Finishing Touches Going On New Downtown Library
The four-story, $101 million structure between Main Street and Hemming Plaza will open nearly one year behind schedule, but city officials say it is worth the wait."The architecture is incredible," City Engineer John Pappas said. "It's beautiful, it's big, it's, I think, cutting edge."The interior has lots of natural light and a blend of traditional and contemporary styles. Pappas said this will be one of the best libraries in the world."It's amazing. It's a facility that has a little something for everyone," Pappas told Channel 4's Hetal Gandhi. "It's something Jacksonville hasn't seen."
While there are quiet rooms, as people expect in a library, there are also performance spaces, a story-telling theatre for children, teaching areas for teens and high-tech research rooms.And with lots of activity putting the finishing touches on the building for its Nov. 12 grand opening, the library is anything but quiet now.For a complete schedule of events for opening day and the days that follow, visit: jpl.coj.net.Copyright 2005 by News4Jax.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

















An 11-year-old Gainesville girl called 911 and helped her mom deliver her newborn baby sister when the big moment came before they could get to the hospital.
A late-season tropical system lost hurricane strength this morning as it heads for the Gulf Coast, but could still pack high winds and storm surges when it comes ashore tonight night or early tomorrow.
It was standing room only at Sunday's memorial service for a brother and sister authorities said were killed by their father, who then took his own life.
A central Florida television station reports that a man accused of fatally shooting his wife inside their mansion attended the woman's memorial service this weekend.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office has identified the man police shot after he allegedly robbed a Family Dollar store on the Northside.
Crime scene investigators took video of inside Quinn Gray's home the night she was reported missing. Detectives were looking for evidence. Gray claimed she was forced from her home at gunpoint and cops considered it a crime scene.
Sept. 9, 2008: Ponte Vedra Beach mother Quinn Gray describes her very physical relationship with the man she said abducted her.
Police said Osmanovic and Gray spent several nights at a south metro motel, and on one particular morning, Osmanovic wore a recording device and said he was going back to the hotel room to be with Gray.
The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office arrested 34 people Friday morning in connection with illegal narcotics transactions.
SEE IT, SNAP IT, SEND IT: Thousands of eyes and nearly as many cameras pointed toward the sky over Jacksonville's beaches this weekend for the Sea & Sky Spectacular.
Top-dollar designs don't always provide a good return for the rich and famous. Check out which celebs were caught in fashion flops.
Quinn Gray showed investigators marks on her arms and legs she said were the result of her kidnapping.
Slideshow
An 800 square foot mobile home in Nassau County was destroyed by fire Tuesday night. Both residents in the home escaped safely.
Capturing N.E. Florida's wanted suspects is a tough task, so the local station is trying to help with the Wheel of Justice. Every Thursday morning, the wheel spins and a wanted fugitive is profiled.
Images: Fugitives On 'Wheel'














