Kathleen Morgan, Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships at the Lawrence Public Library, is excited and enthusiastic about the opening of the new library. And her enthusiasm is obviously shared by the Lawrence community.
“We called for volunteers to help us move into the new library and 200 people volunteered in one day,” she told Lawrence Central Rotarians. “And more than 700 people came to the opening ceremonies to watch 15 civic leaders cut the ribbons. At least 1500 people attended the festivities that evening. “
The renovated library, which has been a $19 million investment opened July 26.
“We made 12 promises to the community when we began this project and we’ve kept all 12,” Morgan said.
“We’ve added 20,000 square feet to the library, renovated spaces in the old library by opening them up,adding lighting and art objects, we’ve built a parking garage for more parking and added a children’s programming area with spaces for quiet reading, story telling, other activities.”
Other promises kept, she said, encompassed improved technology including more computers, and sound and video studios, cool spaces for young adults so young people will feel free to hang out at the library, improved handling of library materials, drive up book drop and book lockers, improved library energy efficiency, more public meeting space, and outdoor spaces for community gatherings.
The library calendar for August includes story times, meetings for teens, book clubs, library tours, classes in everything from basic computer skills to knitting and a host of other activities.
