It’s no secret that the grand opening of the new Camp Verde Community Library Saturday, Nov. 5 will be one of the town’s biggest events in recent memory.
The new library is the first building the Town of Camp Verde has built since its incorporation in 1985. According to CVCL Director Kathy Hellman, its planning, completion and opening mark a watershed moment when the town and its residents came together toward a common goal — to place the library at the center of the community, encouraging access for all of Camp Verde and the surrounding area.
The facility’s opening couldn’t come at a better time: The current library, situated right next door and slated for demolition soon, has been in use since 1975. At more than a few recent events, library staff has had to turn away participants due to crowding.
It’s tough to imagine this being a problem on Saturday. The new facility boasts approximately 17,000 square feet of space, much of it open to accommodate public meetings and events. The day’s programming starts at 10 a.m., with an hour-long address in front of the library to recognize special guests and contributors to the planning and building project.
“This truly has been a community effort that people are proud to be part of, and we want to take time to recognize that,” Hellman stated. “Join us as we mark this historical occasion and showcase our beautiful library with a day of family activities.”
The outdoor portion of the program concludes with a ceremonial opening of the front doors and entrance into the library. The library’s open house programming begins as soon as the doors are open and ends at 4:30 p.m.
Hellman said that she feels justifiably proud of the new space, which demanded her and other experts’ input to create not only an efficient flow through the massive structure but to prioritize community engagement in novel ways. The building features a projector screen able to accommodate 3-D films, a gas fireplace, numerous outdoor patios, a children’s outdoor play area, a butterfly garden and a third-floor viewing deck with telescopes for astronomy activities.
According to Hellman, limited library services will be available on opening day, including checkout and return of library material, library card signup, Friends of Camp Verde Library volunteer signup and self-help use of public internet computers. Library staff and volunteers will be available from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to answer questions and provide information about the new facility.
| Grand Opening Schedule |
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