June 5, 2024. Vol. 32. No. 2. RockRiverTimes.com.
(Photo by Doc Slafkosky)
Rockford Public Library (RPL) Grand Opening of New Replacement Main set for June 22, 2024: It is with great enthusiasm that we announce the public Grand Opening of the long awaited Replacement Main Library on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 9AM. The state-of-the-art, newly built Main Library rests proudly at 215 N. Wyman Street on the very lot that housed the Main Library since it opened in 1902. Join us for special festivities planned throughout Opening Day beginning with a ribbon cutting at 9AM and culminating with the presentation of a community poem, at 4:30PM, delivered by City of Rockford Poet Laureate, Jenna Goldsmith. The original Main Library building was razed in order to eradicate environmentally compromised soil beneath it. Once the integrity of the land was re-established, the Rockford Public Library leadership worked with architects at Studio GWA and Engberg Anderson, along with Construction Managers Scandroli Construction Co., and more than 40 local subcontractors to build the beautiful, 66,000 sq ft new Main Library. The contemporary ‘New Main’ is mindfully designed for efficiency, outfitted with first rate technology, and capitalizes on its location along the West bank of the Rock River providing stunning new views of downtown Rockford. “We are beyond excited to announce the Grand Opening of RPL’s new Main Library,” says RPL’s Executive Director, Lynn Stainbrook. “This building will be an amazing hub from which we achieve Rockford Public Library’s mission to educate, inform, and enrich the people in our community.” RPL’s Hart Interim Library will close its doors permanently on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 4PM. The drive-up at that location will also close at that time. Customers can return borrowed materials to any of our branch locations or to the New Main at 215 N. Wyman Street. Please check www.rockfordpubliclibrary.org/were-on-the-move for updates on receiving library services during the move.