East Lansing Public Library Redo Celebrated with Books and Balloons

Above: Maggie Walters

A celebration of the East Lansing Public Library’s completed renovation brought out the community this past weekend. Visitors explored the new layout of the Library on Saturday, October 1, from 12-2pm, investigating new paths and visiting with friends and neighbors.

The newly created Maker Studio had tables set up for face painting and hands-on activities for young children. Annie Gordon, Public Service Librarian, stood by the MakerBot Replicator and its mini version, explaining its use and function to community members like Beatrice Hughes. Hughes is an East Lansing resident and has a son who is an engineer, so the 3-D printer caught her eye.

The nearby teen area had couches, a big screen TV and a Wii where teens can relax and hang out together. Maggie Walters of East Lansing was enjoying a tall, red modern chair while waiting for her mother. Walters said that she “like(d) the new library.”

Above: Jenaiya, Jamill and Journey Williams

The former story time gathering space is now integrated into the overall children’s space. This bright, warm area features curved bookshelves and clusters of modern light fixtures hanging from colored metal ceiling rafters. Jamill Williams of East Lansing watched as his daughters, Jenaiya and Journey explored and browsed the books.

Above: Boyer the Magic Guy, Aya and Drake Howard

Meanwhile, Boyer the Magic Guy amused a long line of children as he expertly twisted balloons into a variety of contorted creations. Drake Howard of East Lansing asked for a cat and his sister, Aya, got a “jumping” turtle. Even after the Grand Re-Opening event timeline had expired, Boyer continued to create things for the children as long as there was someone in line.

For more details about what’s new, see the ELPL website, or drop by the Library.

The East Lansing Public Library is located at 950 Abbot Road.