INSIDER
โThe Heart of Roanokeโ: Business Associationโs plan to bring vitality to Williamson Road
Read full article: โThe Heart of Roanokeโ: Business Associationโs plan to bring vitality to Williamson RoadThe Greater Williamson Road Business Association presented their 'State of the Road' to council Monday, looking ahead to several grant applications.
VDOT and Roanoke County seek feedback on Williamson and Peters Creek roads
Read full article: VDOT and Roanoke County seek feedback on Williamson and Peters Creek roadsThe Virginia Department of Transportation and Roanoke County held a community meeting on Monday to seek feedback on the Peters Creek Road and Williamson Road areas.
โI do not come downtown at nightโ: Roanokers react to another downtown shooting
Read full article: โI do not come downtown at nightโ: Roanokers react to another downtown shootingA downtown shooting at Status Restaurant and Lounge on Williamson Road sent three people to the hospital with gunshot wounds.
Roanoke County restaurant fire on Williamson Road leaves $250,000 in damages
Read full article: Roanoke County restaurant fire on Williamson Road leaves $250,000 in damagesThe fire that occurred early Tuesday morning at Sakura Japanese Steak House on Williamson Road has left $250,000 in damages, according to the Roanoke County Fire Marshalโs Office.
โState of the Roadโ report shows growth, progress along Roanokeโs Williamson Road
Read full article: โState of the Roadโ report shows growth, progress along Roanokeโs Williamson RoadThe executive director of the Greater Williamson Road Area Business Association delivered the annual 'State of the Road' report to Roanoke City Council on Monday.
Roanoke receives part of $21 million grant to improve safety along Williamson Road
Read full article: Roanoke receives part of $21 million grant to improve safety along Williamson RoadThe City of Roanoke was awarded a grant from the U.S. Dept. of Transportation to improve safety along Williamson Road.
Roanokeโs Williamson Road to see improvements as part of USDOT Thriving Communities Program
Read full article: Roanokeโs Williamson Road to see improvements as part of USDOT Thriving Communities ProgramRoanoke Cityโs Williamson Road will soon see safety improvements, thanks to the US Department of Transportationโs (USDOT) Thriving Communities Program.
Williamson Road community split over proposed safety improvements
Read full article: Williamson Road community split over proposed safety improvementsThe push continues to make a busy road in Roanoke safer. This comes after police say a pedestrian was hit and killed along Williamson Road early Friday morning.
Sheetz on Williamson Road to close at midnight, open at new location on Nov. 28
Read full article: Sheetz on Williamson Road to close at midnight, open at new location on Nov. 28The Sheetz on Williamson Road in Roanoke will be permanently shutting its doors at midnight, according to Sheetz employees.
Residents on Williamson Road voice concerns over proposed safety improvement plans
Read full article: Residents on Williamson Road voice concerns over proposed safety improvement plansA proposed plan would turn the four-lane road into two lanes, with a center turn lane and bike lanes in each direction.
Man injured in Williamson Rd shooting in Roanoke
Read full article: Man injured in Williamson Rd shooting in RoanokeAround 10:20 p.m., officers were called to the 3700 block of Williamson Road for a person who had been shot. Although, when they arrived no victim was found. Police say they were notified an adult male victim took themselves to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
VDOT, Roanoke officials looking for input to improve Williamson Road
Read full article: VDOT, Roanoke officials looking for input to improve Williamson RoadVDOT wants to hear from you about improving a major roadway here in the Star City. They are conducting a survey to find out how to make Williamson Road safer.
VDOT seeking public input on ways Roanokeโs Williamson Road could be improved
Read full article: VDOT seeking public input on ways Roanokeโs Williamson Road could be improvedThe Virginia Department of Transportation wants to hear from you on whether you feel Williamson Road in Roanoke could be improved.
Portion of Williamson Road closed due to construction material blocking the roadway
Read full article: Portion of Williamson Road closed due to construction material blocking the roadwayA portion of Williamson Road in Northeast Roanoke will be closed due to construction material blocking the road, according to the Roanoke Police Department.
Police identify 21-year-old man shot and killed on Tuesday evening on Williamson Road
Read full article: Police identify 21-year-old man shot and killed on Tuesday evening on Williamson RoadThe Roanoke Police Department has identified the 21-year-old man who died following a shooting on Tuesday evening on Williamson Road.
