Hundreds of people were at Interlochen Public Library’s open house Wednesday. The mood was festive, and people were excited.
The building is a modern take on the northern Michigan cabin look – a mix of exposed wood and paint with high ceilings.
It’s nearly double the square footage of the old building.
“I used to be a librarian,” says Elise Brooks, “and I’m just amazed that a town the size of Interlochen is behind something like this. It’s just gorgeous.”
The new library has a separate room for children to play in and read, a community room and a commercial kitchen.
“When I first walked into the community room and saw the kitchen,” Rachel Harper says, “I got choked up because nutrition and food is such an important part of a healthy strong community.”
It took four years and 775 donations from individuals and foundations to build the new library. So far the building has cost nearly $3 million dollars.
The library is officially open on Thursday.