Willowick, Willoughby to show off renovations

More than $2M spent on renovations of library branches

Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library will have grand re-opening ceremonies to welcome back patrons.

Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library will have grand re-opening ceremonies to welcome back patrons to the newly renovated Willoughby and Willowick branches.

The renovations on the two libraries started simultaneously during fall 2016 with a combined budget of $2.08 million and were completed within the budgeted amount in mid-May.

The grand re-opening for the Willowick Public Library, 263 E. 305th St., will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 17.

“From the expanded Children’s Section and meeting rooms on the lower level to the new Young Adult’s Section and computer lab on the upper level, the Willowick Library is poised to offer every person in our community access to and assistance with the world of information and entertainment.” said Dawn Roche, board member and Willowick resident. “I know that the children and families of Willowick will benefit greatly from our renovated Willowick Library.”

“The services and materials available at the Willowick Library will provide our community with expanded opportunities to learn, grow, and be entertained,” Nicholas Monin, board member and Willowick resident said.

The Willoughby Public Library will have its event June 24, also from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“I am most excited by the outcome of the recent renovation of the more-than-century-old Willoughby Library,” said Jeff Mackey, board member and Willoughby resident. “I appreciate the thoughtful find of a small path to our Carnegie library history being shared and maintained. I am confident that the changes and improvements will take us on our future paths well.”

“The board took great care in choosing an architect and contractor that could build on the long and deep legacy of the Willoughby Library while also preparing us for the future of public library service,” added Frank Buttari, also a board member and Willoughby resident.

Both events will open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Willoughby Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce, and will feature games and music by WINT Radio along with other planned surprises for visitors. There will also be crafts for kid, and a visit from the Sky Zone mascot, and East Coast Custard will be serving up free cones and dishes of frozen custard to the first 150 guests.

Sue Roseum, board chair for the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library Board, said the trustees are pleased that the renovations have been completed on time and on budget.

“We expect that the communities and patrons we serve will be pleased by the improvement and modernization of these important community resources,” Roseum said.

“The Willowick and Willoughby library buildings will now match the excellent customer service that our staff provides at both libraries.”

NEWS-HERALD FILE The Willoughby Public Library underwent renovations in the past several months.