Family of woman killed in hit-and-run on Williamson Rd. pleads for the communityโs help
Read full article: Family of woman killed in hit-and-run on Williamson Rd. pleads for the communityโs helpIt's been more than two weeks since a Roanoke woman was killed on Williamson Road. Police say Jody Mcfarland died in a hit and run. Investigators are still looking for answers and so is the Mcfarland family.
Roanoke police release images of Ford Explorer as the investigation into deadly hit-and-run continues
Read full article: Roanoke police release images of Ford Explorer as the investigation into deadly hit-and-run continuesThe Roanoke Police Department released multiple images on Wednesday afternoon as it continues to investigate last weekโs deadly hit-and-run on Williamson Road.
Police release name of Roanoke woman killed in hit-and-run on Williamson Road
Read full article: Police release name of Roanoke woman killed in hit-and-run on Williamson RoadOn Monday afternoon, the Roanoke Police Department released the name of the woman who died in the hit-and-run crash on Williamson Road on Wednesday.
Introducing you to a sassy Peach Cockatoo
Read full article: Introducing you to a sassy Peach CockatooWhen you think of the name Rio you may think of that one Duran Duran song or the Disney movie... but what about the Peach Cockatoo from Exotics & Aquatics? Weโre taking you up Williamson Road to meet a sassy bird that likes to dance.
โItโs time to raise our voicesโ: Latinos in Roanoke show support for civil unrest in Cuba
Read full article: โItโs time to raise our voicesโ: Latinos in Roanoke show support for civil unrest in CubaCivil unrest in Cuba continues as people continue to protest in the streets, demanding change from the Communist government.
New $6 million office suites open with hopes of bringing more business to Williamson Road
Read full article: New $6 million office suites open with hopes of bringing more business to Williamson RoadThe Greater Williamson Road Area Business Association held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday to celebrate their new home and the new office building for local entrepreneurs.
New self-storage facility now open in Roanoke at site of old Happyโs Flea Market
Read full article: New self-storage facility now open in Roanoke at site of old Happyโs Flea MarketIt was once a place where you could buy and sell toys and collectibles. Now, itโs a building where you can store these things.
Three adults, one child without a home after house fire in Northwest Roanoke
Read full article: Three adults, one child without a home after house fire in Northwest RoanokeThree adults and one child are without a home after a residential fire in Northwest Roanoke on Sunday, according to Roanoke Fire-EMS.
Business owners push for sidewalks on Williamson Road after latest pedestrian death
Read full article: Business owners push for sidewalks on Williamson Road after latest pedestrian deathROANOKE, Va. โ A life lost Friday night on Williamson Road has people once again questioning the safety of that stretch of road. As cars zip by on Williamson Road, business owners in the area said they have had enough. Living in Roanoke all her life, Veronica Freites, who owns Sunshine Salon, said safety on the road is getting worse. Now, business owners are pushing for sidewalks in that area, a plan the Williamson Road Business Association is still working on with the hopes of City approval. AdโThe road is only so big so you can only do so much but you need to maximize the best safety you can,โ Valerie Brown, executive director of Williamson Road Business Association.
Pedestrian dies after being hit by car on Williamson Road in Roanoke
Read full article: Pedestrian dies after being hit by car on Williamson Road in RoanokeROANOKE, Va. โ One person is dead after a pedestrian crash in Northwest Roanoke Friday night. At about 8:30 p.m., Roanoke Police responded to a report of a vehicle crash involving a pedestrian on the 5100 block of Williamson Road NW. Upon arrival, officers found a man lying in the roadway with what they said appeared to be serious injuries. Roanoke Fire-EMS transported the man to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries shortly after. The driver of the vehicle remained on the scene and is cooperating with the investigation.
Williamson Road Area Business Association looking to expand, provide more services
Read full article: Williamson Road Area Business Association looking to expand, provide more servicesROANOKE, Va. โ The Williamson Road Area Business Association (WRABA) wants to expand its services in Roanoke. The goal is to spruce up the area and help out local businesses even more. On Monday, Executive Director Valerie Brown presented a proposal to the Roanoke City Council that would expand the Special Service District (SSD) to include more businesses near the Berglund Center, like Magic City Ford. Expanding the SSD would also allow WRABA to receive more funding from the city, which in turn, would allow WRABA to build sidewalks, add lighting and improve storefronts. If the city agrees, the move would double WRABAโs revenue to about $225,000 a year.
