The newly renovated Bear Library (101 Governors Place, Bear, DE 19701) will re-open to the public on Saturday, January 19, 2013, 10 am – 5 pm. Originally constructed in 1998 the Bear Library was identified as the busiest library in the state during its last full year of operation.
“This updated facility improves a building that no longer met the needs of the community. The public will now enjoy an enlarged area for the collection, greatly expanded computer access, special study areas, and more public meeting rooms. The ambitious project represents the combined efforts of community members, the New Castle County Department of Community Services and Department of Special Services, the Delaware Division of Libraries and, especially, the Friends of the Bear Library,” said County Executive Tom Gordon.
The $5.5 million expansion project was designed by Holzman Moss Bottino Architecture, LLP. EDiS Company provided construction management. The renovation began in December 2011 and includes:
Expanded children’s section with computer workstations, a family seating area and a dedicated story time space.
A study area for teens and young adults with state of the art technology.
Increased and updated technology with 33 Internet/public access computers.
A community meeting room with state of the art AV technology.
A conference room, 4 study rooms, a computer lab and classroom.
Improved lighting and energy efficiency.
Improved and expanded public restrooms.
The library is expected to have over 425,000 patron visits and circulate over 600,000 library materials per year.
In addition to touring the building during the opening, the public can borrow materials, obtain library cards, and access the internet. Special activities include visits by balloon artist Uncle Wes and costumed character Bob the Builder. Drop-in Story Times will take place throughout the day.