KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
It was a moment almost seven years in the making. Yesterday morning the new Kodiak Public Library opened its doors to eager book worms and began its first day of regular operations at the new location on Signal Hill. Director Katie Baxter said the wave of visitors throughout the day was steady, which was nice after an eventful grand opening celebration on Monday night.
“The grand opening at the library was just a terrific celebration. It was well attended and everyone came into the building with, I think a sense of expectation, and yet when they walked through their expectations were just blown out of the water. Because everyone’s jaw just dropped when they walked into the lobby and really got a sense of place. I think they had not even imagined just how beautiful the building is.”
Baxter estimated that there were more than 400 attendees of Monday’s grand opening. She said the line was out the door, around the block and back toward the high school. Yesterday’s opening to the public also went well, and she said she was pleased with the number of visitors.
“Oh it’s so nice people are coming in with cameras and families, little ones exploring the children’s room and people are certainly coming in to do their work, their business. It’s been a nice flow of people. Folks are able to come in and take their time and do what they need to do. So the staff is having a great time seeing everyone and helping folks.”)
The new library is open from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturdays. It will be open between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Sundays.