Police say this person is responsible for a deadly hit-and-run crash in Roanoke
Read full article: Police say this person is responsible for a deadly hit-and-run crash in RoanokeROANOKE, Va. โ Do you recognize this person? Roanoke police say he or she is responsible for the death of 62-year-old Donald Obenchain. Obenchain died in a hit-and-run crash on Williamson Road on Nov. 3. This is a picture of the vehicle involved in the crash that resulted in the death of Donald Obenchain, according to police. (Roanoke Police Department)Anyone with information about who this person may be or where he or she is located is asked to call Detective Romano at 540-853-5798.
Whatโs News Today: Click-it or Ticket begins, Christmas decorations
Read full article: Whatโs News Today: Click-it or Ticket begins, Christmas decorationsThe City of Roanoke will begin installing Christmas lights and decorations today. During the work, Jefferson Street from Elm Avenue to Salem Avenue and Campbell Avenue from 1st Street to Williamson Road will be blocked. Click-it or Ticket gets underway today, ahead of Thanksgiving. Roanoke City Council will hold a public hearing tonight about changing the cityโs zoning laws. Today is the last day to give your thoughts about transportation in the Roanoke Valley and Alleghany Highlands.
You could win a $500 airline voucher this Williamson Road Restaurant Week
Read full article: You could win a $500 airline voucher this Williamson Road Restaurant WeekROANOKE, Va. โ Grab your passport because Saturday kicks off an exciting week along Roanokeโs Williamson Road. From Nov. 14 to Nov. 21, eat (either dine-in or takeout) at one of 15 participating restaurants and you could win either a $100 gift certificate or a $500 airline travel voucher. One person will win a $500 airline travel gift voucher, courtesy of the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport. You can put your business card in the container each time you visit a participating restaurant. At the end of the week, one card will be drawn from all those collected and the winner will be notified by phone/email.
Roanoke police release name of man who died in hit-and-run crash on Williamson Road
Read full article: Roanoke police release name of man who died in hit-and-run crash on Williamson RoadROANOKE, Va. โ Police in Roanoke released the name of the man who died in a hit-and-run crash in Roanoke on Tuesday night. 62-year-old Donald Obenchain died after he was hit by a vehicle that police said was headed south on Williamson Road. Police are still investigating and havenโt found the driver who hit Obenchain. Officers arrived to find Obenchain lying in the road in the 2400 block of Williamson Road, according to the Roanoke Police Department. Investigators said it appeared Obenchain entered the road and was hit by a vehicle headed south.
Police identify person who died in shooting at 7-Eleven in NW Roanoke
Read full article: Police identify person who died in shooting at 7-Eleven in NW RoanokeROANOKE, Va. โ MONDAY UPDATEPolice identified the person who died in a shooting Saturday morning in northwest Roanoke at a 7-Eleven on Williamson Road. 41-year-old Wayne Loveless died in what police said is Roanokeโs 9th gun-related homicide so far this year. Warrants reveal that Loveless was with three other people at the time of the shooting. ORIGINAL STORYOne man is dead and one person is in custody after a shooting at a 7-Eleven on Williamson Rd in NW Roanoke Saturday morning. This is the 9th gun-related homicide in the city of Roanoke this year.
After a deadly week, Roanoke police have warnings for drivers, pedestrians
Read full article: After a deadly week, Roanoke police have warnings for drivers, pedestriansSince Thursday, four crashes killed three pedestrians and a man driving a motorcycle. The second crash was on Williamson Road in front of Northwest ACE Hardware just after 9 p.m. on Friday. A man driving a motorcycle died around 12:30 a.m. on Monday after police said he lost control of the bike. Roanoke City Police Sergeant Trista Noel said drivers and pedestrians need to take responsibility for their own safety. Roanoke Police have warnings and advice for pedestrians and drivers after four people died in separate crashes in a week.
