The New Goochland Library
On
Saturday January 18, 2003, over 200 volunteers helped move 35,000 items from
the old Goochland Branch Library to its new facility at 3075 River Road
West. It was frosty, and there was still snow on the ground from
Thursday evening, but parking lots to both buildings had been cleared of
snow by late Friday morning. Library staff had been working hard the
previous days to box up books and other items, while still serving our
patrons. Their hard work was rewarded with large numbers of
volunteers doing the traditional Pamunkey "book brigade" from 8:30 a.m. to
1:00 p.m. Hot chocolate and Krispy Kreme donuts
were on hand for everyone at what turned out to be a wonderful community
event. Many patrons who volunteered saw books pass through their
hands that they didn't even know the library owned.
After the library had its
"quiet opening" the following Monday, the new Goochland Library at 3075 River
Road West has been jumping! During the first six weeks of operation,
they signed up over 360 new patrons,
their circulation and Internet use increased, and Storytime attendance has
doubled, even tripled!
On Sunday
March 9, 2003, the staff of the Goochland Branch Library was joined by local
dignitaries, invited guests, and over 250 county citizens to celebrate the
grand opening of the new branch library. Library Director Fran
Freimarck, Goochland Supervisor Rudy Butler, Delegate Bill Janis, and Earl
Dickinson made brief remarks then joined Library Trustee Angela Valentine
and Branch Manager Janet Melton for the ceremonial ribbon cutting. Library
Board and Friends of the Goochland Library Chairperson Pat Atherholt
invited everyone into the library for musical performances the Byrd
Elementary School Third and Fourth Grade Singers and the Goochland
Community Chorus and for refreshments provided by Edie's Gourmet Catering.
The new Bookmobile was on hand for tours by attendees, who also received
souvenir bookmarks.
Below are some photos commemorating each event:
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