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Speaker at the groundbreaking, öÏÓãÊÓƵapp Public Library CEO Steve Kraft welcomed everyone to the Baker Street development site, soon to be the new öÏÓãÊÓƵapp Public Library and more.

He said there was also a sunrise ceremony held by local Indigenous Peoples at the downtown location, previously a parking lot, and before that a city burial ground.

Appropriately, he called the event the beginning of a new chapter for öÏÓãÊÓƵapp, with a new central library.

He said the new space would “inspire, educate and uplift our community for generations to come.�

“Those of you who can’t believe this is actually happening, now is the time to pinch yourself, and pinch yourself hard,� Kraft said.

He encouraged everyone to snap photos and share their memories and thoughts to social media and beyond.

There were also many acknowledgments for folks who had a role in making this day happen.

Mayor Cam Guthrie mentioned many of the components to the new space and said he is most excited about the accessibility for everyone, and, as a history buff, a place for city archives.

“This is a good day. Let’s celebrate it properly and really cheer this on right to the ribbon-cutting, whenever that is, hopefully sooner than later,� Guthrie said.

There were also many past and present city councillors in attendance, ready to get their shovels into the dirt.

Ward 5 Coun. Cathy Downer, who has been a big supporter of a new library for many reasons, said she was proud to be there, as “it has been a long time coming.�

“It’s great to see so many people out to celebrate this,� Downer said. “And I appreciate all the people who have come together to do this.�

For more information on the Downtown Renewal project, visit .

To learn about the Baker District, go to .