ALBANY, N.Y. -- An official ribbon cutting was held for the grand opening of the newly renovated John A. Howe library in Albany. The building has served as a library in the city's south end since it was built in 1929.

The 11.5 thousand square foot building holds a collection of more than 30,000 books, DVDs, CDs, audio books and magazines.

With new renovations, library officials say they're lucky the historic building was able to be brought back to its former glory.

"It is a jewel in the crowd. It's going to help with the neighborhood. We consider libraries a community center so we want everyone to come and meet and hangout at the library,” said Carol Nersinger, Executive Director APL.

The renovation project was part of the $29.1 million Branch Improvement Plan.