At Tuesday’s re-opening ceremony, Roanoke Mayor David Bowers, and Libraries Director Sheila Umberger spoke about the exciting new features to dozens of onlookers, including many school children.
“The newly renovated Main Library is a vibrant, flexible space. In this renovation, we were able to take the original 1950’s building and bring it into the 21st Century. The Library reaches into Elmwood Park with new windows, views and porch areas. With a fun, interactive children’s area, books, computers and laptop areas the Main Library is a destination place for everyone,” said Umberger.
The $3.27-million renovation includes bright colors throughout the library, thousands of new books and materials, self-checkout options, flexible collaborative rooms, additional meeting rooms, and new restrooms.
The Youth Services Department features an expanded teen area, kid’s area with slide and, for the first time, a dedicated early literacy preschool area. The expanded Mezzanine provides additional space for computers and adult services.
The changes aren’t limited to the inside of the library. There’s a new screened in porch on the front of the building and a large Reading Porch on the back overlooking the beautiful Elmwood Park.
Today’s re-opening kicks off a big week of events at the library. The schedule includes:
Tuesday
12 p.m. – Listening Lounge featuring Common Ground
6 p.m. – Family program and discussion with award-winning “Max and Ruby” author and illustrator Rosemary Wells.
Wednesday
12 p.m. – Listening Lounge featuring Roanoke Symphony Orchestra.
Thursday
6 p.m. – Star City Swag
Friday
12 p.m. – Listening Lounge featuring OSG.
Saturday
11 a.m. – Children’s Open House.
1:30 p.m. – The ABCs of DNA.
2 p.m. – Sphere.
For more information, contact Roanoke Public Libraries at 853-1057.
