The Library celebrated two grand openings this weekend: of the renovated and expanded Carnegie building on Picton Main Street, and of the new Bake Entrance, the official name of the library’s new side door off Armoury Square, courtesy of Alexandra Bake.

If the celebration honoured the enhanced and expanded library — which after its impressive renovation now opens into a huge two-storey addition — it honoured first and foremost the people who worked tirelessly to make it all happen.

Of all these — including 80 volunteers, and the dedicated members of the Fundraising Committee — there was perhaps no one who accomplished more than Alexandra Bake, the “honourary” chair. Over four years of tireless and tenacious service, Ms. Bake headed an effort that raised $3.8 million dollars for the renovation.

“An extraordinary achievement for a place with 26,000 people,” noted Libraries CEO Barbara Sweet, who nominated Ms. Bake for a Civic Recognition Award.

Unusually, Mayor Steve Ferguson was on hand with the award, which must be conferred at Shire Hall. But as Ms. Bake’s family was in attendance he bent the rules and brought the plaque to the celebration. He recounted his 40-year friendship with Ms. Bake and her family.

“We celebrate our donors,” he noted, “and among them Willem and Bettina Bake, who moved to the County in 1984 with their four children, Alexandra, Chris, Victoria, and Michael, and supported the library and literacy all of their years here.”

The Mayor also honoured the Bake family for their transformation of Picton Main Street over four decades, by purchasing, renovating and building in a way respectful of the County’s built heritage, “long before the Heritage Conservation District was even thought of.”

Of Ms. Bake herself, the Mayor noted, “there has never been an opportunity like that today to express our gratitude. We honour you for your enormous service, as for your tenacity, imagination, determination, and charm. You have demonstrated what is possible.”

“We are in your debt.”  

After the red ribbon over the new library entrance was cut with the giant scissors, there was another surprise unveiling, of the words now emblazoned over the new doorway, Bake Entrance.

Ms. Bake took the podium to say a few words, truly overcome.

“I truly did not expect this,” she said, with unfeigned emotion, deeply gratifying all those who worked so hard to keep the special dedication of the entrance a secret for three weeks in a very small town.

She thanked all 80 volunteers, and the fundraising committee, and every single donor, noting those who gave $5.00 were as important as those who gave hundreds of thousands, because “every single dollar went directly into this beautiful library.”

“I truly did not expect this,” she said, with unfeigned emotion, deeply gratifying all those who worked so hard to keep the special dedication of the entrance a secret for three weeks in a very small town.

“What an honour.”