A Place to Connect; New Orleans' Public Library Reopens June 25 -- the Result of Donations of Time, Talent and Products Worth More Than $500,000

NEW YORK CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 1, 2006--On June 25, 2006, the Katrina-devastated Alvar Street Branch Library is scheduled to reopen with a celebration and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The reopening marks the first major joint effort to bring a severely damaged library back into service in New Orleans. Scheduled from 5:30-7:30 at the Alvar Street Branch Library, the reception will be a true celebration of community. The neighborhood and the collection of businesses who donated their time, talent and products to resurrect the 2,550-square-foot public library relied solely on private funding and donations.

In four short months, a pro bono team led by Library Journal, an industry trade publication, Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle (MS&R), an architectural and interior design firm, and the New Orleans Public Library (NOPL) have been working aggressively on the restoration of the Alvar Street Branch Public Library. Water damage from Hurricane Katrina destroyed the interior, including all of the furniture, flooring, shelving, electrical systems and the entire collection of books and media materials.

WHAT:     The first major joint effort to restore a public library in
          New Orleans severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina reopens to
          the public on Sunday, June 25. The grand opening celebration
          is scheduled from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and includes a
          ribbon-cutting ceremony, food and refreshments, and live
          entertainment. 

WHY:      Only five of New Orleans' 13 public libraries are currently
          open in the city. The pro bono team and members of the New
          Orleans Public Library system selected the Alvar Street
          Branch Library for the project because of its structural
          integrity and location in a recovering neighborhood, known
          for its history and demographic diversity.

          The Alvar Street Branch Library is listed on the National 
          Register of Historic Places and located in the Ninth Ward 
          neighborhood of Bywater. 

WHO:      Spearheaded by Library Journal, MS&R, and the NOPL, the
          restoration of Alvar Street Branch Library is the result of
          a remarkable collective effort that includes major book and
          media distributor Baker & Taylor, whose services will shelve
          the entire opening day collection, which will include more
          than 12,000 books, audiobook CDs, DVDs, and music CDs
          donated by many publishing houses. 

RE-CONNECTING:

          Believing libraries are critical spaces for community
          connection, MS&R designed the new Alvar Street Branch
          Library to help rebuild the neighborhood. Design highlights
          include a vibrant, jazz-influenced interior color scheme, 22
          computer spaces, artwork celebrating New Orleans musicians
          done by local artists, new lighting and an exterior
          courtyard designed to host community gatherings and
          receptions. Local architect Eean McNaughton was retained by
          NOPL to oversee construction.

Media are invited to attend the public grand reopening of the Alvar Street Branch Library in New Orleans on June 25. Please contact Krista Rafanello with Library Journal or Jackie Peacha with MS&R for interviews and/or press passes for the event.