Richmond Library re-opens – hoorah!

A brief video/photo slideshow I made to document today’s great opening celebration…

Richmond Library Re-Opening, San Francisco 5-16-09 from Richmond SF Blog

We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day for the library to open. 70 degree weather, clear skies and a few hundred residents and library enthusiasts were there to enjoy the new grounds, entertainment and speeches from city and library officials.

The event kicked off with some live music from a youth string orchestra with The Suzuki Program of the San Francisco Talent Education. From there, we were treated to more colorful entertainment from a Russan singer and puppeteer, followed by a great Richmond Library Staff chorus (well done!). Luis Herrera, City Librarian, emceed the event, introducing State Senator Mark Leno, Richmond District Supervisor Eric Mar, and others to speak throughout the hour. Mayor Newsom didn’t make it unfortunately, but there was more than enough pomp and celebration to go around.

Just before 2pm, the group cut the ribbon in front of the main entrance and allowed the first “official” visitor to enter. Who was it? you may ask. Was it Mrs. Milton Marks, widow of the late Senator after whom the libary is named? Nope. Was it the City Librarian, Luis Herrera? Wrong again. It was the Chinese dragons of the Jing Mo Athletic Association, who traditionally enter first at local unveiling ceremonies. Accompanied by their drum band, the dragons danced their way through the main entrance and back out onto 10th Avenue.

The doors opened to the public and it was great to see everyone enjoying the upgraded building and immediately checking out the aisles of books, videos and computer stations. The main library is bathed in natural light, and a new addition off to the left houses the Fiction room with two private study rooms, comfy reading chairs and floor to ceiling windows that look out onto 9th Avenue.

Head down the back stairs, encased with a glass wall and ceiling, and you’ll be on 10th Avenue where a new children’s playground and lawn have been installed. The 10th Ave entrance gives you quick access to the Children’s Room where already, kids were reaching for colorful covers, playing educational games on the new computers, or reading cross-legged in the aisles. Just off from the Children’s Room is the new Teen Room, with titles and resources aimed at the adolescent set.

Overall, the library added an additional 4,000 sq. feet of space, including a reading room with periodicals on the main level, and a new Program Room on the lower level which I presume will be for special events and lectures. The space is beautiful – a perfect blend of the original architecture and the modern amenities that a library needs to keep pace with the changing times (incl. free WiFi). Staff members were all smiles and extremely courteous as the large crowd explored their new library.

Congratulations to the Richmond Library staff on a terrific opening; a very proud day for Richmond residents and San Franciscans!

Sarah B.