LINCOLN ACRES (CNS) - More than 200 people were on hand Saturday as the $3 million county library branch in Lincoln Acres was opened, according to county officials.
The festivities, which began at 10 a.m. at 2725 Granger Ave., included tours, a youth basketball shootout, live music and a salsa dance performance.
The former facility in Lincoln Acres -- an unincorporated hamlet of about 2,100 surrounded by the southeastern part of National City -- was the smallest in the county library system at 854 square feet and had become obsolete, according to the county. The new facility is almost three times larger than its predecessor.
"This is a big dream come true for a tiny community," county Supervisor Greg Cox said. "This new library has already become the hub of Lincoln Acres, giving students and families a place to study, read, play and exercise."
The replacement is not only bigger at 2,650 square feet, but features modern upgrades like wireless Internet access, laptops and an expanded children's area. The facility also has a community room, an office for Imperial Beach sheriff's deputies and a playground.
"Libraries can change lives," County Library Director Jose Aponte said. "This Lincoln Acres library will give students a safe, modern place to do their homework. It will help residents look for new jobs or participate in programs to improve their lives."
The new library has about 15,000 books, CDs and DVDs available for checkout. Its building was constructed with energy efficient building materials and solar panels, officials said.
