Just an hour or two after the ribbon-cutting at our stunning new library, people went from being event guests to library patrons.
It was wonderful to see young kids carrying books from the Children’s Room right away. Older kids had settled into the spaces made just for them in the Teen Room. Adults were getting comfortable in the Reading Room, people were getting new library cards, and the study rooms were filling up with small groups.
All of the windows afforded great views, including my favorite part of the facility. The old building had a driveway in the back, but now that whole area, including Wellington Brook, has been turned into a beautiful park. There are paths, seating, an amphitheater, and wonderful landscaping. We could see people exploring this great space, too.
On the way out, I spoke with the police officer who was directing traffic. He’d been there for hours, but he said it was easy duty because “everyone is so happy to be here today.”
Years ago, when I was on the Board of Library Trustees, and to this day, people say we don’t need libraries because everything is online. After seeing the hundreds of Belmontonians (and others) who came to celebrate this amazing facility, it’s clear just how much we do want and need community spaces to gather, learn, and just relax.
Congratulations to everyone who made this happen!
Hal Shubin, Chilton Street