The Orono Public Library Foundation will hold a ceremonial groundbreaking this Thursday, June 9 at 11:35 a.m. for the Orono Village Green, according to capital campaign co-chairs Sarah Kenney and Brian Rahill. Donors to project as well as the public are invited to the groundbreaking ceremony, to take place on the front lawn of the Orono Public Library. Sargent Corporation of Stillwater is the contractor for the Orono Village Green.

Donors to Chapter Two: The Campaign for the Orono Village Green contributed $345,000 to support the project to transform the area directly behind the Orono Public Library into the Orono Village Green – a gift from the Orono Public Library Foundation to the Town of Orono. The Foundation has provided the funds to the town, and the town is overseeing the project.

During construction of the Orono Village Green, the area directly behind the library will be closed to the public, according to Library Director Laurie Carpenter. The Summer Concert series will be held at Webster Park.

In announcing the groundbreaking, Kenney and Rahill, President and Vice President respectively of the Orono Public Library Foundation said, “We extend our deep appreciation from the Foundation’s board and capital campaign committee to the 375 donors – individuals, families, foundations, businesses and service organizations that have contributed to make the Orono Village Green a reality.”

The Orono Village Green will feature a 125-seat amphitheater and stage, lawn and granite seating, hundreds of ornamental trees, flowers and plantings, a stone plaza with tables, chairs and sun shade, an overlook area, pergola and bench seating areas. There will also be pathways circling the grounds connecting to the Orono Senior Center and leading to the village.

The Orono Public Library Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2002 to raise the funds to construct the library. An all-volunteer organization, the Foundation is governed by an eleven-member Board of Directors. For more information about the Foundation go to www.oronolibraryfoundation.org or find them on Facebook at Orono Public Library Foundation. Contact the Foundation by e-mail at info@oronolibraryfoundation.org or by mail at PO Box 308, Orono, ME 04473.