The city of Newport News will begin demolition of the former Sherwood Shopping Center as early as March 19, marking the first step toward construction of the new Virgil I. ‘Gus’ Grissom Library. The new library will be a 51,144-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility designed to serve residents of all ages, with expanded educational resources, modern technology, and flexible community gathering spaces. The project replaces the current Grissom Library on Deshazor Drive, which opened in 1977 and has served the community for more than 45 years. At 16,635 square feet, the existing building has reached the end of its service life. The new library represents a $40 million investment in the future of Newport News and will serve as an anchor for economic development and revitalization in the Denbigh area. Construction of the new library is scheduled to begin in May 2026, with completion anticipated in the summer of 2028. Demolition activities at the Sherwood Shopping Center site are expected to last several weeks. Residents may notice increased construction activity during this time. The Newport News Police Department Training Academy and North Precinct building, which opened nearby in 2024, will remain fully operational during the demolition process.