The first group of honorees to break ground for the new library included (l to r) Sue Paulson, Carol Enge, Joyce Schultz, Mayor Al Dwyer, Mary Ellen Anderson, Tara Alcock, State Librarian Linda Thibodeau, Bud Bergen and Ruth Sandvik.
Residents of Petersburg gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking for the new Petersburg Public Library Saturday morning.
Rain did nothing to deter the mood of those gathered. Free umbrellas were handed out to those who wished to avoid getting wet.
The event began with a performance of the Petersburg High School Brass Ensemble and the National Anthem sung by Tonya Abbott.
Petersburg Mayor Al Dwyer stepped to the microphone to thank those responsible for this project.
“It has been a long time coming with a lot of work and preparation leading to this moment,” Dwyer said. “By next year, we will be enjoying this wonderful new building.”
Library Board Chair Mary Ellen Anderson spoke of the three decades it has taken to get to this point. “I woke up this morning realizing the time has finally come,” Anderson said. “This is an exciting time for Petersburg and all the hard work is paying off.”
The Director of Alaska State Libraries, Linda Thibodeau explained the pride that goes into a project such as this and congratulated the citizens of Petersburg for making this dream a reality.
Major donors to the Petersburg Public Library project are the State of Alaska, the citizens of Petersburg, the Rasmuson Foundation and the United States Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.
Reader Comments(0)