Flint’s new Public Library is open for the first time in two years after a $30 million renovation.
“This is truly a place for children and families and residents of all ages,” says Ridgway White.
For 95-year-old former librarian Edith Prunty Spencer, it’s a place for people of all abilities.
“It’s accessible, now whereas before it wasn’t,” says Spencer.
Library Executive Director, Kay Schwartz, says it has an additional 16 thousand square feet of space with access to natural light.
She’s proud of how the library is more accessible.
“We knew something needed to be done to this library building in order to move forward into the future,” says Schwartz.
A bond proposal passed by Genesee County voters along with help from 3 local Foundations, allowed for a complete overhaul of the building.
“We never had wheelchair access to the Kearsley Street doors before,” added Spencer.
That’s good news for Spencer and others who use who have limited mobility.
“People who ride the bus, they had a difficult time. They had to go all the way around the building, so they can now…even though it’s not easy, it is easy compared to what it was,” said Spencer.
“To gather and work and to dream and to grow,” added White.
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