Library holds official opening
Silence is always the rule in a library, but the sound of a child crying was welcome during the official opening of the new regional public library in Corner Brook Monday afternoon.
The facility, incorporated into the Corner Brook’s new city hall complex, has been open for months, but it was not until this week that dignitaries such as Education Minister Clyde Jackman and Calvin Taylor, chairman of the Provincial Information and Library Resources Board, could schedule their attendance at the official opening.
During the speeches, a child could be heard crying from the upstairs portion of the library designed for kids. It wasn’t loud enough to distract from the ceremony, but Corner Brook Mayor Neville Greeley noted its symbolism and the important role libraries play in lifelong learning.
“To be exposed to a library at such a young age only means good things for the future,” the mayor remarked during his address to the several dozen people who had gathered for the opening.
In the crowd was Heather Perez. She takes her kids, six-year-old Hannah, who loves books about SpongeBob SquarePants, and four-year-old Antonio — who likes books about trucks and trains, to the library once every couple of weeks.
It’s more often than that now since Hannah is participating in the library’s summer reading program.
“They both love it and I love it,” she said. “We’re all avid readers in our house.This is a more pleasant atmosphere (than the former library in the Sir Richard Squires Building). It’s more bright and inviting.”
The 11,000-square foot library offers new and expanded programs and services to residents and visitors to the Corner Brook region and is a resource base for 31 other public libraries in western Newfoundland and Labrador.
In addition to a separate children’s section, the library features an enhanced collection of library materials, a designated room for the delivery of library programs and computer work stations that are adaptable for people with disabilities.
Marc Thackray, chairman of the Corner Brook Public Library Board, thanked the staff for their hard work and dedication to the transition to the new facility.
He said he hopes the library will become a focal point for people wanting to expand their horizons, whether it is by reading a book, studying or doing research.
“We hope we will be able to serve many new patrons, those who will become dedicated regulars in the future,” said Thackray.