Fifth library branch officially opens

by Peter Jakey, Managing Editor

Moments after JoLynn Zalewski, new branch manager of Presque Isle District Library (PIDL) Millersburg, had cut the ribbon across the doorway of the entrance, little Emma Lucio of Millersburg was the first patron through the door.

Before the first wave of people got in the door, she found the children?s section, picked her book out and was at the checkout desk. Zalewski hadn?t even had time to put her scissors away.

It was obvious the girl was more excited about getting a book than being first. PIDL representatives, from staff to the library board, as well as members of the community, hope that was the first of many happy customers.

THE DEDICATION ceremony marked the opening of the first new addition to PIDL since the entity was formed in 1994. ?This is an experiment that I think will work wonderfully,? said Beach Hall, library board chairman. ?We are honored to be here, whether we grow into the next room, depends on usage. We?re happy, we encourage you to use it. You are now the fifth branch of the Presque Isle District Library.?

Case Township supervisor Dean Storms recalled how citizens fought to keep the former Millersburg Elementary School open. That was going on about a year ago. ?I?m sure it went through your minds, as it did mine,? said Storms, speaking first in front of the crowd gathered in the hallway of the former learning facility. ?What will become of this building? Is it going to become derelict with the grass not cut, and the drapes down and the doors knocked in? If it didn?t enter your mind, it entered mine.?

SINCE THE school closed in June, Alpena Community College started using a classroom to conduct an English class and will be expanding to four classes for the next school year. The library board decided to open the new branch for a six-month trial basis and soon will be moving the township offices into the facility. ?We can?t be more pleased to have an opportunity for our children to have increased learning capabilities,? said Storms.

PIDL director

Jan Stevenson said all the services offered at the other branches would be available in Millersburg, just at a smaller scale. ?I want to thank Case Township for making this possible,? said Stevenson. ?The staff is excited about a brand new library in Millersburg and I know everything is going to work out great.?

Along with the books, audio books, movies and games, Internet access on two computers will be available, as well as wireless service. PIDL also is connected with the MeL Cat database and has access to millions of additional resources from other libraries and can have them delivered within days.

?I want to thank everyone for this opportunity to make this library possible,? said Zalewski. ?It will be a great service to Millersburg and the surrounding area.? The library will be open two days a week: Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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