Holyoke Public Library Expansion Project

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Comment by Glenn W.Sullivan on November 23, 2009 at 8:02pm

"Holyoke is on the brink of reinventing and reinterpreting the city's definition of community.".........do you know something we don't know? I hope your positive enthusiasm is contagious!

Comment by Sandy Ward on November 23, 2009 at 7:30pm

Thanks, Carrie and John. Let's keep the good examples rolling. Lilly Library in Florence, MA, combines an 1890 building with a new addition. I'm posting photos of Ideas for Elsewhere that I hope will inspire the HPL project. See especially the Danvers Middle School example. - Sandy

Comment by Carrie Lenard on November 23, 2009 at 2:56pm

Thanks for the link and the second, John. I'll check out the Cambridge Library restoration the next time I'm in that fair city.

Comment by John Aubin on November 23, 2009 at 2:26pm

New Cambridge Public Library

Comment by John Aubin on November 23, 2009 at 2:23pm

I second your comments Carrie. The Holyoke Library addition is a great opportunity not only to enhance this valuable resource but to rekindle Holyoke's history for excellent civic Architecture. The recently opened Cambridge Library, a modern building linked to the original restored library, is another example.

Comment by Carrie Lenard on November 23, 2009 at 2:07pm

Thanks to all for your hard work on the HPL Committee!

For what it's worth, the Meekins Library in Williamsburg, MA underwent a hugely successful fundraising plan and subsequent renovation/restoration/addition to their library that is certainly worthy of study.

The Meekins Library addition tastefully marries the historic architecture of the old building to an amazing modern structure that constantly inspires and delights the citizens of Williamsburg, and library-goers from the hilltowns and beyond! For any who remember the old Meekins and its many structural problems and cramped conditions, the new building is an example of citizen involvement, careful planning, reuse, and forward-thinking design.

Why not approach our new library's renovation in stages, with additions to the grand architecture that exists? I understand that the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners based the size of the proposed new library on demographics. And I understand that there are all sorts of funding connected to the project. But, can we start thinking outside the government mandated box?

Yes, the town of Williamsburg is tiny compared to Holyoke, but a library building is the hub of the community it serves. Holyoke is on the brink of reinventing and reinterpreting the city's definition of community. Why not breathe new life into the irreplaceable architecture of our municipal buildings and redefine the way a city can reinvent itself while preserving our historic past? Thanks!

Attached link is the Meekins Library renovation in slides from the architectural firm they hired.

http://www.omr-architects.com/index2.html

Comment by aaron vega on November 9, 2009 at 3:49pm

COME CELEBRATE & SUPPORT
Holyoke Public Library's Next 100 Years

SIGNATURE DRIVE PARTY
To thank all the volunteers who have gathered signatures for the HPL signature drive.

HOLYOKE PUBLIC LIBRARY---UPSTAIRS
TUES, NOV 10TH
6PM-8PM

Live Music by IT Director, Jay Borges and his Salsa Band
Kultura Borikua

Displays, Refreshments and Entertainment!
Refreshments provided by Friends of the HPL

Comment by daphne board on October 16, 2009 at 12:20pm

Hi all-
Last evening was my first chance to see the Library Expansion petition and yellow informational flyer ("Working to make Holyoke Strong for next 100 years"). Unfortunately I did not feel that I could sign the petition since the wording of the petition promoted a "new building on the site of the Library". This sends a very clear message that the Library would prefer to demolish the present building and start new.

Also, I have just read through the yellow flyer. I would like more explanation of the paragraph entitled "Our Building Today". It reads: "Our library is increasingly incapable of meeting Holyoke's contemporary needs. No significant work has been done on the facility in its 107 years and the building has serious health, safety and accessibility issues."
I agree that it is time for renovation of the Library. But, it should be noted that extensive work has been done on the Library during its history. In fact, the HPL website states, " After falling into a state of disrepair over the years, the Library building was slowly restored during the 1980’s with the help of over $750,000 in grants obtained by the Library Director, Mrs. Mary E. Kates."

So, approximately 20-odd years ago a chunk of taxpayers' change was spent on renovating the Library, no? Why does the flyer state that "no significant work has been done"?

Comment by Sandy Ward on October 8, 2009 at 5:06pm

Hi Stan and Daphne,
Debra's answers are right on. Thanks, Debra, for your hard work on behalf of the Library! I, as an officer of the Friends of the Library, am actively involved right now in the "quiet" funding effort (e.g., figuring out how much the Friends group can give now, and how much to pledge to give over the coming years, and brainstorming how such funds could be raised by Friends). If YOU could help gather petition signatures (and hand out the nice brochures that go with that process), that would be useful at this stage. THANKS!

Comment by Debra Vega on October 8, 2009 at 1:07pm

Hey Stan,
The petition drive and any other grassroots support efforts are completely necessary. The $4.4 Million State Grant is contingent upon showing that the community and City Officials of Holyoke are actually in support of this project, and gathering signatures of support is one way to do that.

There are current fundraising efforts underway, but they are just quiet right now. (If you or anyone you know are looking to contribute, then contact me at the Campaign Office 322-5636).The most important Campaign effort is around securing the State Grant. We have applied for a Grant Extension which will give the Library and the Campaign until June to gather proof of support. Part of this support will come from bonding by our City Officials. If there is no proof of community support and no support by City Officials, then we will lose the Grant and lose this opportunity to update this cornerstone of our community.

Thanks for your questions,
Debra

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