Hundreds Gathered for the New Half Moon Bay Library Grand Opening

Saturday, August 18, 2018 was filled with anticipation as the new Half Moon Bay Library opened its doors to the community for the first time. Hundreds gathered to see firsthand what the new library located at 620 Correas Street, opens a new window has to offer.

Half Moon Bay Mayor Deborah Penrose, opens a new window delivered the opening remarks followed by words from special guests Rep. Jackie Speier, opens a new window, Supervisor Don Horsley, opens a new window, and Supervisor Carole Groom, opens a new window.

"Good morning Half Moon Bay and the Coastside," said Mayor Penrose to the huge crowd gathered on Correas Street. "It's my great honor to welcome you all to your new library. This is such a remarkable occasion. It's truly the most beautiful and welcoming building in Half Moon Bay. Far more than a building with books, this is a modern and inviting community gathering space where everyone from all walks of life on the coastside can come to learn, explore, connect, build and experience the incredible life long benefits that only a library can give us."

The official opening of the library commenced with 5 eager children waiting for the go ahead to break through an 8-foot banner reading “Welcome! ¡Bienvenido!”. Once they got the signal they were off, breaking through the banner and followed by crowds of people pouring through the doors of the new coastside library. Everyone fell in love with the new library.

"It literally took my breath away," said Congresswoman Speier. "This is the most magnificent library in this county. Be very proud of it. You're going see me sitting upstairs looking out at those extraordinary redwoods reading a good book sometime very soon. This is not just a library though, make no mistake about it. This is the gem of the community. This is and will evermore be the focal point of Half Moon Bay. Be very proud of this stunning representation of what Half Moon Bay is all about."

The day was full of entertainment and activities for all to enjoy. There was the Imagination Playground to explore, button making, paper crane origami tables and so much more! In the Makerspace showcase attendees got an exclusive look at all the fun and exciting new technology available to become a maker. Staff offered demos of our 3D printers, virtual reality experience through an HTC Vive, programmable robotics including Sphero and Dash and Dot robots, and Baby Lock sewing machines.

With 22,000 square feet the new two-story library will better serve our Coastside communities. Offering quiet reading and study rooms, an expansive children's room, a teen room, collaborative makerspace, and inviting indoor/outdoor spaces including a large community room and gardens. The new building will enable us to expand programming and services, including library collections, literacy services, job training, wellness workshops, cutting-edge technology and much more.

Have you visited the new Half Moon Bay Library? Share your thoughts below!