Upgrades Complete, Branch Open to Community
Community members and dignitaries braved the heat on June 23 to attend the grand reopening of the Fair Oaks branch library. The library has been closed for almost five months during construction, and everyone was excited to see it open.
The upgrades include a teen room with Xbox system and computers, a new interactive Early Childhood Learning Center (shaped as a Farmers Market Truck), improved wireless access, flexibility to move shelves and books for various programs, an adult study center, and numerous outlets where visitors can charge their devices.
“This is a state-of-the art library in a community that will truly benefit from it.”
-Arnoldo Arreola, Latino Community Council Chair
Speakers for the day included County Supervisor Warren Slocum, Redwood City Mayor Ian Bain, City Manager Melissa Stevenson-Diaz, Kaiser Permanente Public Affairs Director Stacey Wagner, Latino Community Council Chair Arnoldo Arreola, and Library Director Derek Wolfgram. Mr. Slocum thanked all who helped with the project, including voters who passed Measure A and Measure K. He emphasized that the project represents a joint partnership between county and city, as the county leases the building and the city provides the furnishings. Kaiser Permanente, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, and Wells Fargo were all major sponsors of the Early Childhood Learning Center. Mr. Arreola acknowledged the magnitude of the project, saying “This is a state-of-the art library in a community that will truly benefit from it.”
After the ceremonial ribbon cutting, guests toured the new library and enjoyed entertainment including a dragon/lion dance and a martial arts performance by Sifu Meng’s Kung Fu Academy, Danza Azteca’s festival dancing, and children’s author Anna Lee Mraz Baeta reading from and autographing her latest book. A raffle and light refreshments ended the day, and the new library features will be enjoyed for many days to come.
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