Children participate in an event which will be so important to their future

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Ground Broken for Central Library

Construction of 62,980 sq ft, $10.4 million Library to begin soon

June 5, 2003       Leave A Comment
By: Stephen Kent

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June 5, 2003 marked a milestone in Bay Country history as ground was broken for the new Central Library in downtown Bay City. Hundreds turned out for the festive occassion marked by entertainment, speeches and a community picnic.

Library service in the county dates back to 1869 when the first library was opened in Portsmouth. The present downtown Library was built in 1922 with a $35,000 grant from the Carnegie Foundation. The new, 62,980 squar foot Central Library will cost $10.4 million.

Festivities in Battery Park began at 5:00 pm with numerous family oriented activities. The Garber High School "Jazz Express" provided music. The library'spuppeteers performed for children. A "bubble pool" was set up where kids made large hoops to make giant bubbles. A juggling stilt walker amazed everyone.

The ceremonies were presided over by Michael Gray, Chairman of the Bay County Library Board of Trustees. After an invocation by Rev. Leslie Tyvela of Immanuel Lutheran Church, the Flag was presented by Boy Scout Troop 108. Judge Tim Kelly sang the National Anthem.

The program continued with short speeches by various community leaders including State Librian Christie Brandau. A poetry reading was offered by local poet and humorist Irene Warsaw and a patriotioc medly was sung by the Harbor Sounds Chorus. A benediction was offered by Rev. Jeffrey Weenik of First Presbyterian Church.

At the conclusion of these ceremonies, the new project signs were unveiled and ground was broken by dignitaries, children and members of the community. The festivities were capped with free hotdogs and a picnic in the park.

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Community Article 206

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Stephen Kent
Steve Kent and his family have lived in Bay City for 30 years. He is VP of Technical Services at MMCC which produces MyBayCity.Com. Kent is active in many Bay City civic organizations. More from Stephen Kent

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