Crowds gather outside the North Branch of the Berkeley Public Library on April 7 in anticipation of its re-opening. Photo: Richard Friedman

The North Branch of the Berkeley Public Library reopened on Saturday, and Berkeley residents turned out in impressive numbers to welcome its return. We’re delighted to say that some of our favorite photographers were on hand to document the occasion. For a look inside the newly refurbished library, check out our sneak peek photo tour, published on April 3.

The ribbon is cut, by, among others, Councilmember Laurie Capitelli (far left), State Senator Loni Hancock, and Mayor Tom Bates (center). Photo: Richard Friedman

Inside the newly remodeled library, customers were admiring the new decor and inquiring about books. Photo: Richard Friedman
Outside, musicians marked the occasion and a party atmosphere was in the air. Photo: Ira Serkes
A new generation of readers perused the bookshelves. Photo: Richard Friedman

Related:
Gleaming new North Branch Library to open Saturday [04.03.12]
Dates set for reopening of North and Claremont branches [02.14.12]
New addition to North Branch Library almost complete [02.02.12]
Berkeley’s Claremont Library reopening delayed two months [12.07.11]
Berkeley settles contentious library lawsuit [09.06.11]
A peek at the renovations at Berkeley’s branch libraries [08.16.11]
Berkeleyans rally to move forward on library renovations [04.27.11]

Tracey Taylor is co-founder of Berkeleyside and co-founder and editorial director of Cityside, the nonprofit parent to Berkeleyside and The Oaklandside. Before launching Berkeleyside, Tracey wrote for...