Check out this anniversary celebration

The Grafton Public Library this month is celebrating 30 years at its current location.

“Thirty years in one place is a substantial amount of time. It feels like another era going back to 1989,” Library Director John Hanson said.

“We’re highlighting some of that history during our celebration week, which reminds us how far back it goes.”

The anniversary festivities will begin Monday, May 13, and culminate with a reception Friday, May 17.

Some of the highlights include a gallery art walk featuring works by Grafton students, a performance by Grafton High School’s Ensemble Band and a cheese-tasting featuring author Kristine Hansen. A representative of the Grafton Historical Society will also give a presentation on Grafton through the decades. 

Throughout the week, there will be a silent auction for books and assorted baskets, and a $30-for-30-years fundraiser.  

During the Friday reception at 5 p.m., live folk music will be performed by the band Clover Wonder, along with door prizes and a celebratory cake.

“We expect a real fun week because we have a loyal customer base,” Hanson said. “We think we’ll be seeing a lot of them because this is their library.”

The library was previously housed in a former movie theater on 11th Avenue and Bridge Street that’s the current Grafton Town Hall. 

The current library site was previously a playground for Kennedy Elementary School. In 2000, the lower level of the building was completed to create a children’s section. 

“We were able to double our space, otherwise we would have had to find another location, which would have been difficult,” said Hanson, who has been the library director for 19 years. 

“There are a lot of rich memories here and we hope to share them with everyone,” he said.

The library is at 1620 11th Ave.