The new Cedar Springs Community Library is nearing completion, and will be opening in May. This is a view from the back, with the retaining wall where the plaques will be. Post photo by J. Reed.
May 8 soft opening; May 13 grand opening celebration
By Judy Reed
It won’t be long, and Cedar Springs area residents will be able to enjoy a brand new library. Work will soon be completed on the 10,016-foot structure, which is 8,000 feet bigger than the current library.
The Library is shooting for a May 8 soft opening, with a May 13 grand opening celebration from 2-5 p.m.
The Library, which is designed to resemble a train depot, promises to be a main attraction in the heart of Cedar Springs.
Besides the area housing all the adult books, there will also be 12 public computers, a classroom, three tutoring rooms, an enclosed children’s area with glass panels, and a playroom area. There will also be four stations for children’s computers. Teens will also have their own area.
Another draw will be the community room, which will hold up to 75 people with the tables and chairs, and 100 without. A complete kitchen will open up into the community room. People can walk out of the community room to a patio, which will be facing the creek, where the retaining wall will be.
“There is also an area with a beautiful fireplace, which will be very warm and welcoming, comfy chairs, a table, and two more chairs on either side,” remarked Library Director Donna Clark.
In front of the library, at the corner of Main and W. Maple, will be a locally built clock tower, soon to be installed. Behind the library is a beautiful metal sculpture of dragonflies created by metal artist Steve Anderson.
The Library is still selling bricks. For $50 you can get a 4×8 brick with 3 lines, or an 8×8 brick with 6 lines for $100, and inscribe it as you wish. Bricks will be placed at the Library entrance and a few other places, as needed. They will also soon offer benches as a fundraiser. More info to come on that. Pick up a brochure to order a brick at the Cedar Springs Library or visit http://cedarspringslibrary.org/news/bricks-and-blocks-for-new-library/ to print one out.
The Library will close the week of April 24 to pack up and move. They need around 250 boxes of a standard size, easy to move and not too heavy. If you have boxes you would like to donate, please call the library to coordinate drop off at 616-696-1910.
