New library formally dedicated

Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Librarian Luise House thanked the community for its support in approving the expansion project bond.

More than 400 people turned out for the formal dedication of the new Mountain Home Public Library Saturday afternoon.

Although the ceremony was scheduled to take place outside in front of the library's main entrance, untimely weather forced organizers to take quick action and move the event inside.

"We only had about 30 minutes to do it," Library Board of Trustees Chairman Kelly Everitt said. "I honestly can't believe we got all of these people packed in here in such a short time."

The section of the library normally reserved for customers of Moxie Java served as the new location for the dedication.

Over 110 chairs were set out but the crowd easily outnumbered the seats available and it was standing room only as WWII Veteran Adrew White took the podium to welcome the citizens of Mountain Home and officially kick off the ceremony.

White began by welcoming everyone and encouraging them to clap and yell if they were impressed by the new library.

"It's such a happy day today for all of us to see this gorgeous building," he said. "Imagine the great store of knowledge held within these colorful and vibrant walls."

The library itself was not the only recipient of White's praise as he finished his speech by personally thanking Library Director Luise House.

"We owe her so much for this project," he said. "She was very much 'On the job' with her hard hat situated on her head and beady eyes overseeing every facet of this $1.5 million creation."

Lastly, White presented the audience with the shovel used at the original ground-breaking and said it will be placed in a time capsule that House and the library board are putting together.

After the flag ceremony, presented by the Boy and Girl Scouts of Mountain Home, House herself took center stage and attempted to thank all of those people who helped with the project.

"First of all I would like to thank the taxpayers of this city who voted to pass the bond," she said. "What a bold step for you and for us.

"This truly is your library."

House then thanked Mayor Joe B. McNeal and all the city council members, who were all in attendance, for their support throughout the entire project.

Council members Alain Isaac and Rich Urquidi, who both served as Library Board Advisors, were also recognized for their extra efforts.

Plaques were then presented to the architect, contractor and entire team who worked on the job site.

Project Manager John Cristobal, of Cristobal Construction, Inc., said that he was proud to have been a part of the constructing of such an important building.

"I am proud of this and I am proud to be a part of Mountain Home," he said.

Cristobal then thanked the architect who designed the new library, Don Hutchinson, of Hutchinson-Smith Architects, for constructing such well-laid plans.

"He made my job a lot easier," he said. "Don and his team deserve as much of the credit as I do."

Finally, Cristobal thanked his subcontractor and all of his employees before turning the presentation back over to House.

The librarian had several more people to thank and a considerable amount of plaques to hand out.

Those receiving recognition included, among others, the Library Board of Trustees, the library administration/staff members , and the Mountain Home Parks & Recreation and Public Works Departments.

"We're all so proud of this building and none of it could have happened without all of you," she said.

Mayor McNeal then spoke briefly about the importance of the library and just what it meant to the people of this city.

"This is something that takes an entire community to complete," he said. "I commend you all for your support throughout the process."

"Our children, and their children, will be able to reap the rewards for many years to come."

Following McNeal's remarks, an elaborate Masonic dedication ceremony was scheduled in which the library's official plaque was presented and laid out for everyone in the audience to view.

Masonic members from Idaho, Washington, Nevada and Oregon were on-hand to present the plaque to the people of Mountain Home.

With that, the new Mountain Home Public Library was officially dedicated and the public was welcome to tour the facility.

Refreshments were provided by the Mountain Home Parks and Recreation Department and students from the Mountain Home High School District Choir and Jazz Band offered entertainment.

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