With very little fan fair but much anticipation the Lyons Community Library opened its doors to the public on August 1st at 10:30 am. During the first thirty minutes over fifty community members explored the new building and over the entire day patrons checked out 572 items. The opening of the new library building marks a new chapter in the story of the Lyons community and Lyons Regional Library District. A day-long grand opening event will be hosted by The Friends of the Library from 12-5pm on Saturday, September 7th. In true Lyons fashion the day is sure to feature rousing music as well as many other surprises.
Lyons Community Library Staff invite you to stop in during our regular hours to explore the new building and services we have to offer. At 6,500sq ft. the new library’s space dwarfs that of the downtown location. With its cathedral ceilings and an abundance of light the airy building is inviting and roomy and it’s hard to imagine how the books on the new shelves managed to fit in their old cramped quarters. More features will be added to the building over the next few months; outdoor seating is on its way, bins for the children’s picture books have been ordered, and paneling to complete the shelving is scheduled to be installed soon.
With a new building comes the opportunity to offer the Lyons Community new services; the Community Room and the Effie Banta Conference Room are available for reservation by the public during library operating hours as well as after hours. The Meeting Room Policy and information on how to reserve the rooms can be found on our website and we’re always happy to answer questions in person. When not reserved or being used for library-sponsored programs the Community Room will remain open for the public as extra library space.
Also available during normal hours is the Horizon Drive Neighborhood Study Room which is equipped with a television, a white board, and a table for four; and the Kathy Ralston Quiet Reading Room featuring a red sandstone fireplace and cozy living room feel. The new building also offers eight public computers and the Unsinkable Molly Brown Business Hub is equipped with a printing, copying, and scanning station.
The facility also has a dedicated children’s department with a wealth of books, games, and media to explore and features the Brett Family Children’s Garden with a sand pit and music wall. For teens in the community the Gaumer Teen Area has been equipped with comfortable seating and a growing book and media collection.
The Lyons Community Library will maintain the same operating hours as the Main Street location through the rest of August, as well as continuing with regular story times on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10:30 am. You can stop by the Library Mondays-Saturdays at 451 4th Ave, call us at (303)823-5165, like our page on Facebook, or visit us online anytime.