Mid-Columbia Libraries’ Remodeled Connell Library Hosts Grand Reopening Celebration March 19

Mid-Columbia Libraries’ newly remodeled Connell branch will host a ribbon cutting and grand reopening celebration on Saturday, March 19. Doors open at 10:30 am with the ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:45 am and an open house to follow. Guests can enjoy giveaways, activities, and refreshments throughout the day until 5 pm. Attendees can also enter to win a new Apple iPad Mini.

“We’re excited to celebrate the reopening of the Connell library,” says Mid-Columbia Libraries Executive Director and Chief Librarian Kyle Cox. “We have a longstanding partnership with Connell. We’re proud of our work to improve and update library services for all to enjoy for many years to come.”

After a months-long interior remodel, the branch opened to the public on Feb. 10 with a new look, expanded collection, and new hours. In addition to new carpet, paint, shelving, and light fixtures, the branch showcases a 3D custom-sculpted juvenile saber-tooth cat, icebergs, and fish in the children’s area. There are colorful images of popular authors and inspirational quotes on the walls. A historic photo mural featuring the Connell community and surrounding farming area is complemented by a map of the Ice Age floods in the Pacific Northwest; a restored, 1940s-era Columbia Basin Irrigation Project map; and an 1894 map showing the distribution of the tribes of the Upper Columbia Region in Washington, Oregon and Idaho with an accompanying Native lands acknowledgement.

Other improvements include an ADA-compliant entryway and computing station, eight public computers, USB charging stations inside and outside the branch, additional books and materials, and new picnic table seating behind the branch, as well as a new, branded exterior library sign on the front of the building.

The library is located at 118 N. Columbia Ave. in Connell.

More details about the project can be found at midcolumbialibraries.org/frequently-asked-questions-connell-library-remodel, and photos can be found at midcolumbialibraries.org/connell-library-remodel-0.