Addison Public Library invites residents to opening dedication
The new Addison Public Library wasn't created only by architects and construction workers and local officials.
It was also created largely by Addison residents.
And that's why the library will welcome the community with a gala and a dedication celebration this weekend.
"When the project started, we really tried to talk to the community to find out what they wanted and everything we've done has been built according to that," said library director Mary Medjo Me Zengue. "We're really thrilled to welcome them and see if it's what they imagined."
The festivities will begin on Saturday, Sept. 20, when the Friends of the Addison Public Library host a fundraising gala in the village hall rotunda. The event will include food, desserts prepared by culinary arts students from Technology Center of DuPage, a musical performance by students from Addison Trail High School and tours of the new library.
The celebration will resume at 1 p.m. Saturday during the library's official dedication. Children can meet with face-painters and a stilt-walking balloon man and hear bilingual tales at 2 p.m. by professional storyteller Antonio Sacre. Sacre shares his own stories of growing up in a Cuban and Irish-American household.
Students in junior high and high school can check out the library's teen department, where they can create their own CDs in a special recording booth.
Medjo Me Zengue said teens have already warmed up to the new library, thanks to triple the number of computers from the old building and study rooms for group projects, where quiet isn't necessarily the rule.
"Anecdotally, we're seeing more (teens) than ever before," she said. "If you come in after school you'll see the computers full of middle and high school students."
Other attractions at the Sept. 21 dedication include a performance by the Lake Geneva Orchestra in adult services, a cappella music by AC Rock at 3 p.m. in the meeting room and scavenger hunt tours of the library, guided by clues.
Medjo Me Zengue said all of the festivities aim to celebrate the hard work of every community member who helped create the library, including Friends of the Library members. library volunteers, volunteers who served on village committees, the citizen review group who helped approve the library, and residents who came to meetings to share their opinions on the new building.
"We really do want to celebrate because this was a dream of a lot of people," she said. "It's almost hard to believe we're here."
If you go
Addison Public Library Gala to benefit Friends of the Addison Public Library
When: 6:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 20
Where: Addison Village Hall, 1 Friendship Plaza
Cost: $50
Details: (630) 543-3617 or www.addisonlibrary.org
Addison Public Library Dedication
When: 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21
Where: Addison Public Library, 4 Friendship Plaza
Cost: Free
Details: (630) 543-3617 or www.addisonlibrary.org