Francis Branch Update

Our ‘soft’ opening yesterday was an open secret. Francis Branch is open for business with our regular summer hours.

The computers all worked, and the books were all in order and ready for readers. No doubt clued in by the increased number of cars in the lot, people found us and we were quickly up to our regular level of business. Books flew off the shelves and displays as everybody made up for lost time. We checked out 2,273 items on our first day. We led informal tours around the building for anybody that wanted one, and we took people back to the materials sorter room to see it in action. We received many compliments on the look of the branch and talked at length to many returning old friends.

What’s next? We will have our dedication on Sunday, August 16, starting with the formal dedication and speeches at 1:00 p.m., and we’ll stay open until 4:00 p.m. We’ll have light refreshments, face painting by Carol and Wayne Keppler and balloon animals by Barry Naragon, drawing exhibition and tips from graphic novel artist Gene Ha, and informal tours around the building.

See you at the dedication?