November 12, 2007Andie Y. Mewbourn
It's been 15 years since the Orange Beach Public Library opened in a room of the Orange Beach City Hall. First headed by Marsha Owens, the library has moved twice, the last time in 2001 into the present building on Canal Road.
The library began issuing cards in October 1992 with the first books being circulated in December 1992. Now, 15 years later, the library has grown to include 41,611 items in the collection and 12,091 patrons.
"As set forth by the original library board and Ms. Owens, the library continues to provide our community free and open access to the information, material and service they need for lifelong learning, civic engagement and the exchange of ideas," said Bonnie Lee, director.
To celebrate the 15th anniversary, the Friends of the Orange Beach Public Library will hold an open house from 1 to 6 p.m. Wednesday.
The open house will feature light refreshments, a mini book sale, a Bricks for Books sale and a book signing with Ryan Anderson, a former Orange Beach resident who recently published her first book, "The Czech Files."
