Granton Library Board members, Granton School Board members,
Village of Granton officials and library and school employees cut the ribbon Aug. 28, 2012,
celebrating the grand opening of the community library at the interactive media center located at the public school.

  (Photo by Todd Schmidt/Clark County Press)

By Todd Schmidt

School, government and library officials joined community members Aug. 28, 2012,
in celebrating the creation of the newly-merged Granton Community Library during a grand opening celebration
at the interactive Media Center in the public school building.

The village of Granton Sampson Memorial Library has now officially joined forces and resources with the
public school library in a venture that makes a great deal of sense for all parties involved.

“We celebrate today with many people here at the new Granton Community Library,” said School District of Granton Superintendent Charles Buckel. 
 “This is a wonderful thing that has been created thanks to the efforts of many hard working and forward thinking people. 
 We are now able to share abilities and share funding in this merger, extending hours for the benefit of our students and community members."

Kat Heiting, Granton school library media specialist, said the project came together in an amazing way. 
 “We had a goal planning session in February 2012,” she noted.  “I really wanted to be a part of this huge asset."

Granton School Board member John Richmond said the project greatly improves school and community relations.

"We wanted to know if this merger was fiscally possible,” Richmond said. 
“Durand also merged their libraries, which was a blueprint for us.
We approached our village officials about a merger, and they were mighty receptive."

“This is an example of the school being a good neighbor.
We want people to come to our building and see for themselves the many positive things happening here."

Granton Sampson Memorial Library Board member Roxy Eibergen called the merger a huge visionary step.

“The space and access in our building was so limited,” she said.  “The village board has been very supportive of this merger.
We received a substantial donation from the Margie Short family to make this possible. 
Patrons are now able to access computer space.  We are ready for the next century."

Village Trustee Jim Chadwick called the grand opening of the 2,700-foot community library a historic day for Granton.
In his remarks Chadwick took the crowd back in history to Feb. 11, 1942, the day the original library was opened. 
At that time the librarian made between 50-75 cents per hour. Chadwick said the public library made its debut July 29, 1944, in the former jewelry store building. 
 “For many years the library looked for options to expand,” he said.

At the end of the program a plaque was presented to the Short Family in recognition of their substantial financial support of the library.

The Dale Short family was recognized Aug. 28 at the Granton Community Library grand opening for the generous financial support. 
Shown (l-r) are daughter Bonnie Short, Marjorie Short and son, Wayne Short. 
The plaque reads “Thank you for making this place of enjoyment possible.”

 (Photo courtesy of Todd Schmidt/Clark County Press)

 

Granton Community Library school day hours are: Monday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Tuesday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., 6-8 p.m.; Wednesday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.;
Thursday, 8 a.m.-noon, 6-8 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Saturday, 9:30 a.m.- noon.

Nonschool day hours are: Monday, 1-4 p.m.; Tuesday, 1-4 p.m., 6-8 p.m.;
Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.-noon, 1-5 p.m.; Thursday, 6-8 p.m.; Friday, 1-4 p.m.; Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-noon.