Year Round Library Gala Opening Attracts a Crowd
More than 300 Gilmantonians attended the formal opening of
the new Library on Saturday, September 12.
On Saturday September 12th the Gilmanton Year-Round Library opened
its doors to the community. Despite the rain, more than 300 people
attended a program that reviewed the ten year history of individual
volunteers, fundraising, in-kind donations and perseverance that led to
the library’s opening. The library will be a public community space for
educational and cultural activities in addition to being a place where
residents can meet neighbors. “We see the library being especially
important to the children of Gilmanton” said former president Liz Bedard.
The excitement of children, lined up to rush in after the ribbon cutting
to get their library cards, confirmed her observation.
Following a brief ceremony, attendees toured the library and signed
up for their “First Edition” library cards. More than 250 cards were
issued.
The Library Board especially thanks the generous contributions of
local businesses which made the event possible. Contributors included:
Eisenmann Woodworking - Eisenmann Family, Bedard Restoration &
Preservation, Meredith Village Savings Bank, Sabre Protective Apparel,
LLC, Globe Mfg. Co., LLC, Boulia-Gorrell Lumber Co.,
Maintenance for Every Season, Four Corners Brick House, KB Earthworks,
Nutter Enterprises, Inc., Laconia Savings Bank, Parsonage Daylilies,
Sydows Auto Service Center, LLC, Barton Lumber Co. Inc.,
Peaked Hill Farm, Decorative Interiors, Four Corners Landscape and
Fernwood Farm LLC. These sponsors allowed us to cover the costs of the
event without dipping into the library’s operating funds.
Not to be overlooked were the many individuals who pitched in to
prepare for the celebration. Volunteers baked cookies and made punch for
refreshments, supplied the beautiful chrysanthemums, loaned a canopy,
cleaned the library, set up the tables and chairs, and generally
organized the event. Many other volunteers have worked with Librarian
Gary Mason to complete cataloging the collection and prepare the library
for its patrons.
Since the opening, more residents have signed up for their library
cards. The library will have regular hours: Tuesday and Thursday 12 noon
to 7 p.m.; Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Phone
number: 364-2400. Come in and meet Librarian Gary Mason and his
assistants.