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Base library re-opens following six-month remodel

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Elora J. McCutcheon
  • 319th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs

Grand Forks Airmen, families and local community members celebrated the grand re-opening of the base library March 4, 2020, following its six-month renovation period.

The celebration included a tour of the new facilities following a ribbon-cutting, and special story time from base leaders.

Veronica Holseth, library director, voiced her excitement for the library’s new layout and features.

“Libraries have always been about providing access [to information], inspiring learnings and building a community,” she shared during the opening ceremony. “Over time, how we do those things has evolved. In order to meet our patron’s needs, it is crucial the library evolved as well.”

Holseth explained the remodel allowed the library to become more up-to-date with the community’s needs. She explained a more open space meets accessibility needs, the new organizational system helps easily identify products and clear labeling encourages exploration.

The library staff, 319th Civil Engineer Department, 319th Wing Staff Agencies Contracting Flight, 319th Force Support Squadron arts and craft store, and several other volunteers worked together to disassemble and reassemble the shelving, provide new carpet and paint, create signage for the walls and bring the vision to life throughout six months of remodeling.

“We accomplished so much in such a short time,” Holseth exclaimed. “I’m thankful to everyone who helped, and the support we received from senior leadership.”

Although the library was undergoing major changes for half of a year, its events and activities still continued in other base agencies.

The Community Activity Center supported a majority of events hosted by the library, such as a “Daddy-Daughter Hair Day,” but the 319 FSS also supported the book clubs, who met at J.R. Rockers, and most eccentrically, there were a handful of story times held in the stables on base.

Holseth made sure to emphasize that the library is open to all on base, and she welcomes those in need of some extra knowledge or information.

“We are a small library with a large reach,” she said. “Come to us if you need anything. If we don’t have it, we can reach out anywhere in the United States to get it for you.”

For those interested in visiting the base library, its normal hours of operation are Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 5 p.m., and closed Sunday.