SEA ISLE CITY — The city’s 13,583-square-foot, $6-million branch of Cape May County Library is scheduled to open Tue., Dec. 13 at 1 p.m. The public is invited to attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
While reading their favorite book or magazine, patrons can sip coffee ($1 a cup) in a well-lit corner nook or from one of two exterior decks (1,380-square-feet) overlooking the wetlands and bay.
The branch is located at 48th and Central Avenue, and is surrounded by 134 parking spaces.
The feeling of openness and fresh air permeates the facility, designed by Garrison Architects. A stairway, with modernistic railings, leads patrons to the second floor. Those who cannot climb can ride the elevator to the second floor. There will be found a collection of over 16,000 reading materials for adults, and over 8,000 children’s books.
In addition, there are audio, DVDS, music CDs, and video games.
For those of higher tech tastes, the collection includes downloadable eBooks and audio books, popular with commuters and those who listen while jogging or exercising.
Adult programs will include language, exercise, art, nature, crafts and more. For teens, there will be video gaming, book clubs, and movies. Children’s programs will include storytelling, family movie nights, and crafts.
Freeholder-Vice-Director and city Mayor Leonard Desiderio was among the officials who were scheduled to join the opening day festivities.
Library Director Deborah Poillon led the Herald on a brief preview tour of the branch on Dec. 10. Workers were still putting finishing touches on the railings and wiping down the glad around and near the stairway. Books had already been placed on shelves and carts.
One feature Poillon noted was that the building is believed to be the county’s first public silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Building. She said a conscious effort was made, when building the facility, to use materials bought within 500 miles of the site in order to promote the local economy.
One of the features of that “green” design was to have window shades connected automatically to the lights. When bright morning son shines through the windows, and less light is needed, the lights will dim. As the day grows dimmer, that is detected, and lights brighten.
Unseen, but ecologically friendly is the geothermal heating and cooling system. The process uses ground water that remains at 55 degrees F. It takes less to heat in the winter, and readily takes on heat during the summer.
She also said that recycled content building materials were used whenever possible. In addition, LED site lighting is used for less demand on electric. Low water use fixtures and native plants were incorporated in the structure.
A large meeting room, and smaller one, both on the first floor, will be available for community meetings. They may be used when the rest of the library is closed, she said.
Sea Isle City Historical Museum has relocated into one of the first-floor rooms. It displays a variety of clothing, bridal gowns, military and police uniforms, artifacts and photos as well as many family histories. On the wall is a large quilt that highlights city landmarks.
The facility is WiFi enabled; meaning laptop computers are capable of using the branch’s Internet connection without plugging into the wall. There are also a number of Microsoft Office computers that patrons can use to access the Internet.
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