This makes the county's fourth library. It is also the largest facility, coming in at 9,600 square feet. It boasts a dividable meeting room, a computer lab, a reading area, a genealogy area and a smaller reading room.
About 200 people turned out to welcome the new building to the north end of the county. The Eagle Rock area, which is the most sparsley populated part of the county, has been underserved for some time.
The building is made of a material called "Hardy Board" and local stone.
Library Board of Trustee member Genevieve Goss has represented the Fincastle District, which encompasses Eagle Rock, for almost eight years, and prior to that represented the Amsterdam District until the boundaries changed. She is a strong advocate for the libraries.
The dedication began with a rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, sung by Jayne Vest, wife of Library Director Steve Vest.
The crowd was most attentive during speeches from Ms. Goss, Supervisor Chairman Terry Austin, Fincastle District Supervisor Donna Vaughn, and the Library Director.
Library Director Steve Vest has spent the last 18 months working to make this facility a reality. He was the hot point man for county officials, the Library Board of Trustees, the architect, and many others. His hair whitened considerably in recent months.
The building was designed to fit in with a rural terrain. It has a backdrop of mountains. The day was absolutely perfect with brilliant blue skies, wonderful temperatures, and not a single cloud to mar the sunshine.
Mr. Vest introduced the new library branch head, Mike Hibben, and other staff members to the public.
The building inside features exposed beams, clear story lighting, and all new furnishings. It cost the county about $1.1 million to build and furnish.
Local civic groups provided refreshments for the event.
The library is opening with 17 computers available for public use. Some of the kids couldn't wait and were on the computers as soon as they could get in the building.
The shelves are not all full but they will be in time.
The genealogy collection.
The plaque with the name of the Supervisors and Library Board members on it. I have represented the Amsterdam District on the Library Board for eight years.
What a beautiful facility! Glad to see it come to fruition on such a beautiful day.
ReplyDeleteA perfect day and a beautiful new building. Despite what those of us in Webland thing, Dead Trees Still Matter.
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful library and an wonderful asset to our county. It's nice the shelves have room for growth.
ReplyDeleteYou'll should be very proud of such a nice library. It will serve the citizens of that area for years to come.
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