Thousands of books are ready for patrons to borrow or buy at the Flora School Education Center’s refinished library. A grand opening is set for Saturday, Sept. 30, starting at 9 a.m.

FLORA — The library at Flora School Education Center will soon be available for anyone who needs a good book.

With books piling up, the library needed restoration. Now in the final stages, the grand reopening of the Flora School Library is Saturday, Sept. 30, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The event begins with an opening address at 9 a.m. in the Holloway Room, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m.

Books will be ready for checkout, but even more books are ready to sell — both used and new.

Several different deals will be offered: boxed books, bags of books and Buy a Mystery Box.

All proceeds will help the Flora School restoration project. Thousands of books will be available for all ages and interests, said Vanessa Thew Thompson, president of the Flora School Education Center.

Also, several authors will be on site for book signings, including Janie Tippett and Linda Bauck.

Those who like history can get a Flora School alumni tour to learn about early years of the school, and story time will be offered for all ages.

Other offerings include refreshments made by local eateries and a special fundraiser package that includes a library mug, locally roasted coffee and a discount on book buying.

For more information, email floraschool@tds.net, text 541-263-2368 or call 541-828-7010.

Future

Thompson said Flora School and the library will be open Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. to check out books, buy books, work on the school or take a tour.

The hours may vary during the winter, but patrons are encouraged to call or text for information about a visit. For more information, visit floraschool.org.

History

The Flora School started out with “libraries” in each classroom with books according to the age group in that particular room. At some point, an actual library was set up in the high school on the second floor.

The school and its libraries functioned from 1915 to 1975, with Ben Curry being the last student at the school.

The local public library in Flora was located in Myrtle Wulff’s home west of the school. Then it moved to the Northend Grange for a few years with David Curry, local high school student as librarian, and eventually came to rest in the Flora School once again.

Now reopen, residents again have a public library in the north end of Wallowa County.