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-Editorial
Twelve years ago the 7.2 Easter Sunday Earthquake destroyed the El Centro Public Library located on State Street. More than a decade later a new beginning arrived for the community as they gathered to celebrate the opening of the new building located at 1140 N. Imperial Avenue.
“I like action-adventure books and also read about other regions like China,” said Abraham Alvarez, 10, who was happy to enjoy this new library.
“It’s such a great place, you hardly imagine that it’s in El Centro, the building is beautiful and it’s great to have a library for our kids,” said Imperial resident, Carlos Beltran.
With a total of 19,811 square feet of new construction, the lobby area gives the public access to the amenities of the new library and community rooms. The dual community room space is furnished to provide seating for over 220 occupants and has access to an outdoor patio with additional seating.
“This will create a lot of learning opportunities. This is a great place to bring families together or for individuals who are doing a job search or completing a job application. It provides a place to grow as a community together,” Mayor Pro Tem Martha Singh said.
As you enter the state-of-the-art library, you have access to the “marketplace area” and community computers. Continuing into the building, there are separate areas designated for children, teens, and adults, which include craft and innovations areas as well as available study rooms. In addition to these amenities, the new library also includes the “Friends of the Library Bookstore”.
Attendees toured the library, sign up for a library card, and participated in opening-day activities featuring local vendors and community partners.
“This is a place where people can read, learn, and imagine,” El Centro Mayor Tomas Oliva said. “Books are a gateway to the rest of the world and whether you need a service or give back and read to the kids this is the place to do it.”
El Centro Library Hours
Beginning Monday, November 14, 2022
Monday -Thursday
10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Friday
10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday
10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday
CLOSED