A decade in the making, SookeB次元官网网址檚 long-awaited $7.5-million downtown library celebrated its official opening on Saturday, boasting 13,500 square feet of space, iconic circular architecture, learning spaces and 35,000 new books and collections.
B次元官网网址淚t really is quite spectacular B次元官网网址� a cultural hub of learning and innovation,B次元官网网址� said Gaby Wickstrom, Vancouver Island Regional Library board chair.
The event featured speakers from VIRL, the District of Sooke and the TB次元官网网址檚ou-ke Nation.
Among those attending the celebration were community members, local politicians past and present, library board trustees, library employees and Esquimalt-Saanich-Sooke MP Randall Garrison.
Guests were entertained with music, storytellers, Makerspace and raptor demonstrations.
B次元官网网址淎s anyone who has visited the Sooke region in recent years can attest, the community is developing quickly and is only poised to continue its growth,B次元官网网址� said Sooke Mayor Maja Tait.
B次元官网网址淏eloved though it was, the old library simply did not have enough space to meet community expectations any longer. We know that vibrant, well-used libraries are important indicators of healthy communities.B次元官网网址�
Since the branch opened to the public on Feb. 25 it has circulated nearly 25,000 items. In April, the most recent month for which data is available, more than 5,000 visitors came through the doors.
And itB次元官网网址檚 not just Sooke residents who are benefiting. Library staff note more people are visiting from communities like Shirley, East Sooke, Jordan River and Port Renfrew.
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editor@sookenewsmirror.com
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