Two pedestrians hospitalized after crash in Roanoke
Read full article: Two pedestrians hospitalized after crash in RoanokeROANOKE, Va. Two people are in the hospital Friday night after being hit by a car in Roanoke. The crash happened before 10 p.m. on Williamson Road in front of Northwest ACE Hardware. Authorities on scene told 10 News the driver is cooperating with police. 10 News has a crew at the scene. Check back here for updates.
Warrants reveal suspect in fatal shooting at Roanoke McDonaldโs near Berglund Center
Read full article: Warrants reveal suspect in fatal shooting at Roanoke McDonaldโs near Berglund CenterROANOKE, Va. โ LATESTCourt documents reveal the suspect in a Roanoke shooting on Wednesday afternoon that left one man dead. 18-year-old Arieon Roane allegedly killed 21-year-old Sincere DeGroat in the parking lot of a McDonaldโs near the Berglund Center, according to court documents. Warrants claim Roane and DeGroat met at the McDonaldโs, got into an argument and then shot each other. UPDATEThe Roanoke Police Department announced the name of the man who was shot and killed Wednesday in a McDonaldโs parking lot. ORIGINAL STORYOne person is dead and a second person was shot at the McDonaldโs on Williamson Road on Wednesday afternoon.
Drive-in movie option now located in Roanoke!
Read full article: Drive-in movie option now located in Roanoke!The Williamson Road Area Business Association is presenting pop-up drive-in movies starting Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22. If you need help with the Public File, call 540-512-1554.
Friends, family remember Chauncey Ray Savage, owner of Cheesesteak Factory killed in crash
Read full article: Friends, family remember Chauncey Ray Savage, owner of Cheesesteak Factory killed in crashSALEM, Va. Even though his Roanoke Valley business has only been open a couple of years, Chauncey Ray Savage leaves behind a legacy much greater. A memorial full of balloons, flowers and messages of love sits where the young business owner died Saturday night. With other business ties in the Roanoke community prior to the opening of the Cheesesteak Factory, Savage became someone well-respected in the area. Savage and Saunders were friends of more than 10 years. Saunders said she and Savages other friends and family will work hard to keep his legacy alive.
Roanoke County police investigate a deadly motorcycle crash at the intersection of Williamson Road and Commander Drive
Read full article: Roanoke County police investigate a deadly motorcycle crash at the intersection of Williamson Road and Commander DriveROANOKE CO., Va. โ BREAKING UPDATE:Roanoke County Police is investigating a fatal crash that occurred at the intersection of Williamson Road and Commander Drive. Police say it happened around 7:45 p.m. when a motorcycle was traveling Southbound on Williamson Road. Williamson Road is now back open. Roanoke County Police is investigating a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Williamson Road and Commander Drive. Williamson Road will be closed from Florist Road to Abney Road for an extended period of time.
Two people displaced after Roanoke County townhouse fire
Read full article: Two people displaced after Roanoke County townhouse fireROANOKE COUNTY, Va. Crews responded to a fire at a townhouse in Roanoke County on Thursday. Just after 8 p.m., firefighters arrived to the 7700 block of Williamson Road to find smoke coming from the front of a two-story townhouse. No one was hurt and the fire was under control in less than 10 minutes, according to Roanoke County Fire and Rescue. Roanoke County Fire and Rescue said the fire appeared to have started in the kitchen. The Roanoke County Fire Marshals Office is investigating the specific cause and estimating the amount in damages.
Two people found shot in a car at Roanoke Sheetz
Read full article: Two people found shot in a car at Roanoke SheetzROANOKE, Va. โ According to Roanoke City Police, two people were found with gunshot wounds in a car parked at the Sheetz gas station off of Williamson Road and Orange Ave in Roanoke Wednesday night. Police say the call came in just after 11 p.m.Police say the shooting did not happen at the Sheetz, but the car was driven there after. The two victims were taken to the hospital for their injuries. No word on the status of their injuries at this time. Anyone with any information is asked to call Roanoke police.
VDOT asks for feedback on US-460 improvements in Roanoke area
Read full article: VDOT asks for feedback on US-460 improvements in Roanoke areaSALEM, Va. The Virginia Department of Transportation is asking for feedback on improvements to US-460 in Roanoke and Roanoke County. Officials are conducting an online survey in hopes to get some input on potential improvements along the portion of US-460 that goes from Williamson Road in Roanoke and Route 220 Alternate or Cloverdale Road in Roanoke County. Instead of holding an in-person meeting as originally planned, VDOT has invited drivers to learn more about the proposed changes by watching a video presentation and taking part in an online survey by June 30. The goal of the study is to look into safety improvements and changes that will ease traffic flow. The portion of US-460 VDOT is focusing on averages 40,000 vehicles per day.
