The Friends of the Staunton Library will celebrate the completion of renovations to the library’s terrace area with a ceremony on Friday morning.
The 10 a.m. event is open to the public.
Per a release from the city, work was funded by money from an estate gift from longtime Friend of the Library and former board member Julia Kiessling.
“Julia was an enthusiastic supporter of our mission, dedicating her time and effort in support of public library services. We truly miss her and are grateful for her incredible generosity,” Library Services Director Sarah Skrobis said.
The Friends broke ground on the renovation in the spring of 2025.
“The new shaded terrace will expand our library’s mission beyond its brick walls, and in a beautiful way,” said Kennon Bowen, who has been leading the project since its inception.
The completed space includes a tiered terrace to serve as visitor seating and as event space for library programs. The project features patio space, hardscape seating built into the hillside, an accessible path to the raised terrace area, and a permanent shade structure.
“A gift to the library is a gift to the whole community, and we can’t wait to see the terrace filled with story times, concerts and neighbors for decades to come,” said Friends of the Staunton Library President Dan Bates.
To follow up the grand opening, a family storytelling event will be held on the newly opened terrace on Saturday at 10:30 a.m., weather permitting.
Families are invited to gather and listen to professional storyteller Liza Newell spin some kid-friendly tales for the fall season.
In case of rain, this event will be held indoors.
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Chris Graham
