Batavia library to host anniversary open house

Submitted by Batavia Public Library

The public is invited to an anniversary open house at Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave., from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, Jan. 27.

On that date, 10 years earlier, the newest Batavia Public Library building was dedicated during a celebration that included more than 6,000 Batavians and local dignitaries. The library opened for business the next day.

“The day of the dedication is still vivid in my memory,” said Joanne Zillman, library deputy director and Youth Services manager. “Batavians and people from around the Fox Valley were eager to see the new library and patiently waited in a line that wound through the parking lot. It was certainly the place to be that day.”

Library services were suspended for the month of January 2002, from the time the previous library building at 335 W. Wilson St. was closed in December. During January, construction crews added finishing touches to the new building and employees organized the various collections for opening day.

Randy Gibson, a library trustee in 2002 who was intimately involved in the planning and construction of the new library, is still a library trustee today.

“The spirit of dedication day,” said Gibson, “was a great indicator of the tremendous success the library has enjoyed these past 10 years. We had outstanding community support on that important day, and that support has grown over the years beyond what we could have ever imagined.”

The public is invited to stop by the Conference Room any time during library hours to enjoy light refreshments, visit with library trustees and managers, view a pictorial display highlighting the first 10 years at 10 S. Batavia Ave., and to receive a commemorative magnet. Registration is not required.