The Atlantic Public Library hosted a Grand Opening open house on Saturday for the newly completed reading garden project. Members of the public, library board, staff, and other contributors gathered to dedicate the new space. Atlantic Library Board Member Dee Beebensee said the project took about six months to come together once the planning details were complete. She thinks it’s a nice outdoor space to enjoy while visiting.
Former Director Natalie Struecker, who was here during the planning process of the project, talked about how everything got started.
Struecker thinks the space will add valuable usable space to the Library property.
Gary Oedewaldt and his wife Margaret Oedewaldt from Missouri were on hand for the grand opening. Margaret’s Great Uncle Carlos Cole was one of the first board members for the library in 1903 and a number of other family members have served in that same role. Margaret worked at the library in high school and when they found out about the project they wanted to contribute so they helped sponsor a bench. Gary Oedewaldt said he liked the fact that the project will help highlight the front entrance.
The reading garden is now open for the public to use and enjoy. You can listen to the full interviews with Dee Beebensee, Natalie Struecker, and Gary Oedewaldt below.
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