New Claymont Library Opening Saturday

County and State Officials to Open New Claymont Library this weekend

 

Claymont, DE – New Castle County Executive Tom Gordon and officials from the State of Delaware and Friends of Claymont Library will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Claymont Library at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25.

 

The library is then scheduled to open to the public at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26.

 

County Executive Gordon said the grand opening of the Claymont Library would help the ongoing renaissance of this historically blue collar town in northeast Brandywine Hundred.

 

The County Executive noted how things like beautiful libraries, a vibrant arts community, and ample recreational facilities are important to businesses desiring to locate new ventures or relocate existing industries to the area.

 

“In many ways, Claymont is emblematic of what has happened in all of New Castle County in terms of the economic downturn,” County Executive Gordon said. “For instance, we just learned that Evraz Claymont Steel will close down in December, just weeks before Christmas.  A long time ago, the town lost a big part of its identity when Claymont High School closed down. The odds have been against Claymont.

 

“However, the good news is that Claymont has had a renaissance of which many people have worked hard to facilitate, including Councilman Bob Weiner, Councilman John Cartier and Brett Sadler, executive director of the Claymont Renaissance Development Corp. It wasn’t just them; that’s just to name a few.  I look at this library as an integral part of not just the revitalization of Claymont, but of a renewed sense of the identity as I mentioned before.  I hope everyone takes pride in this library and enjoys it.”

 

The library is located just off Darley Road, at 400 Lenape Way, Claymont, DE 19703.  It is situated in a park-like setting, with dedicated parking in front of the library and walking trails behind it. The facility replaces the library formerly located in the Claymont Community Center. 

 

The media is invited to cover the ribbon cutting event on Friday. Presenters include County Executive Gordon, New Castle County Council President Chris Bullock, NCC Councilman John Cartier, Delaware Secretary of State Jeffrey W. Bullock, and Friends of Claymont Library Chairman Jeff Graf. Diana Brown, of the New Castle County Department of Community Services, will facilitate the program.

 

Among the other dignitaries expected to attend are   Deputy Secretary of State Geisenberger, State Senator Cathy Cloutier, State Senator Greg Lavelle, State Representative Debra Heffernan, State Librarian Annie Norman, and New Castle County Chief Administrative Office David Grimaldi.

 

The $11.1 million project was designed by Morris & Richie Associates, Inc.  Bancroft Construction Company provided construction management.  The new library features:

 

·         30 Internet/public access computers with software such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access

·         Wireless Access throughout the building

·         Meeting and study rooms for public use

·         Drive up public service window

·         Separate children’s and teen areas

 

The library is expected to have over 180,000 patron visits and circulate over 200,000 library materials per year.

 

In addition to touring the building during the opening, the public can borrow materials, obtain library cards, access the Internet, and enjoy special activities for children – including visits by Silly Joe, Ariel the Mermaid, the Jitterbugs, Meet a Minion, Illstyle and Peace, the Juggling Hoffmans and PAWS.

And State Senator Greg Lavelle sent this along ~

More than 80 years ago, the Women's Club of Claymont opened a library in a shared
space in Claymont's Old Stone School. They only had 600 books at the time. They
set a goal to one day connect the Ardens, Brandywine Hundred, and people of Claymont
with a freestanding, state-of-the-art library.
That goal is set to be completed on Saturday, Oct. 26 with the grand opening of
the Claymont Public Library in a new, 17,500 square foot building located on 7.5
acres in Darley Green. Starting at 10 a.m., there will be programs for children,
prizes, and giveaways. The new library will feature an improved and larger collection
of books, ample public meeting rooms, a children's area, and much more.
One way to become a part of the Claymont Library is by purchasing a personally engraved
commemorative brick for $100. The brick will be placed in Memory Lane, a pathway
leading up to the library entrance. The contributions will go toward making the
new library the best it can be. Please click here [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001E6te6wVCI6tq1JlUtX_jRMEPjMyhe8uochctgtUOtCSOfgShFBSnErdJ6eIK2SaFaZoljNpkbLGeT2HjuWlFubhI_1jKZeQikau7tE1Lmms6IMd5XNf8YW7DHqR8fTm1DiI32eFVT0Q=]
for more information.

~*~