The city of Marion has been without a public library for two years. But trust me, it will be well worth the wait. The brand new $18 million Marion Public Library is set to open to the public on November 10th. I had the opportunity to take a walk through the new building this week. I came away impressed not only with it as a library, but as the new creative center of the Uptown Marion revitalization project.

The first thing you notice no matter where you are in the new building is all the natural light that shines in. There are huge windows everywhere that light up large rooms with ease. There are also shades that are timed to react to the sun to provide shade so things don't get too warm too. When I went on my tour, the library staff were still working on some of the finishing touches. But I can tell you the books are in! Fiction, non-fiction, new releases, children, teen, and everything in between! But this new Marion library is more than just books. It is about all forms of media and the stirring of the creative process.

New Marion Public Library

There are so many ways to create in the new library from several 3-D printers to sewing machines and a quilting loom. There are arts and crafts and even a recording studio for the budding podcasting star. Want to make cool videos for your social media pages? The new library even has a huge green screen room. There are so many different way for adults and kids to create. I can't wait to see how people use all the amazing devices.

The other thing about any modern library is the amazing technology involved. The new Marion library is no exception. You can check out a Mac Book or laptop. There are computer labs in the children's, teen, and adult sections of the library. There are interactive, touchscreen gaming tables. And yes, there are video games. The lastest systems and games just waiting to be played. Kids will love this new facility and there will be plenty of after school programs that they can take advantage of.

Marion has waited so long for this new library to be finished. But soon, the community will be rewarded with an amazing facility that will benefit citizens of all ages.

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