A festive event to celebrate the start of construction of the new Pierre Bottineau Community Library will take place this Saturday, July 13 at 1:00 p.m. at the historic Grain Belt Brewery Campus (Marshall and Broadway Streets NE). What was once the brewery's Mill Wright Shop and Wagon Shed will be restored and reconstructed, and an adjacent wing will be added. By next summer, the area will be transformed into a spacious and attractive library, where people can gather, browse, and read in a friendly and thoughtfully designed space in the heart of the community.
In addition to brief remarks by City and Library officials, the festivities will include music by Charlie Maguire, the "Singing Ranger." Employed by the National Park Service to promote the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area in song, Maguire is a neighborhood resident and long-time library supporter. Refreshments (including keg root beer) will be served, and activities for kids are also planned. Parking will be available just north of the brewhouse in the RSP Architects parking lot, 13th Ave. NE and Marshall St. The Pierre Bottineau Fountain & Grounds Improvement Committee will also use the occasion to launch its Legacy Fountain and Garden campaign. Formed through a community initiative to recreate a neighborhood landmark, the committee will raise funds to replace the site's original fountain and start a new surrounding garden. The 12,000 sq. ft. Pierre Bottineau Library will replace the tiny (2,000 sq. ft.) storefront location at 1224 NE 2nd Street that has served the neighborhood since 1957. Join the celebration! Kristi Gibson Public Affairs Minneapolis Public Library _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
