Looking up from the first floor atrium, Vancouver Community Library
The Fort Vancouver Regional Library celebrated the opening of its Vancouver Community Library on Sunday July 17, 2011. Despite the rain, a large crowd turned out for the grand opening ceremonies, the ribbon cutting, and to tour the library building. Speakers included Bruce Ziegman, director of the Fort Vancouver Regional Library, Sam Reed, our Secretary of State, and Karin Ford, the community librarian for the new library. A number of local officials, from trustees to a county commissioner and a city council member, also spoke. The community was thanked for their support of the building project as was the generous contributions of donors.
The library is magnificent with four floors open to the public and one floor for administrative functions. The first floor includes the Columbia meeting room, a computer training area, and teen space. The third floor is dedicated to children, with spaces for an Early Learning Center, a children’s area and the collections for this audience. The fourth floor is largely non-fiction. Fiction is on the fifth floor along with the reading room split by its open fireplace and a large window wall opening to the rooftop terrace.
“The report highlights a steady increase in library use over the last 10 years, with patrons accessing an incredible range of information resources and programs across the country. Recent national news reports suggest that public library use is even more pronounced in the last 6 months as a consequence of the economic downturn. In these difficult times, people are turning to a trusted, relevant community resource for vital information and support.”