- May 1, 2025
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Some of the estimated 500 people who attended the grand opening of the Lakewood Ranch Library on Jan. 12 gather to listen to the ceremony.
Photo by Lesley DwyerCommissioner George Kruse and former Commissioner Vanessa Baugh catch up before the grand opening.
Photo by Lesley DwyerDavid Sessions is the CEO of Willis Smith Construction, the Lakewood Ranch company that built the $17.6 million building.
Photo by Lesley DwyerThe library had lots of swag on hand for patrons to take home, including these fans.
Photo by Lesley DwyerThe grand opening of the Lakewood Ranch Library is held on Jan. 12.
Photo by Lesley DwyerFormer Commissioner Vanessa Baugh (in red) joins current commissioners and dignitaries in cutting the ribbon at the opening of the Lakewood Ranch Library on Jan. 12.
Photo by Lesley DwyerThe library is packed with patrons only moments after opening its doors.
Photo by Lesley DwyerPatrons browse the collection of 45,000 books, audiobooks and DVDs.
Photo by Lesley DwyerCarl Buckman and Alice Baumann from Aloha Ukulele of Lakewood Ranch offer songs and lessons at the grand opening.
Photo by Lesley DwyerThe children's library offers books, toys and an outdoor play area.
Photo by Lesley DwyerStaff member Nicole Henigschmidt (right) offers help to as many patrons as possible. All six service desks experienced long lines on the first day open.
Photo by Lesley DwyerMadisyn Murphy and Catalina Hayes look at a Sesame Street book together. As 3-year-olds, they're future readers.
Photo by Lesley DwyerWarren Lee from Aloha Ukulele of Lakewood Ranch offers some tips to 7-year-old Hope Fisher.
Photo by Lesley DwyerTammy Robertson tries self-checkout for the first time at the grand opening of the Lakewood Ranch Library. Daughter Skylar Kocourek looks on.
Photo by Lesley DwyerBranch Manager Tiffany Mautino helps out at the main service desk.
Photo by Lesley DwyerDave Evans and Sue Ann Miller enjoy the view from the rooftop terrace.
Photo by Lesley DwyerBetty Panciera
Photo by Lesley DwyerMarie Meyers
Photo by Lesley DwyerDebbie Blanco
Photo by Lesley DwyerBrendan McCaffery
Photo by Lesley DwyerKayla and Brooklynn Hittle
Photo by Lesley DwyerBob Petraites
Photo by Lesley DwyerThe East County community came out to support the grand opening of the $17.6 million Lakewood Ranch Library on Jan. 12.
About 500 people attended the celebration.
Commissioner Ray Turner told the crowd that the library was an “epic” project.
As soon as the doors slid open, it was a mad rush to get a look at the new 25,000-square-foot facility. Another 25,000 square feet will be available on the second floor which will be finished when the country decides upon appropriate uses.
“There are residents who have been here 25 years, and they asked for a library 25 years ago,” said Sue Ann Miller, president of the Friends of the Lakewood Ranch Library. “It’s an exciting day.”
After the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, the library was in full swing. All six service desks were packed with patrons signing up for library cards and checking out books. The collection contains 45,000 books, audiobooks and DVDs, plus a drive-thru window to pick up and drop off.
On the rooftop terrace, Shack Yoga and Fitness had a full class. Aloha Ukulele of Lakewood Ranch offered a performance and a workshop inside. And of course, there was story time for the kids.
Grand opening events will continue through Saturday.
