(KTNC) - The newly completed addition to the Auburn Memorial Library was formally dedicated Tuesday.  The Library Foundation celebrated the addition with a ribbon cutting and open house.
 The expansion added 1,340 square feet to the Library built in 1996, and includes a new Children’s Section, Library Director’s office, and mechanical room.
 Library Director Heather Koeneke says they hope to do more children’s programs and free up space for expansion of the adult collection and more technology in the existing area.  She says the space was needed to accommodate an increasing number of library patrons, which numbers approximately 125 people daily.  (play audio  :08)
 During a short presentation, Koeneke said the addition is a dream come true that was six years in the making, with seven months of construction.  She thanked those who provided funding for the project.  (play audio   :39)
 Funding came from USDA Rural Development, which provided a $100,000 loan and $56,590 grant for the project, leveraged with $265,000 from the Library Foundation, $10,000 from the Union Pacific Foundation, and $75,000 from the Peter Kiewit Foundation.
 Koeneke also thanked two people who have been part of the Auburn Library for several years during the program. 
Sherry Black was on the library staff for 15 years, including eight years as Library Director.  Black retired from the Library as of last Friday.
 Koeneke also honored longtime Library Board member Joyce Hutton, who stepped down from the board in July.  Hutton said the Library offers a good “bang for the buck.”  (play audio  :23)
 Keoneke and Library Foundation president Deb Clopton cut the ribbon – actually a spare piece of yellow construction “caution” tape – to officially open the new addition to the Auburn Public Library.