If you want to know what kind of town Westport is, consider this:
On a Sunday morning — the most beautiful day of summer (so far) — 1,000 or so men, women and kids turned out to celebrate the re-opening of our library.
Plus this: The multi-year project came in on time.
And within budget.
A large crowd waited for the opening ceremony.
There were brief speeches by Governor Ned Lamont and 1st Selectman Jim Marpe.
Governor Ned Lamont — whose family endowed a library at Harvard University — talks about their importance.
A band played. Dozens of kids jumped in for the ribbon-cutting.
Kids celebrate, moments after 1st Selectman Jim Marpe cut the ribbon.
Then everyone clambered up the very new stairs, to the great new entrance. As Marpe noted, the library — originally a gift from Morris Jesup — now embraces Jesup Green, named for the founder’s family.
A brass band plays, as the crowd streams up the steps.
It’s a spectacular building we can all be proud of. It will evolve and be used in ways we have not yet even imagined.
Within minutes of the opening, the grandstand was packed.
Today was a great day for Westport. If you haven’t seen it yet: The festivities continue until 4 p.m.
To all who made today possible — especially our amazing library director Bill Harmer — thank you!
Music on the main stage, dance, podcasts, educational sessions, even composting and bees — it’s all on, all afternoon at the new library, until 4 pm. (All photos/Dan Woog)