Dozens of locals dropped by the library at 18 Maine St. on Friday for the grand opening and tours of the library’s new wing. The new 5,000-square-foot wing includes an outdoor sitting garden, business center and community function space.
Mary-Lou Boucouvalas, executive director of the Graves Library, said the new space was much needed, and a long time coming.
“The Mothers Wing addition will be absolutely instrumental to our community,” Boucouvalas said. “The expansion will provide the neighborhood and surrounding towns with a state-of-the-art business center, fully equipped with computers, printers, fax machine, scanners, wifi, e-book and audio-book lending services, an ongoing book sale and modern archive room. This is long overdue for a community that thrives off of involvement, connection and engagement.”
The community room will act as an area for private and public functions.
Boucouvalas said the room is in a great setting for a variety of events — from lectures and classes to meetings and trainings — adding that the space offers a view overlooking Mast Cove.
“Our doors are opened to all and we look forward to creating a variety of uses in our new home,” Boucouvalas said.
Efforts to renovate the Graves Library began in earnest in 2016, when a $1.5 million Capitol Campaign was launched. As of now, $1.1 million of the $1.5 million has been raised, which has been enough to provide a new roof, elevator, HVAC system, electrical upgrades, security system, four new parking spaces and a community kitchen, among other amenities.
During the grand opening event, library administrators hosted a silent auction featuring items like paintings from local artists, glamping tickets at Sandy Pines campground and tickets to Costa Rica for six nights, with accommodations for six. Proceeds went to the capitol campaign.
On Friday, many residents expressed their disbelief of the library’s transformation, stating it was a great sight to see.
“It’s nice seeing the library get the beautification if deserves,” said one resident. “It is well worth being the town’s center of attention.
— Staff Writer Ryder Schumacher can be reached at 282-1535, or via email at rschumacher@journaltribune.com.
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