Pedestrian hit by car in Roanoke dies early Sunday morning
Read full article: Pedestrian hit by car in Roanoke dies early Sunday morningROANOKE, Va. โ UPDATEThe Virginia State Police is investigating a fatal crash involving a pedestrian who was hit in the City of Roanoke. At 12:51 a.m. the Virginia State Police was called to assist the Roanoke Police Department with a crash in the 2800 block of Williamson Road. The Virginia State Police Crash Reconstruction Team was called to assist with the crash. ORIGINAL STORYOne person was hospitalized early Sunday morning after being hit by a car. According to Roanoke police, for a variety of factors the crash is being investigated by Virginia State Police.
Budweiser Clydesdales to take part in Roanokeโs St. Patrickโs Day parade
Read full article: Budweiser Clydesdales to take part in Roanokeโs St. Patrickโs Day paradeROANOKE, Va. โ There will be a new addition to Roanokeโs annual St. Patrickโs Day parade this year. The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales will take part in the March 14 parade in downtown Roanoke. The eight-horse hitch will be harnessed and hitched to the famous red beer wagon for the annual parade that starts at 11 a.m. The โGentle Giants,โ as they are often referred to, will guide the beer wagon on the parade route traveling down Jefferson Street to Campbell Avenue, ending at Williamson Road. As we await their arrival, here are some fun facts about the Clydesdales:
Roanokeโs new drop-in center opens on Williamson Road
Read full article: Roanokeโs new drop-in center opens on Williamson RoadROANOKE, Va. โ A controversial new drop-in center is up and running in the Star City. There's already a drop-in center downtown, but this serves the north end of the city. Roanoke's Council of Community Services is running the center, which will offer free HIV and Hepatitis-C testing. "This is a way for people to at least avoid other diseases such as Hepatitis-C and HIV. Click here to learn more about Drop-In Center North.
10th Street reconstruction in Roanoke reaches final stages
Read full article: 10th Street reconstruction in Roanoke reaches final stagesROANOKE, Va. โ After years of construction, the 10th Street improvement project is nearly done. The stretch of 10th Street between Orange Ave. and Williamson Road is now completely paved, and crews finished striping the road on Friday. An earlier estimate expected 10th Street to finish construction by the end of the year. โThis way is beautiful now," said Hargrave, who lives on 10th Street. It makes the neighborhood look much better.โWork on the second phase of the 10th Street improvement project began in 2017 was expected to end in late 2019
Roanoke Police investigate after nearly a dozen Williamson Road businessesโ windows blown out
Read full article: Roanoke Police investigate after nearly a dozen Williamson Road businessesโ windows blown outROANOKE, Va. โ The Roanoke Police department is looking for who damaged a string of businesses along Williamson Road Tuesday night. There was a heavy police presence along the road and broken windows were visible, as well as shattered glass on the ground. Nine businesses were along the corridor between Orange Avenue and Hershberger Road. The damage was visible at Waffle House, Metro PCS, Berglund Credit Line, and Dollar Tree. Investigators believe the incidents to be connected, but to protect the investigation, would not comment on how they think the windows were broken.
Whatโs News Today: Read to Me Day, car seat safety
Read full article: Whatโs News Today: Read to Me Day, car seat safetyROANOKE, Va. โ The Roanoke County Sheriff's Office holds a free child safety seat check today. Itโs looking to make safety and operation improvements to a 5-mile stretch from Williamson Road to Route 220 Alternate. There are clinics from 9 a.m. to noon at the Pulaski County and Floyd County Health Departments and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Montgomery County Health Department. You can drop off donations today from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Hurlburt Student Center or the Walmart in Fairlawn. Appalachian Power says it will have more than 300 employees reading to students today.
