Transcribed from Jemez Thunder, March 15, 2000
More than 100 friends of the Jemez Springs Public Library gathered to help celebrate the Grand Opening of the newly remodeled library on Saturday, March 11. Jemez Springs Mayor David Sanchez, and State Senator Richard Romero of Albuquerque spoke briefly at an informal dedication ceremony. Senator Romero was instrumental in getting the library the $50,000 that was used for remodeling the interior of the library and adding the reading deck in the back and portale in the front. Judith Isaacs, library director, and Becky Christman, president of the Library Board, acknowledged the staff, board members, Friends of the Library and other volunteers, who not only made the party a great success, but support the library year-round. Kathleen Wiegner, past president of the Library Board, was presented with a book in appreciation of her years of service to the library.
Special events included a reading by Pulitzer Prize-winning author N. Scott Momaday from an unpublished work-in-progress about the Jemez Valley, music by Amber and Elliott Higgins and Beverly Musgrove, and storytime with Christine Barton. Dave Reynolds provided the sound system and taped music. Jean and Jim McClary organized the used book sale that netted around $60 for the Friends of the Library.
The library inaugurated its “Born to Read” program by presenting a book bag to Dave and Tiphanie McCray and their infant son Kelson. Each book bag contains a board book, a bib that says “Born to Read,” and pamphlets for parents. Donna Lea made and donated the bags, using materials purchased by the Friends of the Library, and is coordinating the program. If you know of a family with a new baby, call the library and let us know.
Raffle tickets were drawn throughout the day for prizes of new books, with a grand prize drawing of a pizza from Walatowa.