Calling all memories

Congratulations to the Modesto Library, or actually the building at 15th and I Streets. Fifty years ago, the building was dedicated and opened to the public on Nov. 13, 1971. An anniversary like that calls for a celebration!

Throughout the year we’ll highlight stories about the building and events such as the April 29, 1970 groundbreaking; why a new library building was important to the community and comments on the building then and now. If the library is able to offer full services sometime this year, FOML might even be able to do some on-site celebrating.

Library walls go up
The walls go up! Construction of the 62,000 sq. ft. Modesto Library began in 1970 and was completed in November 1971.

Living in the time of a pandemic provides a reality check since research is more difficult without a full access library. Compounding the research issue is the fact that the Modesto Bee from the 1960s and 1970s has not been digitized. Microfilm it will have to be once the library is fully accessible.