We made it!

With a little help from our friends and a lot of late nights and early mornings, the Richland Public Library opened its doors back at the home location on Friday, July 17th. A parade of about 100 kids, parents and our reading dogs carried the last of the books from the temporary location up the street a couple of blocks where hundreds more were waiting to get the first glimpse of how their tax dollars are being spent.

Richland City Mayor John Fox, City Manager Cindy Johnson, Library Board Chair Sally O'Neal, Library Manager Ann Roseberry and past Library Manager, Wayne Suggs were among the dignitaries speaking and also helped cut the ribbon into the newly expanded library. The Knights of Columbus also had a flag dedication ceremony. The Knights dedicated the flag pole to the library and have maintained the flag for many years and have agreed to continue doing so.

Library staff worked until nearly midnight the night before the big reveal and were back at work by 6:00 a.m. trying to get things running smoothly. Opening day, however, did not go without an occasional glitch like the library card machine crashing, the self checks going a little spastic and staff trying to figure out a brand new checkout system with virtually no training!

If you've been in, you might have noticed the lack of signage - we promise there will be signs SOON! Right now, pretend the library is your own little place to hold a scavenger hunt. Staff will be happy to try and help you find what you are looking for, but it might take a few minutes because we are still adjusting ourselves.

What to expect in the next few weeks: SIGNS, Automated Book Drops, new Login software on the computers, The Friends Book Sale Room, Coffee Shop, additional attractions in both the Richland Room and the Story Circle, and meeting rooms for use.

Remember to mark your calendars for Saturday, August 8th. Big Open House @ the Library from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Entertainment for the entire family all day long. Watch for special appearances by Children's Musician, Eric Herman and an evening of Blues with the Thunder River Boys and the JavaTones just to name a few.