"Taking root in the ashes"

“When the library burned, even the angels folded their wings and sulked.” Those words from a poem read by John Witte reflected the impact the loss of the O’Brien Memorial Library made. Yet, similar to “words flying off like seeds” in the flames of the Holiday Farm Fire, he noted, hope can “take root in the ashes, sprouting new trees, new leaves, new books.”

The shoulder-to-shoulder crowd that packed the library Saturday afternoon echoed the feeling of rebirth. All were there to celebrate the grand opening of the replacement for the building lost in the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire.

Among the crowd were members of the board of directors that helped bring the facility back into being. O’Brien Memorial Library President Connie Richardson emphasized that the library’s operations depend entirely on volunteers, who perform various roles, including cataloging, cleaning, and landscaping. She also expressed deep appreciation for them, pointing out the library “could not function without their contributions.“

“Even though books are my favorite,” Richardson said, “we want it to be a community space sometimes where people just want to relax or meet their neighbors on a Tuesday afternoon.”

Some of the site’s new offerings range from an online catalog to computers for patrons, e- and audiobooks, and high-speed Internet connections. She said some things will be welcomed by their continued absence, including the absence of “due dates or fines” for books out on loan.

“The new library isn’t just another building,” noted Pete O’Brien. “It’s a continuation of my grandmother’s legacy, who was one of the greatest people I ever met.,” he added.

“This will be a great place for Blue River, O’Brien added. “It really touches my heart, and I’m glad it’s back.”