2,300 Flock to Library Grand Reopening

More than 2,300 people came to the grand reopening of the renovated Deerfield Public Library Sunday to see two floors of books, a complete computer center, a special children’s area and more in the redone $13.775 million facility.

After comments by Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Deerfield), state Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield), Mayor Harriet Rosenthal and Library Board President Ken Abosch, Claire Johnson and Peggy McCabe cut the ribbon and people streamed in all afternoon.

Johnson, a Deerfield High School student, designed the winning entry in the library’s art competition and McCabe was a librarian for 24 years. She was there in 1971 when the original building opened over 40 years ago.

Schneider came with a flag which previously flew over the United States Capitol and was raised on the library’s flagpole in a ceremony led by members of the Deerfield American Legion Post. The moment was more personal than professional for Schneider.

“I treasure the memories of bringing my sons to the Deerfield Library and sharing my personal love of reading,” Schneider said reading remarks he made on the floor of Congress Thursday. “I am overjoyed that the next generation will also be able to cultivate that passion in this engaging new space.”

Rosenthal read the proclamation issued by the Village Board of Trustees and welcomed the library back to the downtown area after a year in its temporary location.

“I’m so excited to welcome the library back to the neighborhood,” Rosenthal said of the Village Hall’s next door neighbor. “The refreshed, repurposed and renovated public and renovated public library is back (in) the heart of the Village of Deerfield.”

Morrison, who also talked of spending time at the library with her family, also made it personal. “Ours,” she said referring to the library, “has become our community’s family room.”

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