News Brief: Hundreds Celebrate Grand Opening Of New Library

Mayor Joseph M. Polisena called the ceremonial opening of the new Marian J. Mohr Library to order just after 1 p.m. on April 9, accompanied by nearly the entire state Congressional delegation and Susan Hildreth, the national Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Those visits almost did not happen because of a potential federal government shutdown, which was averted with a vote taken late Friday night to fund the government's operations.

In welcoming the nearly 500 people who attended the event, Polisena thanked the library staff, developers, and residents who voted in 2008 for the $3 million bond item that funded the new building's construction.

Polisena also said the new facility "will carry us forward for the next 50 years," just as the original building has been in operation for nearly five decades.

"This building will shape our future," Polisena said.

Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse and Jack Reed attended the event, as well as Rep. David Cicilline. State officials included Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts and the town's General Assembly delegation.

Watch JohnstonPatch for full coverage of the new library grand opening, including photos and videos.

Update: This article was updated with a revised attendance figure after it was first published.