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| Winter Park Public Library 1995 to Present Click photo to see a larger image. |
The new building was serving the public well but it became apparent that expansion was necessary. A 1.5 million dollar project to add a third floor and renovate the first two floors was begun in 1994. This project would add approximately 11,000 square feet to the existing building and would provide opportunities for expanded services, particularly to Winter Park youth between the ages of 12 and 18.
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| The award of the grant for the 3rd floor addition. Click photo to see a larger image. |
In July of 1994, the Library received a grant for the construction of the third floor addition. The picture on the right shows City Commissioners Rachel Murrah and Joe Terranova; State Representative, Allen Travillion; Mayor Gary Brewer; Secretary of State, Sandra Mortham; Library Director, Robert G. Melanson; and City Manager Jim Williams receiving the check for $240,000. This check was part of a State of Florida construction grant that was approved by the legislature and Governor Lawton Chiles.
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| Ribbon cutting for the Library's 3rd floor addition. Click photo to see a larger image. |
October 15, 1995, a ribbon cutting and official dedication ceremony for the addition of the third floor and renovation of the first two floors was celebrated. It was a weekend of festivities, and about 250 patrons attended the event, toured the facility and enjoyed refreshments. Some of the events included a performance by the Florida Youth Orchestra Brass Quintet, a Silent Auction and a puppet show put on by the Youth Services Department of the Library. Pictured in the ribbon cutting ceremony on the left are from left to right: City Commissioners Terry Hotard and Joe Terranova; Library Board President, Susan Blexrud; Mayor Gary Brewer; and Vice Mayor, Rachel Murrah.
Under Library Director Robert Melanson's leadership the library has successfully entered the electronic age while still maintaining that personal touch. In the early 1990's, planning for technology began with a consultant hired for advising the Library on technology issues. In 1995 the Library's electronic catalog came on-line; in 1997 Internet access for patrons became available; in 1998 the Library's Web home page was established with information resources put on-line; and in 2000 digital scanning equipment was used to provide historical documents and images to patrons via a Winter Park History Web page and the Library's catalog.
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| Children's Summer Reading Program "Florida Folktales" Click photo to see a larger image. |
As it has always been at the Winter Park Public Library, children's reading activities are very important. The Summer Reading Programs are conducted each year for children's enjoyment and education. Pictured at left is a program from Summer 2000; its theme was, "Florida Folktales". Katie Adams leads a very attentive audience as she relates a Florida "folktale".
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| Internet terminals on the Library's first floor. Click photo to see a larger image. |
In 1997 an Internet link was established and computer terminals were made available to Library patrons. In 1999, a $110,000 grant from the Elizabeth Morse Genius Foundation provided upgrades to hardware and software and created a computer classroom for our patrons to learn more about all aspects of computer use. These classes are called "Cyberschool." Shown in the picture to the right are the Library's Internet terminals located on the first floor in the Reference area.
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| The interior of the New Leaf Bookstore. Click photo to see a larger image. |
The New Leaf Bookstore was opened in October, 1995, and offers used books, magazines, and records for sale at very reasonable prices. Sponsored by The Friends of the Library and operated entirely by volunteers, the Bookstore's proceeds benefit the Library. Items for sale have been donated by patrons and friends from all over Central Florida. The New Leaf Bookstore replaces twice-yearly book sales, popular since 1978. The bookstore is located on the main floor of the Library.
As the Library moves into the 21st century one cannot forget that over a century ago several women with ideas and tenacity began this library, a library that continues today with much the same spirit. Winter Park Public Library remains a place of information, ideas, and community in the town of Winter Park.
Click here to go to the The Beginning.
Click here to go to The Early Years ~ The First Permanent Building
Click here to go to the Library Building 1979 ~ New Location on New England Avenue
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