On April 29, Spanish Fork City held the grand opening of its new library. Hundreds of community members showed up to watch the ribbon cutting ceremony and visit the newly finished building with all its amenities, as well as participate in fun activities to celebrate. Many city, county and state officials were in attendance including Lt. Governor Deidre Henderson, Spanish Fork City Mayor Mike Mendenhal, and former Spanish Fork Mayor Steve Leifson.
Library Director Jordan Hales expressed his excitement for what the new library means for the community.
“It’s my hope that with this building that we all come here and have it be a place where we can grow our circles as a community, and where we can come and rub shoulders with other community members that we otherwise wouldn’t get to meet or rub shoulders with,” Hales said. “Our hope is that it can be a place where we gather as a community, expand our circles and share our love with one another.”
After the ribbon cutting, thousands of people filed inside the building where they were able to explore the new community staple. Visitors to the event were also given the chance to participate in arts and crafts activities, scientific demonstrations, and face painting as they moved throughout the new space.
The library boasts several amenities including reading nooks, meeting rooms, a teen hang out area complete with video game consoles, as well as a balcony with tables for patrons who crave fresh air. Visitors also had the opportunity to get new library cards and take guided tours of the new building that includes new Spanish Fork City Council Chambers and finance offices.
While the grand opening allowed residents to explore the building and its amenities, it was also open for services. And judging by the 3,500 items that were checked out over the course of the day, it is safe to say that Spanish Fork City residents missed their library dearly.
The library is a wonderful new addition to downtown Spanish Fork and is sure to be a community pillar of knowledge for generations to come. Go check it (and a book or five) out soon! You won’t be disappointed!
