Community Corner
A Grand Day: Lemon Grove Celebrates New Library Opening
Crowds filled the 13,000-square-foot facility following the Saturday ribbon cutting ceremony.
"I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library."
—Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges.
Amid poetry and praise the new Lemon Grove Library was celebrated Saturday with music, speeches and a block party.
The festivities were highlighted by upcoming tenor Gerardo Gaytan's impeccable delivery of the national anthem [see video], as well as a medley performed by the Lemon Grove Academy School Band. Gaytan lives in Lemon Grove.
A new library for the community has long been a dream in Lemon Grove. The 13,210-square-foot facility, located on the campus of Lemon Grove Academy for Sciences and Humanities, was paid for with Proposition W money.
The $28 million school bond was passed by voters in 2008 to fund renovations to schools throughout the district and build the joint-use library in partnership with the San Diego County Library System.
The Mission Revival-style library came in on time and on budget, according to the San Diego County Office of Education, which helped facilitate and oversee the work through a joint powers authority formed five years ago.
“What this really is to me is the culmination of years and years of work on the part of the community and the school district to bring a first-class library, not just to the students but to the entire community of Lemon Grove,” Superintendent Ernie Anastos says. “This is just an enormous leap.”
The city's past and present were lauded by speakers, including Helen Ofield, president of the Lemon Grove Historical Society. Ofield, along with retired assistant superintendent Ilse Hanning, led the charge on the Proposition W campaign. The school bond received overwhelming support from the community, passing with nearly 73 percent approval from voters.
Close to Ofield's heart is the 117-year-old original school bell that hangs in the domed bell tower at the corner of School Lane and Lincoln Street. Affectionally known as "Mrs. Bell," the bell was purchased in 1894 from the Sears catalog by the Lemon Grove Fruit Growers Association and rang for generations of school children.
Its whereabouts were unknown for some time until it was uncovered in 2002 and refurbished. The bell was installed March 12, 2013, and rang out across the community Saturday as doves were released.
To hear Mrs. Bell ring is to hear "the sound of history," Ofield says.
Several officials were on hand to greet the crowd and offer congratulations, including Supervisor Dianne Jacob, Mayor Mary Sessom, San Diego County Library Director Jose Aponte, Lemon Grove Friends of the Library President Emeritus Rosemary Putnam, Lemon Grove Friends of the Library Director Jim Elliott.
Newly elected Assemblywoman Shirley Weber and Congresswoman Susan Davis were also among the well-wishers attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Governing Board President Blanca Brown helped set the scene on behalf of board members Tim Shaw, Katie Dexter, Jay Bass and Larry Loschen. Heartland Fire & Rescue Chief Rick Sitta led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Lemon Grove HEAL Zone Block Party offered free health screenings, activities and entertainment, including live music at the Skate Park. The Lemon Grove Rotary presented "Lemon Grove Alive," a full day of fun things to see and do, including laser tag and games, music, dancers and presentations.
—This article was originally posted at 12:07 p.m. June 3. It was updated to add video.
—Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges.
Amid poetry and praise the new Lemon Grove Library was celebrated Saturday with music, speeches and a block party.
The festivities were highlighted by upcoming tenor Gerardo Gaytan's impeccable delivery of the national anthem [see video], as well as a medley performed by the Lemon Grove Academy School Band. Gaytan lives in Lemon Grove.
A new library for the community has long been a dream in Lemon Grove. The 13,210-square-foot facility, located on the campus of Lemon Grove Academy for Sciences and Humanities, was paid for with Proposition W money.
The $28 million school bond was passed by voters in 2008 to fund renovations to schools throughout the district and build the joint-use library in partnership with the San Diego County Library System.
The Mission Revival-style library came in on time and on budget, according to the San Diego County Office of Education, which helped facilitate and oversee the work through a joint powers authority formed five years ago.
“What this really is to me is the culmination of years and years of work on the part of the community and the school district to bring a first-class library, not just to the students but to the entire community of Lemon Grove,” Superintendent Ernie Anastos says. “This is just an enormous leap.”
The city's past and present were lauded by speakers, including Helen Ofield, president of the Lemon Grove Historical Society. Ofield, along with retired assistant superintendent Ilse Hanning, led the charge on the Proposition W campaign. The school bond received overwhelming support from the community, passing with nearly 73 percent approval from voters.
Close to Ofield's heart is the 117-year-old original school bell that hangs in the domed bell tower at the corner of School Lane and Lincoln Street. Affectionally known as "Mrs. Bell," the bell was purchased in 1894 from the Sears catalog by the Lemon Grove Fruit Growers Association and rang for generations of school children.
Its whereabouts were unknown for some time until it was uncovered in 2002 and refurbished. The bell was installed March 12, 2013, and rang out across the community Saturday as doves were released.
To hear Mrs. Bell ring is to hear "the sound of history," Ofield says.
Several officials were on hand to greet the crowd and offer congratulations, including Supervisor Dianne Jacob, Mayor Mary Sessom, San Diego County Library Director Jose Aponte, Lemon Grove Friends of the Library President Emeritus Rosemary Putnam, Lemon Grove Friends of the Library Director Jim Elliott.
Newly elected Assemblywoman Shirley Weber and Congresswoman Susan Davis were also among the well-wishers attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Governing Board President Blanca Brown helped set the scene on behalf of board members Tim Shaw, Katie Dexter, Jay Bass and Larry Loschen. Heartland Fire & Rescue Chief Rick Sitta led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Lemon Grove HEAL Zone Block Party offered free health screenings, activities and entertainment, including live music at the Skate Park. The Lemon Grove Rotary presented "Lemon Grove Alive," a full day of fun things to see and do, including laser tag and games, music, dancers and presentations.
—This article was originally posted at 12:07 p.m. June 3. It was updated to add video.
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