Pictures at the New Library Opening

"I declare the library officially open." So said Mayor Sue Rainey to the more than 1,200 people gathered outside the three doors of the new Walnut Creek Library Saturday, waiting to get inside and get their first peek. 

When the doors opened, people made their way in, parents, grandparents, kids in a mass six and seven people wide. 

The new two-story library was built on time and under budget for $39.1 million in a partnership between the city and the Walnut Creek Library Foundation, and operated by the Contra Costa County Library system. It was designed to meet many demands, including a desire to create a space for community and learning and a showcase of design.

"This is the most beautiful library in all of California," Mayor Sue Rainey proclaimed at the start of the opening ceremonies before the US Marine Corp presented the colors and State Senator Mark DeSaulnier led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. 

"How many of you love your public library?" asked California State Librarian Stacy Aldrich. The crowd raised a chorus of "woooo!" Aldrich spoke of the wonders of libraries, saying that they are places where people of all ages and of all backgrounds can go to "dream, to learn, to be inspired." She said of Walnut Creek's new landmark: "It truly is a beautiful library, and it is one of our futuristic libraries in California."

Visitors wasted no time making themselves at home in the 5,000-square-foot children's area, or teen area, or in the technology center. Parents and kids gathered up piles of books, and sat reading them, and kids explored one of the 94 public computers available around the library. 

The library, at 1644 N. Broadway, will be open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and will be closed Sundays.