(Chelsea Update would like to thank Patty Roberts for the information in this story.)
Ten years ago, Chelsea District Library (CDL) opened its newly renovated doors to the public, providing them with expanded collections, new programming opportunities, improved technology, and additional room to explore, engage, and be inspired.
On Thursday, Aug. 18, the library invites everyone to join them for a 10th anniversary celebration to commemorate this opening. The festivities will take place from 5:30- 8:30 p.m. throughout the library.
To kick off the event, The Friends of Chelsea District Library will have a dedication ceremony at 5:30 p.m. for a newly planted tree on the northwest corner of the lawn. This planting was made possible by a grant from Thrivent Financial and commemorates the library’s ability to grow and respond to the ever-changing needs of the Chelsea Community.
The main festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. with Sounds and Sights music performed by The Dorkestra at Katie’s Korner. Cake and ice cream will be available under the portico along with commemorative giveaways, including a coloring book. This coloring book was especially created by noted coloring book artist and CDL patron, Cynthia Silveri to help tell the story of the library’s history.
There will be fun activities on the lawn for the kids, including the ever-popular Spinner Wheel and scratch-off art. Guided tours (including the newly renovated media area) and historic photo slide show will run throughout the evening. Don’t miss the “Mini-Museum” in the McKune Room, provided by dedicated supporters Lynn Fox and Jennifer Kundak, who will also be on hand to share their stories and knowledge.
“Although it’s only been ten years – a small timespan in the history of the Library – we felt it was important to celebrate all the great things that have happened since that first visitor, Vince Burg, walked through our new doors,” said Lori Coryell, CDL director.
With the expansion of square footage, not only did the library initially add 6,000 new materials, but since then has been able to add specialized collections like Leveled Readers for our young patrons, a low vision collection, greatly expanded DVD collection covering multiple genres, and more recently, non-traditional items such as a 3D printer and 3D scanner.
Along with the ability to grow the library’s collections, the new building has also provided space for innovative programming such as The Comedy Showcase at Katie’s Korner, expanded offerings of our longest running library-wide program Computer Training 1:1 in our Learning Lab, and various large-scale instructional programs in the McKune Room, just to name a few.
The Friends’ book sales also benefited from the new building allowing increased inventory, easier set up, and addition sales, which in turn has resulted in additional donations to the library.
“We hope the community will join us for this special evening,” said Coryell “without their support, the library couldn’t continue to offer all these amazing collections, programs, and services.”