Cheesesteak Factory and Jerk House is bringing the flavor to Roanoke
Read full article: Cheesesteak Factory and Jerk House is bringing the flavor to RoanokeROANOKE, Va.- - A Salem restaurant is bringing the spices to the Star City. Cheesesteak Factory and Jerk House is now open for business in its second location in Roanoke. The Jamaican-style restaurant is located at 3415 Williamson Road. "Roanoke was calling and we had to answer. So we are delivering, and we hope to get the same response, so come and show your support," said Diane Quackenbush, co-owner.
10th Street on track for completion by end of year
Read full article: 10th Street on track for completion by end of yearROANOKE, Va.- - Work crews continue to make progress on the second phase of construction on 10th Street in Roanoke. The paving work started last week on Andrews Road to Williamson Road. Marlene Starkey lives off 10th Street, and right now it's not her favorite street to travel. Utility work put the project behind by a few weeks, but it's still expected to be finished by the end of the year. Click here to see more about the 10th Street Improvement ProjectCopyright 2019 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.
Veranda Bistro: Williamson Road's Restaurant Week
Read full article: Veranda Bistro: Williamson Road's Restaurant WeekOur coverage of Williamson Road's Restaurant Week continues with a stop at another hidden gem -- Veranda Bistro. The restaurant combines Greek and Italian flavors. Bridget and Lindsey take a look. Copyright 2019 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.
Man shot and killed overnight near W.R. Brews
Read full article: Man shot and killed overnight near W.R. BrewsROANOKE, Va. - 9:30 a.m. Sunday update:A man was killed during a late night shooting in Roanoke Saturday night. According to Roanoke City police, the shooting happened just before midnight on the 3800 block of Williamson Road North West near the W.R. Brews restaurant. Roanoke City police said this is an ongoing investigation. ------------------Roanoke City police had officers on the scene of a shooting near the W.R. Brews restaurant on Williamson Road on Sunday morning. Roanoke City police say more information is expected to be released Sunday.
Concerns continue over 10th St construction in Roanoke
Read full article: Concerns continue over 10th St construction in RoanokeROANOKE, Va. - There are still concerns over road construction in Roanoke thats faced delays and has lasted for more than a year. VDOT said Tuesday that a stretch of 10th St. Northwest, underneath 5-81, extending to Williamson Road, should be done by the end of the year. Construction crews were out again Tuesday working on paving and sidewalks. People who live on the street are frustrated with how long theyve had to deal with the effects like traffic delays, wear and tear on their cars and their kids not being able to play outside. Drivers still cannot access Williamson Road from 10th St.
Multiple people arrested as Roanoke County standoff peacefully ends
Read full article: Multiple people arrested as Roanoke County standoff peacefully endsROANOKE COUNTY, Va. - UPDATERoanoke County police arrested six people after a robbery investigation led to a standoff in Santa Anita Terrace, not far from Williamson Road. Roanoke County SWAT arrived and negotiators eventually made contact with everyone inside, according to Roanoke County police. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Roanoke County Police Department at 540-562-3265. ORIGINAL STORYA standoff in Roanoke County ended after almost four hours. ORIGINAL STORYOfficers and SWAT team members are conducting a robbery investigation in north Roanoke County.
Roanoke County police asking for your help to identify armed robbery suspect
Read full article: Roanoke County police asking for your help to identify armed robbery suspectROANOKE COUNTY, Va. - Roanoke County police are asking for your help to recognize a man who robbed a business in the 5600 block of Williamson Road on Saturday at 9:44 a.m.Police say the suspect had a firearm and demanded money from the clerk. They say the man was wearing a black t-shirt, jeans, a ball cap and a bandana over his face. According to police, the man, who took an undisclosed amount of money, fled in a silver four-door car. Anyone with information is asked to call the Roanoke County Police Department at 540-777-8641Below are photos police provided from the surveillance footage of the incident. Credit: Roanoke County Police DepartmentCopyright 2019 by WSLS 10 - All rights reserved.
Work to improve local libraries paying off
Read full article: Work to improve local libraries paying offROANOKE, Va. - Work to improve local libraries is paying off. According to new data, visitation at the Williamson Road branch library in Roanoke has increased 30 percent compared to the last full year before it was renovated. Roanoke Library Director Sheila Umberger says the new Melrose branch library, which opened last month, had a hugely successful event Thursday night that has a lot of people saying they want to come back. "What we've learned is, when we have a lot of community engagement, then people learn about us and get excited about us. We actually did over two years of planning this branch," Umberger said.