Photo courtesy of Jeff Martin, Washington State Library

The new five-story Vancouver Community Library in downtown Vancouver officially opened Sunday, attracting 5,000 people despite heavy rain. The Columbian has more about it here .

Secretary Reed, whose office includes the Washington State Library, was among the speakers during the library’s opening ceremony. Fort Vancouver Library Regional Library District Executive Director Bruce Ziegman emceed the event.

In attendance was Acting State Librarian Rand Simmons, former State Librarian Jan Walsh and Acting Program Manager for Library Development Jeff Martin.

The new library, located at the intersection of C Street and E. Evergreen Boulevard, is 83,000 square feet and has a 385,000 collection capacity. Library officials say it’s expected to attract 1 million visitors a year.