Grand opening: Howe Library

Stolen feiom Stephanie Simon, APL

More than 1,000 people converged on 105 Schuyler Street in Albany's South End on Saturday afternoon to celebrate the grand opening of the newly renovated John A. Howe Branch Library. The 81-year-old building had been closed for 18 months during a $5.2 million renovation project. APL staff and leaders were delighted to share the grand opening day with the community that has been so supportive of this building for so many years.

Some highlights of the Howe Branch Library grand opening party were:
*A welcome ceremony with Albany Mayor Gerald Jennings, Library Board of Trustees President Dennis Gaffney, and Library Executive Director Carol Nersinger
*Ribbon-cutting by South End neighborhood and Giffen Memorial Elementary School children
*Gift presentation to the library by members of Siena College's 21st Century Leaders Society, which has been raising money for the Howe Library for several years

In case you missed the festivities, this story from Your News Now captured some of the highlights.

Features of the New Howe Library

The newly renovated Howe Branch Library has been restored to its original 1929 beauty and grandeur. The $5.2 million library renovation project was designed by CS Arch, built by Bunkoff General Contractors, and managed by the Dormitory Authority of New York State. The 12,000-square-foot Howe Branch Library features:
· 30,000-piece collection of new books, DVDs, CDs, audio books, magazines, and more
· 16 public access computers and building-wide Wi-Fi
· Separate spaces, collections, and computers for adults, teens, and children
· Two community meeting rooms and two small-group study rooms
· Energy efficient and cost effective "green" systems and construction
· A rear addition housing an elevator, stairs, restrooms, and ground-floor book drop
· Restored historic windows that offer expansive views and natural light
· Refinished original woodwork, shelving, and benches
Three down, two more to go. Our all-new branch libraries open very soon. The John J. Bach Branch Library on New Scotland Avenue celebrates its grand opening on May 15, and the Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch Library on Henry Johnson Boulevard has its party on June 12. Mark your calendars for these great neighborhood celebrations!