PRESS RELEASES
DOWNTOWN CENTRAL LIBRARY CELEBRATES PHASE ONE GRAND OPENING OF ITS RENOVATION WITH SPECIAL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
~ Redesigned Borrower Services Area and Storefront As Well as a New Café Open to the Community ~
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Buffalo, NY --The Central Library celebrates the opening of its newly redesigned main entrance during National Library Week, April 11 th - 16 th , announced Director Michael C. Mahaney . The week will feature a number of special events and activities.
Encompassing Phase I of a multi-year renovation program, the main entrance houses the transformed Borrower Services area, which incorporates striking decorative elements as well as more efficient processing of library cards, check out and materials handling, and remodeled storefront housing the library's used book outlet, Encore Editions , and gift shop, Novel Ideas . The area also features a new, full-service café, Fables, enhancing visitors' experience and convenience. Operated by Geno Principe and Jason Davidson of The Mansion , Fables offers breakfast and lunch items, including organic coffees, gourmet teas, fresh baked goods, fruit smoothies, soups, salads, specialty sandwiches and homemade pies and desserts, from 8:30 am to 3 pm .
“The café not only adds to the appeal of the Central Library as a downtown destination but also offers the Library System a new, innovative revenue stream, increasingly relevant during these challenging fiscal times,” said Mahaney.
On Monday, April 11 th at 10 a.m. , the renovation of the main entrance will be celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The community is invited to attend. Also, Fables will offer an opening day special. With every breakfast or lunch purchase, each customer will receive a free cup of coffee. In addition, live music by the Billy Baroo Jazz Trio will entertain guests during the lunchtime hour. All visitors to Novel Ideas/Encore Editions will receive a special giveaway.
From 12 to 2 pm , a special book sale and signing will take place in the store, presenting local author and library staff member John Koerner and his new book, The Mysteries of Father Baker . The book provides an objective view of Baker's miracles.
From April 11 th to 16 th , all customers who spend $20 in Novel Ideas/Encore Editions will receive a $5 gift certificate toward their next purchase. During the week, any patron who checks out library material or any individual who registers for a new library card is eligible to enter a drawing for prizes donated by Geno Principe. Each day, five lunches at Fables will be awarded. Winners will be selected daily at 3 pm and be contacted by telephone, if not present. Names will also be posted in the library.
Phase I construction began in July 2004, kicking off the multi-year renovation plan themed, “The Best from Our Past, The Best for Our Future.” Completed in 1964, the Central Library building has not undergone any major upgrades in its 40-year history.
In the fall of 2001, the B&ECPL enlisted Habiterra Design Group of Jamestown , NY to conduct a space utilization and design study of the Central Library. The six-month study examined ways to create a more inviting and user-friendly facility for patrons as well as improve access and exhibition of rare and special materials. Based on Library staff input and collection statistics, the findings generated recommendations for numerous interdependent projects, which have formed the basis for renovation plans. Qualified firms were considered to oversee the planning, design and construction of the project, with Habiterra selected to continue as the project's architect and partner firm Jag Teckna retained for design and planning services.
Phase II construction has begun and will focus on the popular materials area, capturing the ambience and comfort of a large chain bookstore. The “Ring of Knowledge” area will also get a make-over to enhance programming opportunities.
More than $1 million was committed to the project from the largest bequest in the history of the B&ECPL. In 1999, the Library was the sole beneficiary of the estates of lifelong Western New York residents Richard L. Krieger and Robert J. Krieger . In the future, the B&ECPL will seek donations for additional renovation projects, including the remodeling of the Children's and Grosvenor Rooms.
The Buffalo and Erie County Public Library System, comprised of the Central Library, 15 city branches, 36 contract library facilities and outreach services, is dedicated to connecting Erie County's diverse communities with library resources that enrich, enlighten and entertain.
For further information, contact the Office of Community Relations at 858-7182 or visit the Library's website at www.buffalolib.org.