Gonzales Library ribbon cutting
Mateo Mejia of Gonzales (center) cuts the red ribbon to officially mark the opening of the new Gonzales Library on Saturday. More than 200 people visited the branch on its opening day. (Michael Ramirez)

GONZALES — Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL) hosted a grand opening of the new Gonzales Branch Library on Saturday morning, with more than 200 people in attendance.

Located at the Dennis and Janice Caprara Community Center at 630 Fifth St., the library will be a hub for learning and technology, as well as a gathering place for the community.

The Feb. 28 grand opening featured hands-on activities for all ages, including 3-D printing demonstrations for children and teens, face painting and a special guest appearance by the Save the Whales Program that provided marine education activities for all attendees.

“We feel very fortunate to have the library here at the new community center,” said Kris Amaral, managing librarian for MCFL. “This new space allows us to expand our reach and provide the high-quality resources the residents of Gonzales deserve.”

Gonzales Library opening
Children learn about 3-D printing from Monterey County Free Libraries staff on Saturday at the new Gonzales Branch Library. (Michael Ramirez)

Greenfield resident and field representative for Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-29), Luis Meza was pleased that the new library is now up and running in Gonzales.

“It’s just a magical place for kids,” Meza said. “Especially in this digital age, it’s good to still have a place to read and check out books. This location right across the street from the high school and close to the other Gonzales schools is just a great spot.”

While the grand opening and ribbon cutting for the Dennis and Janice Caprara Community Center took place in January, the new Gonzales library had its own ribbon cutting inside the new space with children from Gonzales participating under the direction of library staff.

Hours for the Gonzales Library are: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Call 831-386-6872 for more information.

Little girl at computer inside library
Ines Lopez, daughter of Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez, does some research on a desktop computer at the new Gonzales Library during its grand opening on Saturday. (Michael Ramirez)
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