Update
The opening of the Montclair Community Library is delayed.
The library was scheduled to open Jan. 11, as noted in our initial report. However, we’ve learned that employees with the Prince William County Department of Public Works hit a snag that involves electrical power at the $16 million facility.
More in a statement from Prince William County spokesman Jason Grant:
I understand from our Public Works Department that the contractor has run into an issue involving electrical power to the building’s emergency lighting, which has caused the need for additional lighting equipment. A rush order has been placed, but this has caused a delay in the date the building can be occupied by Library staff, and ultimately the public.
Assuming the lighting equipment arrives this week, we believe the facility will be ready for occupancy by Library staff within the next two to three weeks barring any setbacks or delays with the new equipment. We understand from Library staff that they then need one week from the date of occupancy to train staff in the new facility before opening to the public.
We’ll continue to follow this story and update you when we have more information.
Original post
The Montclair Community Library near the Route 234 and Waterway Drive intersection will be opening Jan. 11, 2016 at 10 a.m.
The new branch includes sections customized to adults, young adults, and children. According to library representative Andrew Spence this new branch supplies 33 public access computers, WiFi capability, four small meeting rooms, a quiet study room, a multi-purpose community room, outdoor terrace, and entry to the Barnes House, a restored historic home that is two centuries old.
Children that range from ages two through eight will have the opportunity to check out a LaunchPad tablet for up to one week. Learning games that revolve around math, language, as well as science have been pre-installed to the 75 tablets.
A ribbon cutting was held on October 29, before the completion of the library. This was due to making sure the project was completely and correctly done the first time, said Spence.
The Montclair Community Library also includes a parking garage, this is a first time addition to any Prince William County building.
In 2016, the library will be introducing their new Summer Reading program. The new program will be known as the Explore summer reading program. “Explore” is an altered version of the libraries most successful program, according to Spence. It now incorporates a brand new theme, goal, and adventure. More information about “Explore” will be available in the New Year.
