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Kudos to You!

It’s a pleasure to tell you about the library and the progress that has been made over the last week.  We have had many wonderful and dedicated volunteers that worked many hours…boxing, lifting, moving, unpacking, shelving, shuffling, dusting, checking for accuracy, etc.  Thank you is not enough, but I’ll say it anyway…thank you. 

It’s been a humbling experience to see the great numbers of people that have given in various ways.  Recently people have given of their time, muscles, equipment, and minds to get 40,000 items to the new library and on the shelves in order (or pretty close to it)!  Don Brown, Eric Smith, and Craig Ankerstjerne were there with their vehicles and a willingness to do whatever was needed during Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of the first week we were closed.  A group of about a dozen wrestlers along with their coaches were at the library at an early 7 am Saturday to utilize the lift owned and operated by Gary Gissel.  People like Bev Copenhaver, Linda Hearn, and Marcia Henderson put up with me when I started them shelving on the wrong side of the shelf!

Of course, this is just one part of the amazing story of the community support that has come forth for the new Independence Public Library.  During my time as the library director, I have seen other amazing support.  The dedication of the library board, an awesome staff, an incredible fundraising team, and the group that planned and organized Spellbound have all been fantastic.  The financial support from over 500 individuals, families, organizations, businesses, the city, and the county is another huge facet of the story of our new library. 

I am overwhelmed and can’t wait to open the doors of the new library so that our great community can enjoy the results of their giving spirit.  Which brings us to that ever popular question, when are we going to open the library?

We are hoping to open the library on Monday, Sept. 8^th.  As of today we have Internet service, and the next week to two weeks should see a great transformation in the technological offerings at the new library.  The network and computers will be set up, printers, fax machine, a new circulation system, a new computer time management system, phone system, cable service, and audio capabilities (for the community room) will all be installed.  The end panels and tops of the shelving will be installed as will the remainder of the furniture (at least 90% of the furniture will be here by the time we open) and much of the signage.  Much organization of work areas remains to be done, new procedures outlined, and training on the new software systems. 

Though much remains to be done, we have set Monday, September 8^th as a goal for opening day.  Unless some unforeseen problems come up, we will plan to open that day.  Another date for your calendars is Sunday, Oct. 12^th.  The library will hold its Grand Opening from 2 pm – 6 pm that day.  Thanks again for the great help and support.  You made the new Independence Public Library a reality!  Kudos!

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