NEW PHILADELPHIA - They say good things come to those who wait. The Board and staff at the Tuscarawas County Public Library System couldn't agree more.

"It's been fifteen months since we broke ground on our Main Library's renovation and expansion project," said Board President Mary Burns. "We are looking forward to celebrating the grand re-opening of the building with the community."

A ribbon-cutting with the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce is planned for Thursday, January 30th at 3:00 pm with the re-opening celebration lasting from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm at the Main Library, located at 121 Fair Ave NW in New Philadelphia.

"We can't think of a better way to start a new year and a new decade than to cut the ribbon on the County Library's renovated and expanded building," said Director Michelle McMorrow Ramsell. "The opportunity to showcase the improvements to the community is something we have been excited to do."

Improvements include a ground floor lobby entrance for quick access to new materials and holds, three public meeting spaces with updated presentation and conference call technology, an expanded teen area with gaming and Virtual Reality technology, an expanded MakerSpace area with new equipment including a small heat press and an iMac computer with creative software, and an interactive wall and Imagination Station in the children's department. Other additions for customer convenience include drive-up return boxes, as well as 24/7 lockers and a drive-up service window to pick up holds. An adjacent garage, built off of Beech Lane, houses the County Library's Mobile Service operations.

The grand re-opening celebration will include a ribbon-cutting and a brief presentation during the first half-hour followed by musical entertainment, refreshments, and a roaring twenties photo booth. There will be MakerSpace and Occulus Go demonstrations, as well as the opportunity to create a commemorative magnet to take home as a souvenir. Tours, including a look behind-the-scenes, will leave the lobby every fifteen minutes between 3:30 and 5:30.

"We hope business and community leaders, as well as individuals and families, will stop out to celebrate this milestone in the history of our County Library," said Ramsell.

For more information about the County Library, visit the library's website at www.tusclibrary.org.

TUSCARAWAS COUNTY LIBRARY