Library plans series of events to celebrate the fifth anniversary

WARWICK — Nov. 15 will mark the official 5th anniversary of the grand opening of the new Albert Wisner Library on McFarland Drive in the Village of Warwick.

Throughout the month of November, the library will welcome the public to a series of events ranging from a "Sweet 5 Anniversary" teen cupcake war this Saturday at 1 p.m. to concerts and story telling events for young and old.

By coincidence, this year also marks 200 years since the first Warwick library was established in 1814 in what is now known as the 1810 House on Main St.

Annie Wisner's generous gift to honor her late husband, Albert, established the original Albert Wisner Memorial Library at the corner of Colonial Ave. and Main St. in 1927.

"Five years is not a long time," said Cooper. "That's why we say we are five years new. There is so much ahead of us and so much to be done. And we are looking forward to meeting those challenges."

Five years ago, the grand opening ceremony began that Sunday in 2010 with a prayer of dedication offered by Rev. Michael McLoughlin, pastor of the Church of St. Stephen the First Martyr followed by the Pledge of Allegiance as the Colors were presented by an Honor Guard from American Legion Post 214.

Donna Applegate, president of the Board of Trustees, then welcomed an impressive crowd of local residents and introduced dignitaries present including officials, members of the Board, Foundation Governors and the Friends of the Library Executive Board.

Library Director Rosemary Cooper conducted the official dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony.

The project had taken 17 months since groundbreaking and during the ceremony Architect Paul Mays spoke for several minutes explaining many of the state-of-the-art features of the new 20,000-square-foot building including its green design.