LINCOLN ACRES – With music, dancing and commemorative mugs, and more than 200 community residents Saturday celebrated the grand opening of the new Lincoln Acres library, park and community room.

“This is a big dream come true for a tiny community,” said Supervisor Greg Cox. “This new library has already become the hub of Lincoln Acres, giving students and families a place to study, read, play and exercise.”

The old Lincoln Acres library used to be the tiniest library in the County system and it had become too small and outdated for the community. Working with neighborhood residents, Supervisor Cox led an effort to build a new, modern library with wireless inter-net, laptops for patrons and an expanded children’s area.

“Libraries can change lives,” said County Library Director Jose Aponte. “This Lincoln Acres library will give students a safe, modern place to do their homework. It will help residents look for new jobs or participate in programs to improve their lives.”

The new library, at 2725 Granger Avenue, includes a park, a playground, an office for Sheriff’s Deputies and a community room that can be used for parties, meetings and events. The building features solar panels and energy efficient building materials.

“With this playground and the new basketball courts, we are going to give kids a chance to play and exercise,” said Parks Director Brian Albright.

The Grand Opening celebration included a salsa dance performance featuring Alma Latina Dance Company, a performance by The Roman Watchdogs and a rock group that includes two Lincoln Acres young men who used to regularly visit the library. Residents received commemorative Lincoln Acres Library mugs and basketballs and children received school backpacks.