North Webster Community Public Library is open in its newest incarnation at 110 E. North St., south of the North Webster Community Center. Enter from North Street or the NWCC parking lot. North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce arranged for the ribbon cutting ceremony. From the left in front are Karen White, Christian Wilson and Emily Shipley, all from the chamber; Beth Smith, Terry Frederick, Phil Metcalf, Helen Frank and Eleanor Hooker, all of the library; and Mindy Scaggs, Sue Ward and Brenda Peterson, all from the chamber. Photo by Martha Stoelting.

Text and photos by Martha Stoelting
InkFreeNews

NORTH WEBSTER — North Webster Community Public Library had the official ribbon cutting on the brand spanking new facility, Monday, July 13 with the official assistance of the North Webster-Tippecanoe Township Chamber of Commerce.

Before Phil Metcalf, president of the library board, cut the ribbon, he made a few remarks. Acknowledged were the architects, construction company, board members, staff, Friends of the Library, former landlord North Webster Community Center and the public.

“The groundbreaking was held just about here on July 31,” he stated standing in the lobby. “Less than a year later, we felt finished enough to open. There are still some finishing touches to come but we are open for business. From first thinking of our free standing building to completion has been five years. This is a dream come true,” he concluded.

The public and employees are encouraged to wear masks inside the new structure. A table in the lobby provides sign in and mask borrowing if a patron doesn’t have one. The spacious facility expands both north and south from the center.

A map of Webster Lake on the south wall as one enters will soon be adorned with the names of those who donated to the fundraising efforts for the new building. The adult circulation desk directs visitors into the large adult reading sections and computer area on the south end. Behind it is the conference room that adjoins the history and genealogy section.

Behind the adult desk is a staff break room and adjacent storage rooms and the director’s office is located off a center hall. The children’s library is located to the north, with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy reading and other activities.

For more information visit the library’s website.