CROWN POINT | Patrons streamed into the new library on opening day Monday, some in need of a library fix after three weeks without one, others just plain curious.
Traffic approached 150 patrons an hour throughout the day, Crown Point Community Library Director Lynn Frank said.
The three-story, 46,750-square-foot facility opened to business in the 100 block of North Main Street, replacing a smaller library at 214 S. Court St. that closed Sept. 29 after 40 years.
A roomy children's area on the second floor was a popular spot all morning for toddlers and their parents, Frank said.
Adults roamed the building at midday, checking out a first-floor Internet cafe and a corner study area overlooking busy Main Street, along with aisles of books and other materials.
Some were there to return books before a grace period ended Monday, Frank said.
The $12 million red-brick library with 118 windows occupies the northern end of the block, with its main entrance facing south and opening on to a landscaped outdoor seating area and a parking lot shared with the city.
Longtime library patron Tom Ivancich, of Crown Point, left Monday afternoon with an armful of newly checked out books.
Not normally a fan of change, Ivancich said he made an exception for the new library.
"I like it a lot," he said.
A grand opening event is planned from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, with refreshments and family activities.
For more information on opening activities through Sunday, go to www.crownpointlibrary.org.
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