PRESS RELEASES
DOWNTOWN CENTRAL LIBRARY CELEBRATES GRAND-OPENING OF RENOVATED POPULAR MATERIALS DEPARTMENT
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Buffalo, NY --- The Central Library is celebrating the opening of its renovated Popular Materials department with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, October 26th at 1 pm, announced Director Michael C. Mahaney. The department houses fiction books, DVDs, VHS tapes, music CDs and audio books.
Designed to capture the ambience and comfort of a large chain bookstore, the new area housing the Popular Materials collection makes browsing easier as materials are more attractively arranged. After selecting an item, patrons may peruse it while unwinding with a beverage or meal from the adjacent Fables Café.
“Comfortable, inviting seating will allow visitors to relax and enjoy the department's entertaining collection and bright, new space,” said Mahaney.
In addition, the Ring of Knowledge display and programming area has been remodeled to attract new audiences as well as high caliber speakers and events. The area features improved lighting, integrated audio and visual systems and more secure exhibit space. The opening exhibit, entitled In the Time of the Niagara Movement , examines the environment that spawned the Niagara Movement and the reasons why social reform was required. It is part of the area's Niagara Movement Centennial Celebration. The exhibit examines the racial divide of the early 20 th century to reveal the beginnings of the organized civil rights movement. It follows the course of the Niagara Movement through to its fusion into the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
As part of the grand-opening celebration, the Central Library's gift shop, Novel Ideas , will be offering a 10% discount on all purchases for the day (excluding jewelry and Harry Potter items).
Phase II construction began in April 2005 as part of the Central Library's renovation plan themed, “The Best from Our Past, The Best for Our Future.” Phase I redesigned the building's main entrance by transforming the Borrower Services area, remodeling the storefront housing the library's used book outlet and gift shop and introducing Fables , a full-service café featuring gourmet breakfast and lunch items. Completed in 1964, the Central Library building had not undergone any major upgrades in its 40-year history.
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 life-long Western New York residents Richard L. Kreiger and Robert J. Krieger. In the future, the B&ECPL will be seeking donations for additional renovation projects, including the remodeling of the Children's and Grosvenor Rooms.
The Buffalo and Erie County Public Library System 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.