Library Director Kat outlines Aug. 8 grand opening for Upper King William branch

Library Director Kat told the King William County Library Board the grand opening for the Upper King William branch is scheduled for Saturday, August 8, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., beginning with a brief welcome and a ribbon cutting at 11:00.

Kat said the event will include crafts, a library scavenger hunt, a summer-reading obstacle course, face painting, and activities in the maker space. "The date has been confirmed for Saturday, August 8, from 11:00 till 1PM," the director said. The first 100 visitors will receive giveaways including branded mugs, picnic blankets and pencil kits. County departments — including administration, social services, animal shelter, parks and rec, voter registration and the extension office — were invited to host information tables and provide giveaways; fire, EMS and the sheriff's office were listed as possible participants.

Staff are preparing a run-of-show and coordinating a press release for day-of posts. Logistics items Kat listed for completion included canopies, a PA system, balloons, a ribbon and large scissors, parking maps, and cones for traffic control. Board members offered to assist with setup on Aug. 7 and to help with day-of tasks such as traffic direction and promotional outreach. Kat noted vendor recruitment had been more difficult than expected; at the time of the meeting only a shaved-ice vendor had confirmed.

The director said staff plan to place department tables throughout the branch to prevent crowding in the community room and that the ceremony would move indoors if weather required it. The board concluded the discussion by agreeing to receive a pre-event walk-through and a Thursday meeting to finalize setup details.