Photo by Brenda Stewart
One cool thing about living in a small town is that when we have a community-wide celebration, the whole city seems to turn out. It happens every time we have a parade and when we light the Christmas tree each year. We all gathered on the square to christen our historic city hall when the renovation was completed.
And Saturday, we have an opportunity to come together once again in celebration of the grand opening of our new library. Mariachi bands and choirs will add to the festivities as city dignitaries greet their constituents and offer dedications. Refreshments will be served throughout the day and tours will be available to explore our new library.
Kyle Library stats:
• The original library opened in 1963 for $33,000 with a population just over 1,000
• The new library opened in 2012 for $3.25 million with a population of 28,000
• The original library was 2,000 square feet and later expanded to 5,000, with a 10,000 book capacity
• The new library is 20,000 square feet with 38,000 items in the collection
• Mr. and Mrs. Jack Johnson donated the funds to build the original library building in 1961
• The Burdine Johnson Foundation offered a $200,000 grant for the purchase of new books in 2012
• In the initial weeks leading up to the grand opening, the new library has hosted 700 visitors a day
• In the final days of the original library, library staff served 300 visitors a day
Kyle Library Grand Opening
When: 1-4 p.m. Saturday, May 12
Where: 550 Scott Street, Kyle
Why: To celebrate the opening of the new library
Who: The entire town
