Grand Opening of the Lafayette Library and Learning Center
By Cathy Tyson
Unveiling of the sculpture "Speechless" Photo Doug Kohen
It was an overflow crowd of spectators at the corner of First Street and Golden Gate Way, coming together to be the first ones in the door of the new library. Spilling onto the street, residents enjoyed a fabulous bright morning along with complimentary goodies that personified the community spirit of residents proud of Lafayette and the new Library and Learning Center.
"I'm here to thank the hundreds of volunteers and thousands of donors," said Anne Grodin. "I especially want to thank the Lafayette Community Foundation, Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation and the Friends of the Library for making this possible."
In unveiling the towering bronze sculpture "Speechless," artist Brian Goggins explained that it's meant to represent the metamorphosis of how we learn, in the delicate dreamlike flight of pages.
Now that the library has been open for a few days, staff has been overwhelmed by the number of visitors. "This is our second day. While it's absolutely fabulous that so many kids are coming into the library, we simply cannot do it alone," said Susan Weaver, Senior Community Library Manager. "I'll know the exact numbers tomorrow but -wow- hundreds and hundreds of kids descended upon us yesterday and today from 3pm to around 4:30pm..... especially high school kids! Exactly what we want!" She's immediately looking for volunteers to assist with crowd control.
The new library will be open to the public Monday through Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
"I'm here to thank the hundreds of volunteers and thousands of donors," said Anne Grodin. "I especially want to thank the Lafayette Community Foundation, Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation and the Friends of the Library for making this possible." 
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA