Vero Beach – The Brackett Library opened its doors to the public Tuesday after a dedication ceremony hosted by IRSC President Dr. Edwin Massey. The 30,000-square-foot library was a joint $12 million project between IRSC and Indian River County, with the college and county chipping in a combined $5.5 million. That $5.5 million was matched by a Florida Facilities Challenge Grant, and the remaining funds came through private donations.
The library, built to be the cornerstone of the Mueller Center, offers extensive holdings for academic research. Over 90 databases, 48,000 books, periodicals and an array of computers with Internet access will be available to both IRSC students and the public.
County Commission Chairman Wesley Davis spoke the beginning of the dedication ceremony to set the tone for the event. He cited living expenses as being one of the biggest challenges facing students and their families when students have to leave the area to go to school.
“Now we have the opportunity, not just for adults, but for young adults to be able to get their education without leaving Indian River and St. Lucie Counties,” said Davis. “You are able to stay at home and get an education – it’s like a continuation of high school. For kids to have that added level of comfort to their education, combined with the benefits it will have on families financially is going to be incredible.”
Dr. Massey acknowledged Disney’s Vero Beach Resort for their efforts with the children’s area of the library. Volunteer Disney employees (Disney VoluntEARS) from the Disney Vacation Club and Disney Cruise Line donated over 1,000 hours of their time and work in the painting of Disney themed murals and other projects in the library.
“Disney played a part in this project and provided a contribution to support the enhancement of the children’s area of the library,” said Massey. “Their reading area provides 4,000 square feet of reading and enjoyment for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and home-schooled students.”
Along with having the library dedicated in his name, Robert Brackett, who along with his wife Sandy, is responsible for six restoration projects in Vero Beach alone. The couple is known for their philanthropic efforts in providing education for people of third-world countries.
“The beauty of the whole thing is that the college, county, state, and private sector all came together and built something that everyone can use – that makes a lot of sense,” said Brackett. “I’d like to thank Dr. Massey for the role he’s played. Sandy and I have been involved in supporting education for a long time, but hadn’t paid much attention to IRSC. We’re blessed to have this kind of facility right here in our community.”
The Brackett Library will be open to the public Wednesday, Oct. 28 at noon when patrons can begin checking out books and using the library’s full online, print, and media services.
