The library is holding an Open House on Thursday, December 6^th from 4 p.m. through 7 p.m. to celebrate the facility upgrades and the community’s continued support of library services.  The library staff appreciates everyone’s patience and understanding during out renovation saga.

           

It was complicated and exhausting starting in May when we began to pack boxes of books and offices so that the contractor could get started.  Commercial Builders began in early July and divided the building into sections while they removed the ceiling tiles, replaced light fixtures and laid new carpet and flooring in the front part of the library.  They worked from 8 p.m. when the library closed to 6 a.m. although the electrician was often here when the staff arrived at 9 a.m.  The library did not have to close for a single day during the entire operation.

           

This continued all the way through September while we emptied shelves and office furniture, watched while they were moved all over the library, and then returned to their place to be reloaded.  There is still some lighting to install late in December particularly in the children’s area, but we decided that the evening of our annual performance by the Bridgeport Jazz Band would be a perfect time to celebrate.

           

Refreshments will be provided by the Bridgeport Women’s Club, a few brief words will be spoken around 6 p.m. by the President of the Library Board, Susan Goodwin, and the Mayor of the City of Bridgeport, Andy Lang, and then at a little after 6, the Bridgeport High School Jazz Band under the direction of Chris Hayslette will entertain us with Christmas and Big Band selections.

           

The Open House starts a 4 p.m. to give people time to stop and wander around the building.  The new lighting is amazingly bright; we did not realize we were living in a cave until the specially designed lighting went up.  The carpet and laminate flooring are colorful, and makes the library look more expansive.  Our new theater system should be installed in the conference room and will make watching movies and television selections so much more vivid.

 

So please stop by on Thursday night, December 6^th, to see all our changes, enjoy the punch and cookies, and marvel at the bright sound of the Bridgeport High School Jazz Band.

 

And if your schedule is packed and can’t make it on Thursday, the Bridgeport High School Show Choirs and Chorus will be performing on Tuesday, December 4^th at 6 p.m., and the Bridgeport Orchestra will give their annual holiday concert on Wednesday, December 5^th at 6 p.m.  Your newly remodeled library is going to resound with holiday music next week; please take the time to stop in and enjoy the artistry of our amazing local student