The paying public on Thursday evening was afforded the opportunity to see what the general public will get to see Sunday when the expanded and renovated Woodbourne Library in Washington Twp. re-opens.
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Musical entertainment, demonstrations of new library features, original works of art designed for the library at 6060 Far Hills Ave., hors d' oeuvres and libations were all part of the event. Proceeds will fund special projects to further enhance the library experience.
In 2015, the library board of trustees approved a master plan that merged the Woodbourne Library property and the two adjacent properties to the north into a single library campus.
Developed by LWC Incorporated with feedback from a series of community forums, the library was temporarily shut down in December 2016 and has been expanded by approximately 10,000 square feet and renovated.
The modernist form of Woodward "Woodie" Garber, Cincinnati's towering modernist architect who built the original library in 1965, was used in the expansion and renovation, said Kim Senft-Paras, director, Washington-Centerville Public Library.
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Garber had a reputation among Modernists as a controversial visionary whose advocacy or an uncluttered openness in design, CityBeat.com reported in June.
Garber's projects include the University of Cincinnati's 27-story Sander Hall, which was imploded in 1971. He died in 1994.
Thursday's sneak peek showed off some of the new enhancements patrons will see: a new children's space, creativity center, meeting and program rooms, Senft-Paras said.
Carol Herrick, library trustees board president, said, "We could not be happier with the expansion and renovation. The new features of the Library and the warm interior really capture what citizens wanted, while retaining the signature Mid-century Modern history of the building. We are excited for citizens to rediscover Woodbourne Library."
PUBLIC GRAND OPENING
Here's the lineup for the public grand opening, set for Sunday, Sept. 23:
12:30 p.m.: Flag Dedication
1 p.m. - 3 p.m.: Ribbon Cutting and Opening
The facility will remain open until 5 p.m.
REGULAR OPERATING HOURS
Normal hours of operation will be:
1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Sundays
10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Friday
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturdays