Spanish River library
opens in Boca Raton
Visitors are in awe at grand opening
January 26, 2008. Source: South
Florida Sun-Sentine by Maria Herrera
Children's laughs echoed off the floor-to-ceiling arched windows. The
collective hum of conversations from wowed visitors filled the massive
building.
There were no shushes, however, at the new Spanish River Library and
Community Center Saturday, where officials hosted a grand opening party
featuring bounce houses, ventriloquists and clowns.
"Libraries are not quiet places anymore," said Pat Michalski, special
projects librarian. "We're more like a community center."
That may be why the highlight of the event was the building itself. The
40,000-square-foot structure, with its Mizner-inspired design, boasts
arches and columns made of faux coral stone, a Spanish tile roof and a
patio that opens up to man-made lake.
The total price tag: $11 million.
"I'm in awe," said Boca Raton resident Ellen Hoffman. "It's something
worth spending that kind of money."
Inside the main room, with its coffered ceilings two stories high
trimmed in dark cherry wood, volunteers welcomed visitors.
Catherine O'Connell, manager of library services, said the library
opened with about 45,000 books in the collection, but expects to grow it
to about 100,000.
