GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The Board of County Commissioners reached an agreement with the Double Branch Community Development District to acquire a critical parcel of land necessary in addressing the long-standing need for a library in Oakleaf Village.

In October, the BCC submitted a request to the DBCDD to acquire the land. Now that it’s completed, it can pursue construction.

Alexandra Compere, who represents the Oakleaf area, attended Double Branch's meeting on Monday night when they said they would agree to convey their portion of the property to the county.

The land, located on a small, empty lot at the end of Plantation Oaks Boulevard near Oakleaf Village Elementary, is split nearly in half. Currently, the BCC owns an 0.47-acre parcel and the DBCDD oversees an 0.568-acre parcel.

There are stipulations in the details. The land transfer is contingent upon the construction of a library. A proposed community center was green-lighted by the CDD as well, but books will be the main focus. Double Branch is only willing to convey the property if the library is built. If not, it will retain the property.

"I think it gauges their level in working with us, and I think (the decision to move forward) is outstanding," said council chairwoman Betsy Condon.

The project is a significant victory for Compere’s community.

"I'm just excited that they (moved) in that direction, because there's a need for (the library). I'm excited that we're moving to remedy this shortage (for Oakleaf). I just can't say enough," she said.

A nearby library bordering Oakleaf in the Argyle Forest, a neighborhood in Duval County, is charging $175 for library cards, and the closest libraries in the county are in Middleburg and Orange Park – 35-to-40-minute commute, Compere said.

"They're very upset in that part of the county for obvious reasons, (but) I'm glad we're moving in that direction," she said.