ABC News Channel 7
posted 04/05/10 8:00 pm
producer: Malachi Constant
WASHINGTON - The first new library in D.C. in 20 years opened Monday. The building at 3935 Benning Road NE is one of 10 in the works.
Chief Librarian Ginnie Cooper led all the people at the grand opening party in her signature cheer. After more than a five years absence, the Benning branch library is back. It brought out the city's top brass and, with school out Monday, lots of neighborhood kids.
One girl told us, "I'm glad the library's open."
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The library includes 22,000 square feet of books, DVDs, CDs, meeting space, and computers, which immediately filled up, with both adults and children. All is stored inside a glass, steel and concrete building that lets in sunlight and saves energy.
"In fact, all of the lights are on a timer so that when it's bright enough they go off when you don't need them," said Cooper.
As for the neighborhood kids, they were even involved in the artwork. a mural includes 12-year-old Michael White's face, which he helped to paint.
Asked if he likes it, Michael replied, "Oh, I'm happy. I'm really happy. I didn't think I could do it."
It was Mayor Adrian Fenty and Council Chairman Vincent Gray's first appearance out in the neighborhoods since Gray announced for mayor. They were hugging, making friendly faces and smiling.
Will such cordiality become the rule?
"You know, when I'm doing libraries I think about library issues," said Fenty. "When I'm campaigning, I think about campaigning issues."
Gray told us, "You try to be respectful of one another. I'm sure they'll be days (when you don't hug)."
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