The community is invited to participate in the grand opening of the new University Place Pierce County Library (3609 Market Place W. in University Place) on Saturday, Feb. 12, at noon. The event will feature a ribbon cutting ceremony, local entertainment, photo opportunities with Lily the Ladybug Librarian, and free reusable book bags for the first 3,000 visitors. Opening day hours are noon to 5 p.m.
The new 15,000-square foot library will offer spaces for people to learn, study and connect. The site is 3,000 square feet larger than the original library and includes 80,000 books and other materials as well as high-tech offerings. To stimulate learning and exploration, the children’s area will offer two distinct age-appropriate zones with computers, books and furniture. Teens will have a cyber bar.
Following the opening, the community is invited to continue the celebration of the new library with free events, including author visits and a family concert, between Feb. 19 and 26. To learn more about these events, visit www.piercecountylibrary.org.
In other Pierce County Library news, teenagers have an opportunity to show their creative talents in a Teen Writing & Art Contest with the theme “Our Own Expressions,” which runs now through Friday, March 4. In addition to drawing and writing categories, for the first time students may submit photographs. The winning entries will be published and distributed throughout Pierce County Libraries and to the winning students’ schools. The Pierce County Library Foundation will also award cash prizes of $50 to $100. Teens may enter the contest at any Pierce County Library or online at www.piercecountylibrary.org.
