East Biloxi fare to highlight library ceremony

The Biloxi Public Library will have its formal grand opening on Friday, Sept. 30 from 4 to 7 p.m.

The library, which is at 580 Howard Ave., is part of a $19.7 million site that also includes the Biloxi Civic Center.

The occasion will mark the first chance for the public to visit the local history section of the library – “a library within a library” – and visit the normally off-limits archive room, where the voluminous collection of vintage photographs and documents are stored in high-density shelving protected by a fire-suppressant system that employs gas instead of water.

During the three-hour event, visitors will be able to sample a menu of east Biloxi fare: Barq’s root beer, which was originally produced blocks away on Keller Avenue; pusharatas from the Slavonian Ladies Auxiliary, potato salad from the Fleur De Lis Society, fresh French bread from Le Bakery owner Sue Nguyen, and jambalaya from Matthew Dubaz and Co.

The male choir from Greater St. John AME Church, which is at Division and Lee streets, also will perform.

The grand opening will be the first chance for visitors to see the library’s new digital microfilm reader printers, and it will be the last chance for visitors to view the Point Cadet exhibition created by artist Peter Jurich. The paintings and models of Point Cadet landmarks lost to time and elements will be replaced in October by a model car exhibit honoring Cruisin’ the Coast.

Webcast redux: Jane Shambra, who oversees the local history library, discussed the grand opening at the beginning of last week’s City Desk webcast. To listen to the program, click here.

News and notes

Financial issues: Several key components of the city’s recently approved municipal budget – the combined funds statement, statement of revenues, and departmental summaries – have been posted on the city’s web site. To visit the financial section, click here.

Cheerful news: The Biloxi High School cheerleaders will appear at Newk’s restaurant at the Promenade in D’Iberville this afternoon from 5 to 7. The restaurant will donate a portion of its proceeds during that time to the cheerleaders.

Cruisin’ the Coast: Downtown businesses have received a notice from Main Street Biloxi about next week’s Cruisin’ the Coast block party. To see the details about the event, click here.