On Tuesday, the Suffolk Planning Commission cleared the first hurdle for city officials to begin erecting a new $4.7 million 22,000 square-foot library in north Suffolk. This is a boom for the area for many reasons.

The library will feature the latest in technology, including wireless Internet access. Also, the placement of the library is ideal in the city’s high growth hub, which is inundated with people who will take advantage of the library’s numerous offerings.

As another benefit, the library will also house satellite government offices, including the city treasurer and commissioner of revenue. This is critically important if north Suffolk is ever going to truly feel a part of this burgeoning city.

There’s always been an underlying concern that north Suffolk residents feel detached from the core city and the inner working of government. The forthcoming library and location of satellite city offices will go great lengths to bridge the gap between the city’s northern and southern corridors.

Students will also find the library an asset because it should keep them on par with services exposed to youths in other progressive cities in the state.

The library is a definite win-win for everyone involved.