January 2015


www.hamptonroadsmessenger.com


You're Invited: Slover Library Grand Opening Celebration


Come one and come all, come stand or come sit. You won’t want to miss it, not one little bit


president of Slover Library Foundation. exceptional


libraries


“Today’s are


more than books, history and technology. The Slover provides our region with a centrally located, extraordinary


place that


will encourage community engagement and promote thoughtful conversations on issues important to our 1.7 million residents. It will be a place to participate in local democracy.”


Library


The spaces at Slover are


varied offer something


and for


NORFOLK, Va. – The new Slover


Library officially opens at 10 a.m. January 9, 2015 with the First Book Checkout ceremony with Mayor Paul D. Fraim, Jane Batten, major donors and the Slover Library Foundation. There


Opening


is a Grand celebration


weekend planned January 10 and 11. The library hours for the celebration are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The celebration events are free and open to the public including Dr. Seuss-inspired activities,


games,


entertainment and even The Cat in the Hat! A complete


schedule be available sloverlibrary.com.


Slover Library is the new model for public libraries, and it


most ones


will be one of the innovative


in the country. “Slover Library will become a new destination for the region,” said Mayor Paul D. Fraim. “We anticipate it will be a venue for social exchange and interaction invigorating learn


and an place


and our history.”


The $65 million Slover Library encompasses three centuries of architecture: the historic Seaboard building


(1800s), the


Selden Arcade (1900s), and a new six-story tower them


that all.


Architects traditional from


connects Newman New


Haven, Conn. designed the 138,000-squarefoot jewel


that showcases library


to about our world


Grand Opening events will


of at


functions with innovative technology, stunning ornamentation and engaging community spaces.


will be one of the finest libraries – anywhere,”


Harry Lester,


Library Highlights & Features


• More than 160,000 books and other items available to borrow


• Digital Media Lab to design and produce digital content, 3D printer, large-format printer, and Adobe software


• Multi-touch interactive experience showcasing the Sargeant Memorial Collection, the premier source for local history on the East Coast, with thousands of pieces of searchable photos and artifacts


• Digital displays located on the book shelves to access the library catalog and your account 130 public access computers with internet access


• Free Wi-Fi • Self Check-out


• Classes and events from genealogy classes to children’s programs for people of all ages


• Architectural ornamentation on exterior, Forum roof and third-floor terrace by Kent Bloomer


• Cuisine at Slover, a 52-seat casual bistro with additional outdoor seating


• Space to convene up to 250 people for community conversations, events and programs


h


“Simply stated, Slover Library said


everyone. Slover has books, but it is also a place to relax with a magazine or newspaper, catch up with a friend and meet over lunch or a cup of coffee. Slover offers rooms for events and meetings that


can be reserved, touchscreens that enable you to research your family tree, computer and lab rooms, even space and equipment to produce your own video. And, to fully enjoy the big-city experience, the library offers downtown views from terraces and al fresco patio dining.


i


The Hampton Roads Messenger 7 In 2008, Frank Batten Sr. donated


$20 million for a new main public library to be named after his uncle Colonel Samuel Slover to recognize his contributions to the City of Norfolk.


The Batten Foundation


donated an additional $20 million. Slover was the founder of Landmark Communications and a former Mayor of Norfolk. Slover loved Norfolk, and he believed that an informed citizenry is one of the most important keys to its success. In 1954 at the age of 27,


Frank Batten Sr. assumed the


leadership of the Virginian-Pilot and the Ledger Star, which were owned by Landmark Communications. The City of Norfolk committed $22.6 million to Slover Library, and the remainder was collected from private contributions through the Slover Library Foundation.


Slover Library, located at 235


E. Plume Street in Norfolk, will offer computers, internet access, interactive displays and a digital media


lab.


Collections will include adult popular fiction and nonfiction, a youth library and learning center, and teen services in a casual environment and access to popular teen offerings. Additionally, the community will be able to access high-tech civic meeting rooms and the important Sargeant Memorial Local History and Slover


Genealogy Library Collection. will be among the


most technologically advanced public libraries in the country. The library will be open Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For information visit www.sloverlibrary.com or call 757-664-READ (7323).


downtownnorfolk.org u a r e i n


It’s taller than tall, with six floors of space.


So round up the family and come over zoom-zoom,


See the magical new world here, at Atlantic and Plume.


GRAND OPENIN G JANUARY 9TH


SLOVER LIBRARY –11TH


ACTIVITIES, FESTIVITIES, HIGH TECHNOLOGIES - ALL FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.


235 E. Plume Street, Downtown Norfolk | SloverLibrary.com


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