The Scranton community has a beautiful new library thanks to the generosity of a man who died more than 65 years ago. The grand opening celebration of the H.F. and Maude E. Marchant Memorial Library is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 27.
The new facility is located at 1110 Main Street, just south of the former building.
The library board extends a cordial invitation to everyone to attend.
A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned at 10:30 am. Following comments by officials and guests, Coon Rapids artist/musician Chad Elliott will entertain. Scranton Betterment Committee is providing a free lunch for guests 11:30 am – 1 pm.
It was 10 years ago in September of 2004 that Scranton city officials received the proceeds of the Marchant estate, accepting a check for more than $430,000.
A construction committee began researching a building project in late 2004 and unveiled a design in the summer of 2005.
Plans stalled due to numerous reasons but in the fall of 2013, the library board and city officials decided to move forward with the construction of the new facility.
Ground was broken in October of 2013. Originally scheduled for completion in the spring of 2014, the first problem encountered was the soil on the building site. The dirt was deemed unsuitable for construction, so it was removed and more stable dirt was hauled in to replace it.
The exceptionally cold winter weather also delayed completion.
The final touches were applied in late August and plans were made to move the materials utilizing volunteers in a human chain.
Moving day was scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 6. More than 60 volunteers shared their time to accomplish the transfer of books. Mother Nature assisted by providing a sunny but not too warm day for the work. Goodies and drinks were provided by local bakers.
Volunteers stretched from inside the old library, out the door, down the sidewalk, through the doors of the new library. The books were passed to librarians and helpers who placed the materials directly on the shelves in the order that they were received.
The volunteers ranged from elementary students to senior citizens. Jokes and laughter prevailed as community spirit was prevalent.
The Marchant Library opened Wednesday, Sept. 10.
Staff members are still busy arranging and finalizing items from the move but they promise to be ready for the grand opening on Saturday and hope to see everyone there.
Ashley Squibb was selected as the Scranton library director this summer. She looks forward to welcoming patrons and guests at the grand opening celebration Saturday and during regular library hours.
Scranton Library hours of operation: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 3 – 6 pm; Wednesday 11 am – 5 pm; Saturday 10 am – 12 pm.
This week’s Scranton Journal includes a special souvenir section commemorating the library’s grand opening. Counter copies are available in Jefferson at Hy-Vee Drugstore, Casey’s (E. Lincoln Way) and Kum & Go; in Scranton at Casey’s; in Churdan at Sparky’s; in Rippey at Sparky’s; and in Bayard at the Scranton Journal office. ~story and photos by the Scranton Journal.
