By Chris Rice
Chris.Rice@CincinnatiLibrary.org
Another Next Generation Library project from the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library is complete. The public is invited to see the new Deer Park Branch during a grand opening at 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 10, at 4020 E. Galbraith Road.
The new location is easy to find; it’s just a few hundred feet from the old location in the Dillonvale Shopping Center. The former T.J. Maxx store was revamped into a larger library branch with 25,000 square feet of space. The space is now more easily accessible for wheelchairs, walkers and strollers, and it offers two public meeting rooms and seven study rooms. There is a designated quiet area and flexible areas to meet the future needs of the community.
“I can’t wait to welcome you to this lovely new space where we’ll all be able to do more, together,” said Natalie Fields, Deer Park branch manager. “You’ll find many more books, movies and computers, as well as spaces to interact with your neighbors or work quietly on your own or with a small group. The Deer Park staff and I look forward to showing you around.”
Remarks from officials, including the Eva Jane Romaine Coombe Director Paula Brehm-Heeger and Library Board of Trustees President Diane Cunningham Redden, start at 10 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting immediately following. During the grand opening, customers are invited to explore the new spaces, while kids can enjoy a bubble-painting activity. There will be book giveaways, and other goodies being handed out.
“I’m excited to be opening the brand-new Deer Park Branch, and so pleased we were able to invest approximately $5 million in this community” said Brehm-Heeger. “As a Next Generation Library, there are so many wonderful features and spaces for minds of all kinds. We hope the community enjoys exploring and using them.”
The Library is committed to contributing to building a brighter future for everyone living in Cincinnati and Hamilton County. As a part of this commitment, the library is undergoing a decade-long process to upgrade all 41 of its facilities. The library’s Facility Master Plan is guiding this multi-year improvement project called Building the Next Generation Library.