The library has new equipment for people with special needs. The "Reading Edge" scans printed text, converts it and then reads it aloud for those who are blind or visually impaired. The library also has a color video magnification system.
Festivities for the grand re-opening of the Arcadia Public Library will begin on November 19. The President of the Arcadia Public Library Foundation, Jesse Vanlandingham, is still seeking donations to cover interior details.
The expansion and creation of recreation and activity programs at all school levels and extending Arcadia Public Library hours to include Sunday afternoon topped the list of recommendations in the Youth Master Plan.
The Arcadia Rotary Club has dedicated the conference room of the newly remodeled and expanded library in memory of the Methodist Hospital chaplain, Paul Johenk, who died in 1993. The article includes a profile of Johenk.
Arcadia has a new emergency notification system called Alert Arcadia. Anyone can sign up to receive messages via phone voice mail, e-mail, and/or text.
Matt Denny's: past and future success. Matt McSweeny talks about his early days owning Matt Denny's restaurant at 145 E. Huntington Drive, opened in 1997 and thanks the people who supported it for 19 years. He has sold it to new owner Long Nguyen.
"Blind Justice," an 11-foot tall tile mural at the police station dating back to the 1950s, will not be preserved when the new police station is built. The mural was judged not to have significant artistic or historical merit. The mural will be archived, with some element maintained for display in the new building.
The library reopens after the expansion/renovation project with grand re-opening events. Alexis Powers and Gloria Horstman will present book reviews, David Monty will perform a magic show, and many family activities are planned for November 16-22.