March 15, 2016 meeting
Posted by Katie Rohman
on Mar 15, 2016
New library breaks ground
Speakers: Blair Public Library Foundation
JoEllen Maras, president of the Blair Public Library Foundation, and Gayle Roberts, director of the Blair Public Library, talked about the new Blair Public Library and Technology Center, which is being built in the Deerfield subdivision. Construction recently began on the project. It is expected to be done by January or February 2017 and open to the public by the start of the 2017 summer reading program.
The current library, built in the 1970s, is 6,400 square feet and too small for materials and people, they said. The new library will incorporate technology and spaces for public use, like meeting rooms, a green screen to shoot movies, exhibit space and a 3D printer.
"We're truly designed it as a community center," Maras said.
The library has a specially designed children's story room for special needs kids.
"It kind of puts us on the map in the library world," Roberts said.
The Foundation is still fundraising for the library, and is also pursuing grants. Its brick campaign could potentially generate about $250,000 for the library. Engraved bricks are available for $500 each.
District history chair visits
Madeline Madden, Omaha North Rotary member, assistant district governor and District 5650 history chairperson, visited Blair Rotary. She's interested in any history of the Rotary clubs in our district. She also recognized Ellen Ryder, who became Blair Rotary's first female president in 1993 and is also the club's first female member.