Branch open?

Accepted Answer

The Gray Branch will begin a soft opening on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
A soft opening allows us to welcome the community while we continue to “live test” our systems and to complete the final touches.

Question 3

What is a “soft opening”?

Accepted Answer

A soft opening means the library will be open to the public with limited hours and services while staff finalizes the building, technology, and procedures.
This helps us ensure everything works smoothly before our full grand opening.
You can help us during this phase by visiting, exploring the space, and sharing feedback.

Question 4

What will the hours be during the soft opening?

Accepted Answer

Week 1 (March 18–20):
Wednesday – Friday
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Week 2 (March 23 – 27) and Week 3 (March 30 – April 3)
Monday – Friday
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
 
Week 4 – 5 (April 6 – 10, 13 – 17)
M, W, Thurs, Fri
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
 
Tuesday
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Week 6 – 7 (April 20 – 24, April 27 - May 1)
M, W, Thurs, Fri
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
 
Tuesday
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Grand Opening
Saturday, May 2, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Please note that this timeline is subject to change at the discretion of the Washington County Library Board of Trustees. Any change in hours will be updated here and through social media.

Question 5

When will the library expand to full hours?

Accepted Answer

Tentative full hours will begin on Monday, May 4, 2026.
Regular hours are expected to be:
Monday: 9 AM – 6 PM
Tuesday: 9 AM – 8 PM
Wednesday: 9 AM – 6 PM
Thursday: 9 AM – 6 PM
Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM
Saturday: 9 AM – 2 PM

Question 6

What services will be available during the soft opening?

Accepted Answer

During the first phase of the soft opening, the following services will be available:
Browsing the collection
Checking items in and out
Placing a limited number of holds on materials from the Gray and Jonesborough branches
Copying services
To help us manage inventory during the early weeks, checkouts will initially be limited to 5 items per card, including up to 5 DVDs and 4 audiobooks.

Question 7

What services will not be available at first?

Accepted Answer

Some services will be introduced later in the soft opening period as we continue preparing the branch.
These services will not be available during the first phase:
Interlibrary loan and lending between regional library consortia
Programs and events
Meeting room reservations
Partner or community display tables
Public computer use and printing
Faxing
Curbside pickup

Question 8

When will additional services be added?

Accepted Answer

Phase 2 will begin on Monday, April 6th. Services will expand to include:
·       Return borrowing limits to the original amount of 45 total, 5 DVDs and 4 Audiobooks
·       Courier – OWL consortia and lending between JBO and Gray branches
·       Allow patron computer use and printing and copying
·       Faxing
·       Curbside pickup
Please note that this timeline are subject to change at the discretion of the Washington County Library Board of Trustees. Any changes will be updated here on the website.

Question 9

Can I return Jonesborough Branch’s books to the Gray Branch?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but during the early phase of the soft opening the book drops may remain closed while the building is open.
Later in the soft opening period, the book drops will be opened for after-hours returns. (Date to be determined.)

Question 10

Can I return other regional libraries’ books to the Gray Branch (like Johnson City Public Library)?

Accepted Answer

No, not during the initial phase of the soft opening. Details will be shared below as the library expands services to include regional sharing.

Question 11

Will there be programs for children or adults?

Accepted Answer

Programs will begin after the grand opening.
Children’s programming at the Gray Branch is currently planned to begin with the Summer Reading kickoff.

Question 12

When will meeting rooms be available?

Accepted Answer

Meeting room reservations will begin after the grand opening, once new procedures and scheduling guidelines are finalized.

Question 13

Why are services being added gradually?

Accepted Answer

Opening a new library building involves many moving parts—technology systems, building operations, staffing workflows, and logistics with our regional partners.
Phasing in services helps us:
Ensure everything works properly
Train staff in the new space
Provide the best experience possible for our community

Question 14

How can the community help during the soft opening?

Accepted Answer

Visit the library, explore the space, and let us know what you think!
Your feedback during this pilot period will help us prepare for a successful grand opening and long-term service at the Gray Branch.

Question 15

When will the grand opening be?

Accepted Answer

The grand opening is still being planned by the Washington County Library Board of Trustees. Dates and details will be announced after plans are finalized.

Thank you for your patience and excitement as we open the Gray Branch!
We’re thrilled to bring this new library space to the community and look forward to welcoming you soon.

Frequently asked questions