Princeton Library Plans For Opening Celebration

Candace Braun

With the expected April 1 opening of the new Princeton Public Library, a grand-opening ribbon cutting and community party is being planned for Saturday, May 15. A cocktail reception for contributors and supporters is also being planned for Friday, May 14. The celebration is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday with a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony, that will introduce a series of activities for the public both inside and outside the library, including roaming book characters, musical entertainment, jugglers, and clowns. In addition, guided tours, author talks, technology demonstrations, artist and architect presentations, and activities for children and teens are being planned. The festivities are expected to end at 5:15 p.m. with a family dance party outside the library.

An estimated 2,000 people are expected to attend, and the Princeton Chamber of Commerce has agreed to participate in the event, said Library Director Leslie Burger in a letter to the Borough Council. The letter requested that Witherspoon Street between Wiggins and Hulfish Streets be closed during the celebration to accommodate the crowd. However, to keep traffic congestion at a minimum along the road, the Council instead agreed to close the metered Griggs lot across from the library and pitch an outdoor tent in the lot, as well as offer parking for participants at the new Borough garage, which is also expected to be complete by the beginning of April.

The library is currently sorting through old books and purchasing new ones for their new location after the move from their temporary spot at the Princeton Shopping Center. Library staff recently began an initiative to raise $200,000 for their Opening Day Collection, in hopes they will be able to purchase new reference materials, library book club selections, best-sellers, audiobooks, and others.

For more information, call (609) 924-9529, ext. 255, or visit www.princetonlibrary.org.