FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Christine Perkins, Assistant Director
Bellingham Public Library
(360) 778-7206
cperkins@cob.org
LIBRARY OPENS FIRST BRANCH SINCE 1924
Bellingham Public Library will celebrate its first new branch in 84 years with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the Barkley Branch on Saturday, September 13 at 3:00 p.m. The public is invited to join the Mayor, City Council, Library Board and representatives from the Barkley Company for a first look at the small branch, which is located in the Drake Building at 3111 Newmarket Street, Suite 103. The library will be open until 5:00 p.m. that day.
The 1,400 square foot branch was made possible by the generous support of the Barkley Company, who constructed and outfitted the space as a library and have offered it to the Library rent-free for 42 months. The Barkley Branch will offer 4 public Internet workstations in addition to WiFi access, a browsing collection of popular library materials, and holds pickup and drop off capabilities. The library plans to hold children's storytimes on Saturdays beginning in October.
"The space is fantastic!" said Library Director Pamela Kiesner. "The minute you walk in, you know you're in a top-notch modern branch library. The Barkley Company has gone out of their way to make the library inviting, with great details like a canopy of trees around comfortable seating."
Developer Jim Talbot first proposed the idea for a library branch at Barkley Village in December 2002. His son Stowe Talbot picked up the charge in March 2007, and their plans are now reaching fruition. Jeff Kochman, President and CEO of Barkley Company, said, "The Bellingham Public Library is an incredible addition to Barkley Village and one we are very proud of. A top priority for Barkley and the urban village is community; the library adds the opportunity for the community to visit and enjoy a great amenity."
Many local firms lent their expertise to the project, including RMC Architects, Woods Design Studio, Scoboria Construction, Marietta Milling, and Van Woerden. Further assistance came from Electric West, Feller Heating, Sullivan Plumbing, Walker's Carpet One, Olympic Elevator, Lyndale Glass, B & B Paint Co., Security Solutions Northwest, Milligan & Assoc., and ECS Energy Conservation Services. The Friends of the Bellingham Public Library also contributed by donating $11,000 towards children's picture books and various furnishings.
"The complexity of what we tried to achieve in a limited amount of space required creativity and ingenuity that stretched everyone in a good way," said Project Manager John Moullen.
"We're grateful to all who made this branch a reality," said Kiesner. "The financial commitment - as well as time - is sizeable."
The Barkley Branch will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., beginning September 16. Cookies from the adjacent bakery "Our Kitchen is Your Kitchen" will be served September 16 - 20 as part of Grand Opening Week Festivities.
"Having a bakery next door is a wonderful bonus," said Kiesner, "Good coffee, a cookie or two, and a world of books at your fingertips, what could be better?"
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