Guests gather around a table to read and draw at the new Union Township branch of the Clermont County Library Jan. 29. From left are Sarah Schultz, 3, Julie Schultz, Peyton Beck, 12, Autumn Clark, 11, and Kaylee Johns, 12,

Guests gather around a table to read and draw at the new Union Township branch of the Clermont County Library Jan. 29. From left are Sarah Schultz, 3, Julie Schultz, Peyton Beck, 12, Autumn Clark, 11, and Kaylee Johns, 12,
Residents could hardly find a parking spot at the grand opening of the new Union Township branch of the Clermont County Library Jan. 29, a turnout library officials were thrilled about.

“The fact that so many people came out today shows why we needed a large branch,” Joseph Braun, president of the library board, said about the opening.

Braun said he was blown away by the attendance, which climbed past 1,000 people before 2 p.m.

The grand opening featured a ribbon cutting ceremony, a puppet show, live music, refreshments and library tours every 15 minutes.

“It means a lot to the community,” David Mezack, executive director of Clermont County Public Library said. “The community has waited a long time for the branch to be built.”

The location, which was formerly Ryan’s Steakhouse, was purchased in June 2010, and construction on the new library began in 2011. The new location was designed to create more space and offer additional amenities compared to the previous branch location on Mt. Carmel-Tobasco Road.

The total cost of the library was $5,323,810, which was less than the original $6 million budget.

“In the last few weeks we’ve been focusing on details,” Braun said. “The inspiration behind the decor is the Cincinnati Nature Center.”

Braun said the library, which was designed by KBA Architects and decorated by Library Design Associates, resembles nature. From the swell-like ceilings to the outdoor-themed decor, the library borrows the scenery of the nature center, which is also located in the county.

In addition to a crisp atmosphere, the library is more than 20,000 square feet and offers a variety of seating options, desks and work space, with plenty of outlets for laptop computers and accessories.

“I think it is really nice,” Wanda Lawrence, of Mt. Carmel, said about the library. “You can probably find anything you want.”

The collection at the library features 51,225 books, more than 1,000 audiovisual materials, hundreds of periodicals as well as maps, language materials and more.

There are two dozen computers and several print stations where residents can utilize computer programs, internet access and educational programs. There is also a large children’s section, activity room and meeting room at the facility.

“It’s more kid-friendly,” Michelle Marino, of Amelia, said about the library. “There are more activities for them and it is more engaging.”

Marino was one of many guests who came to check out what the new library has to offer. In addition to residents, library board members and several public officials attended the festivities.

Guest speakers included State Representative Joe Uecker, Congresswoman Jean Schmidt and Common Pleas Clerk of Courts Barbara Wiedenbein, who all played a roll in the library’s construction.

“I think it reflects the support the community has for their library system,” Mezack said about the turnout for the grand opening. “And it reflects the need for a library system.”