Groundbreaking.

Without libraries, what have we? We have no past and no future.
-Ray Bradbury

The Groundbreaking Ceremony for the expansion and building of our beautiful new library took place Monday morning, November 5, 2007.  More than 70 supporters gathered to witness this great moment in Cape Girardeau Public Library’s history.

Board of Trustees President, Sheryl Smith welcomed supporters.

Mayor Jay Knudtson makes remarks on the positive community impact of a new library.

The Reverend Mark Martin blesses the new project.

Library Director, Betty Martin gives the history of Cape Girardeau’s Library and tells a beautiful story of what the library will be in the future.

Supporters gather to listen to Martin speak.

Friends of the Library President, Carolyn Ford Bock recognizes contributors and donors to the success of the new expansion.

Jim Hirsch commemorates his parents with a donation to the library for a new community room.

Pictured from left to right:  Sheryl Smith-President of the Board of Trustees, Amee Boettcher-Library Construction Liaison, Tom Keifner-General Contractor, Mayor Jay Knudtson, Betty Martin-Library Director, Carolyn Ford Bock-Friends of the Library Foundation Board President, Jim Hirsch-donor, Margie Hirsch Deimund-donor, Senator Jason Crowell, Harold Hager-Building Committee Chair, Nick Bira-representative of our community’s youth & Doug Leslie-City Manager.

Pictured from left to right:  Praxair Representative, Ann Bira- Board member, Sarah Nussbaum, Board member, Eric Bohl-Board member, Betty Henson, Friends Foundation Board member, Joan Slaughter-Board member, Esther Hartman-Vice-President of the Board of Trustees, Viney Mosley-LibrarYes! campaign chair, Marge Baverle-Friends Foundation Board member, Ann Waggoner-Evening Optomist member & Dennis Vanasche-Evening Optomist member.

Pictured from left to right:  Debbie Carlton-spouse of Board member, Jean Martin-Library Circulation, Stephanie Weidenbenner-Library Circulation, Matt Hopkins-City Council member, Betty Martin-Library Director, Reverend Mark Martin, Linda Ayers Bailiff-Library Administrative Assistant, Marilyn Hutchings-Library Information, Barbara Campbell-Library Cirulation & Mia Cook-Library Youth Services.

Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce Vice-President of Community Development packs up the groundbreaking shovels.