Sandy’s long wait for its refurbished library culminated March 10 with a grand opening that drew an overflow crowd.

The library opened its doors to the public March 7 after nine months of construction. Library Director Beth Scarth recognized how difficult the move had been, but
was pleased with the outcome.

“As hard as it was to move and scale back in our temporary home, it was a
great place for us to be,” Scarth said.

She thanked everyone for coming to the celebration and added how proud she
and the library staff are to be in the beautiful new building and that “this all
happened with local support.”

Scarth recognized George and Colleen Hoyt, and Jack and Pat Frick for being
“the backbone of the Friends of the Library for many years,” along with thanks
to reference librarian Kathy Draine and cataloging and circulation supervisor
Chris Wilhelmi for “above the call of duty work.”

Judd Mill was thanked for curating a collection of photographs from the
historical society, while Pat Frick and Leslie Cheney-Parr were recognized for
their assistance with a display of photographs by Gary Randall. Brad and
Vickie Picking were thanked for free storage of more than 50,000 library items
during the renovation.

Donations were received for the children’s forest from P&C Construction,
employees of AEC, Inc., Starseed Foundation, Konnell Construction in memory
of Steve Konnell, Sandy Chamber of Commerce, the foundations of Meyer
Memorial Trust, Ford Family Foundation, Collins Foundation and Oregon
Community Foundations.

The names of these foundations have been placed on library trees in honor of
their donations.

During the night of the celebration, regular library patron Shari Bridge sat at
one of the new tables reading.

“They did a beautiful job,” she said. “I spend some time in the library almost
every day; it’s one of my favorite spots. I just had to come to check it out.”
Sandy Mayor Bill King recognized former Mayor Linda Malone for her efforts.
“Without her this would not have happened.”

In addition to the grand celebration, the library is proud to announce the
return of Sandy’s Library Coffee House.

During the months of construction, the coffee house went into hibernation as
there was not enough room at the temporary location.

Now, the Library Coffee House will once again be a part of Sandy’s First Friday
event, starting April 6.

That night, the Friends of the Library will be holding a book sale in the
community room, starting at 5 p.m.

Then, from 7 to 9 p.m. the library will become an elegant cafe, complete with
live music, fresh flowers and tempting treats.

Two members of the Pagan Jug Band – Pat Buckley on guitar and vocals and
Chris Miskow on banjo, dobro, mandolin and vocals – will play bluegrass, Irish
and folk tunes. Free refreshments will be available.

And while enjoying the ambiance, First Friday goers are welcome to explore
the new library, check out books, flip through the magazines or use the
computers.

All library services will be available for the extended hours. For more
information call 503-668-5537.