Years in the making, the new New Glarus Public Library officially opened its doors early Thursday evening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that marked one of the village’s most significant civic milestones in recent memory.

The ceremony at 26 5th Ave. followed a symbolic transfer of books from the old library to the new one, as community members formed a human chain and passed books toward the new facility.

By the time the crowd gathered outside the entrance, an estimated 200 to 300 people were on hand for the celebration, which included alphorns, music, flag throwing and other entertainment before the formal program began.

Speakers included Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, New Glarus Village Administrator Kelsey Jenson and New Glarus Public Library Board President Daniel Ramirez. The program also recognized the many people and organizations involved in the project, including library staff, donors, members of the Friends of the New Glarus Public Library, village officials and those who helped design, engineer and build the facility.