Dearborn Rotary-funded library auditorium renovation celebrated

 

By SUE SUCHYTA

Times-Herald Newspapers

DEARBORN – New seating, improved accessibility and a better technological layout are highlights of the newly renovated Henry Ford Centennial Library auditorium, thanks in part to a $70,000 donation from the Dearborn Rotary Foundation.

The Feb. 10 reopening featured presentations by Library Director Betty Adams, Dearborn Rotary President David Anderson, Mayor Abdullah Hammoud, Councilmember Leslie Herrick, state Rep. Erin Byrnes (D-15th District) and Rotarian Margaret Blohm.

Adams said the reopening celebrates not only a beautifully revitalized space but the community’s enduring commitment to literacy, learning and cultural enrichment.

“This project would not have been possible without the generous support of the Rotary Club of Dearborn, whose dedication to service and community betterment have left a lasting impact on our library and the residents that we serve together,” she said. “Their financial contribution has helped ensure that the auditorium remains a vibrant space for events, public discussions and performances for years to come.”

Adams said she looks forward to many more moments of “learning, inspiration and connection” in the newly refreshed space.

Anderson said the Dearborn Rotary, which began in 1923, was looking for a centennial project in 2023, when the late Rick Goward, who was then the Rotary president-elect, approached EmmaJean Woodyard, executive director of the Dearborn Community Fund, for project ideas, and one of her suggestions was the library auditorium renovation.

Anderson said the city of Dearborn funded two-thirds of the cost of the library auditorium renovation, while the Rotary’s $70,000 contribution covered about one-third of the cost.

He said the handicap-accessible ramp to the stage was a component of Rotary’s donation because it is in keeping with the organization’s goals. 

Adams then detailed the steps of the auditorium renovation, which included putting the projector and other electronic devices in a booth behind the auditorium instead of in the middle of it, which improves functionality.

She said lighting was added to the lines marking the aisles, and electrical wiring is now under the flooring, which was also improved.

Adams said the seating is all new and is numbered to accommodate ticketed events. There are also wheelchair seating accommodations.

She said there are new curtains as well.

Adams said the auditorium can now be rented by community members for events, with information on the city’s website.

 

Hammoud said the auditorium holds personal significance to him because it is where he was first sworn into office in 2016 when he was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives.

“We’ve all had so many wonderful events in this room, so to see that it has new life in the decades to come, for generations of Dearborn residents to have an opportunity to utilize this room, for the greatest possible experience,” he said.

Hammoud thanked the Dearborn Rotary for their contribution, which was symbolically presented as a giant check on a rainy day during Dearborn’s Homecoming festival.

“It is a blessing to see what this room has become, and I never recalled how ugly it was before the renovation,” he said. “But I guess now that you can see how beautiful it can be, you got to put the two together and you think, wow, this is what it always could have been, and it would not have been possible without the Rotary Club of Dearborn.”

Hammoud said there are many other opportunities for the city to partner with Rotarians on projects to benefit the city.

“There are so many beautiful assets in the city of Dearborn that can use revitalization, and spaces like the library should be important,” he said. “These are our civic spaces; these are spaces where the community comes together.”

Byrnes presented a plaque to the Dearborn Rotary on behalf of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, state Rep. Alabas Farhat (D-3rd District) and herself.

“The library, as we all know, is such a special place, and this really is a gem and a pillar in our community, and this donation/contribution from Rotary will ensure that the Centennial as a whole and the auditorium in particular will remain a really treasured and positive community gathering space now and for many years to come,” she said.

Blohm expressed gratitude for those who continue to support the community, as well as the library and the auditorium.

“I moved here during the blizzard of 1978, and this is one of the first places I came to,” she said. “I always familiarize myself with the library – it’s a great resource – and it was so cool because I’d never been to a library where you could check out toys, and I had a 4-year-old.”

Blohm said Dearborn is a wonderful community and congratulated all who helped make the auditorium renovation possible.

“Dearborn Rotary will continue to support this community,” she said. “Maybe not $70,000 a year, except for scholarships, but we want to thank you for this lovely celebration.”