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Kenmore branch boasts 22 computers, parking, areas for teens, kids
By Colette M. Jenkins
Beacon Journal staff writer
Published on Sunday, Sep 07, 2008
Eight-year-old Britney Carillon thought the new Kenmore branch of the Akron-Summit County Public Library was impressive from the outside.
But when she got inside the building, she was even more impressed.
''The kids part is great,'' Britney said. ''It's bigger and there are a lot of books.''
Britney was among several hundred people who got a first look inside the new library Saturday during an open house that included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and ice cream social. She attended the event with her mother, Jenni; older brother, Michael, 11; little sister, Milee, 7 months; and cousin Noah, 9.
''The ice cream was nice, but all the books are better,'' said Noah, who has an affinity for chapter books.
The new $2.15 million facility, at 969 Kenmore Blvd., is the final building to be constructed as part of the countywide project funded by an $80 million bond issue that voters approved in 1997. The money has been used to enlarge the Main Library in downtown Akron and replace 15 of the library system's 17 branches.
The 12,000-square-foot Southwest Akron branch has 22 public-access computers, designated areas for teenagers and children, community rooms, a family restroom, 110 new parking spaces and wireless capability. It is three times the size of the old branch, and it has a special wooden wall sculpture by local artist Jody Kline.
The Kenmore project took a little longer than expected because patrons wanted it on Kenmore Boulevard, but library officials weren't able to secure enough land along that main thoroughfare until the city offered a lease arrangement for an additional half-acre.
The agreement allowed the library to lease the land for $1 a year for 50 years with an option to renew for another 50 years. In exchange, the library agreed to replace its 59 parking spaces with 110 new ones that also would serve the business community.
''We're proud to have kept our promises to voters,'' Director David Jennings said.
Other speakers for the 15-minute ceremony included Summit County Executive Russ Pry, Mayor Donald Plusquellic, City Council President Marco Sommerville and State Sen. Tom Sawyer, D-Akron.
''It's very impressive. The entrance in beautiful,'' Jenni Carillon said. ''I'm sure we will still visit the library downtown, but we will be coming here more often.''
Colette Jenkins can be reached at 330-996-3731 or cjenkins@thebeaconjournal.com.
Eight-year-old Britney Carillon thought the new Kenmore branch of the Akron-Summit County Public Library was impressive from the outside.
Get the full article here.
Comments
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Akron, OH
Posted 09:17 AM, 09/07/2008
What??? No $10,000 rusted frog outside??
Akron, OH
Posted 09:43 AM, 09/07/2008
So why was Marco speaking and not the Kenmore councilman, Mike Freeman? Either bad reporting or bad politicking!
Posted 10:25 AM, 09/07/2008
Marco was on his way to barberton to pick up chicken!
Akron, Oh
Posted 12:19 PM, 09/07/2008
Im going to have to check out the new library!!! I wish i had known about the opening ceremony i would have went yesterday.
