MBLC Notes, January/February 2006: Library Happenings
Library Happenings
Ashland Opens with Ribbon-Cutting and Tears
The interior of the new addition to the Ashland Public Library continues the curved arches of the original structure that leads to an expansive new library.
To the crowd that arrived at the renovated and expanded Ashland Public Library on Friday, October 28th there were wows, congratulations, cake and tissue for the tears of happiness.
“Good afternoon and good morning to this beautiful building,” said Carolyn Bell, Chair of the Trustees in welcoming everyone to the ceremony in the arched new wing. “Thanks to everyone, past and present. Today we are honoring so many good people, as well as the townspeople who said, ‘go ahead, build, we will support you.’”
The Carnegie building of the Ashland Public Library was restored, along with a large expanded addition that melds the two, in its recent building project.
Among the honored guest speakers were State Representative Tom Sannicandro who said, “This is a proud day for Ashland. It can no longer keep its many wonderful attributes a secret;” Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioner Edward Bertorelli who said that this project joined the more than 250 communities from across the state that the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program funded through the help of governors and the legislature, and Ashland Board of Selectman Chair Cassandra Sammons, reminded everyone to “read with your children, as it affects how well they will do through their lives.
Then, with large oversized scissors, Paula Bonetti, Ashland Public Library Director, cut the ribbon uniting the century-old Carnegie building with the new modern addition, and welcomed everyone in to oohs and ahs.
The upper entrance to the new Oak Bluffs Public Library.
To great excitement, the ribbon was cut to open the new Oak Bluffs Public Library on November 5th.
Oak Bluffs Opens Island’s Largest Library
MBLC Commissioner Dr. Em Claire Knowles, left, Oak Bluffs Children’s Librarian Irene Tewksbury, Oak Bluffs Librarian Danguole Budris, and MBLC Library Building Consultant/Small Library Specialist Anne Larsen enjoying the new children’s library at the new Oak Bluffs Public Library.
Going from almost the smallest to largest library on Martha’s Vineyard is no small feat, but that is what Oak Bluffs did when it opened its new library on Saturday, November 5th.
“This is the best 125th birthday present for Oak Bluffs,” said Duncan Ross, Oak Bluffs Board of Selectman library liaison, in welcoming the excited crowd. Michael Dutton, Vice Chair of the Oak Bluffs Board of Selectman, said “Eighteen months ago we all wondered what this huge building would be like, and today we look at this gorgeous library and wonder where it will take us, in learning that will go beyond these front doors.”
In speaking for the Oak Bluffs Public Library Board of Trustees, Joan Desautelle, Chair, said, “This building is beyond our wildest dreams, and I want to thank all of you, the townspeople, for your support.”
Commissioner Dr. Em Claire Knowles from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, and State Representative Eric Turkington, also offered their congratulations. “Today is your day to celebrate Oak Bluffs and its accomplishment,” said Knowles.
After the remarks a ceremonial blessing was given and a golden ribbon cut, led by Karen Achillie, Chair of the Oak Bluffs Public Library Building Committee, and Danguole Budris, Oak Bluffs Public Library Director.
Commissioner George Comeau addressed the opening day crowd at the Norfolk Public Library on the value of libraries to learning and democracy.
Norfolk Reopens in Expanded New Library
Under bright sun a large crowd gathered in front of the newly expanded and renovated Norfolk Public Library on Sunday, November 20th for a “celebration of our community.”
A large crowd gathered in Norfolk on Sunday, November 20, 2005 for the Grand Opening of the newly renovated and enlarged library.
State Senator Scott Brown in his remarks said, “I am so proud of this downtown area, and all of the coordination that it took to get this done.” And State Representative Richard Ross said offered his congratulations by declaring, “What a glorious day. Not only does this building fit in with the new town center, but it incorporates both the original one room schoolhouse and its addition from the 80s.”
Patrons began checking out books at the new Norfolk Public Library on its Opening Day.
Commissioner George Comeau, of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, also invited those present to “Reflect on the day and the dedication of the library…The past, present and future of your community…the revitalization of libraries like this and across the Commonwealth shows that learning and literature is valued, and who among the children here may be influenced by the wonderful resources here.”
Norfolk Public Library Director Robin Glasser accepts the keys to the new library from Robert Lowndes, Chair of the Town of Norfolk Permanent Building Committee.
Library Trustees Kenneth Nelson and Harvey Bouley took turns in thanking the many individuals and businesses who had helped with the project “This is a product of many hands, minds and hearts,” they said, “and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners is a true partner to libraries across the Commonwealth.”
And, just before the ribbon was cut, library director Robin Glasser was given the keys to the building by Robert Lowndes, Chair of the Town of Norfolk Permanent Building Committee.
Harvard Breaks Ground at Old Bromfield
A large crowd gathered in front of the old Bromfield School in Harvard for the groundbreaking of its new library on Saturday, November 19, 2005.
After almost 10 years of planning, residents of Harvard, young and old, came out on a cold sunny Saturday in November to celebrate the official groundbreaking for their new library at the site of the old Bromfield school.
Library Trustees, State dignitaries and Friends all joined in to turn over the ground for the new Harvard Public Library.
Ginger Kendall, Chair of the Harvard Public Library Trustees, welcomed everyone and thanked both the library trustees and Bromfield trustees for working together to make this project reality.
State Senator Pam Resor offered her congratulations to the town and said that she “looks forward to the excitement of this new library that will serve as a community center for life long learning." State Representative Jamie Eldridge remarked on the "creativity, commitment and hard work that it took to be able to transform this fabulous old school building into a new library for the 21st century.”
Harvard Public Library Director Mary Wilson, left, joined with Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Building Consultant Patience Jackson, MBLC Commissioner Elia Marnik, State Senator Pam Resor and State Representative Jamie Eldridge in celebrating at the groundbreaking.
Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Elia Marnik said it was great how the town of “Harvard has a long history of supporting the library, and although your old library has served you well, this new addition and renovation to this school that holds so many memories will more than double your space and allow for parking and the many library services needed for the 21st century.”
Commissioner Elia Marnik brought greetings from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners to those gathered at the site of the new Harvard Public Library.
Others who thanked the many citizens who have given financially were made by Mary Wilson, library director, and library trustee Roy Moffa, Building Committee and Campaign Co-Chair, who said, “A third of the funding had been raised through private donations, this is an amazing accomplishment.”
Charlton to Restore Town Landmark for Library
The Shepherd Hill Regional High School Marching Band played the National Anthem to begin the groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the new Charlton Public Library
The weather was sunny, windy and cold on Saturday, December 3rd, but the crowd was excited to ceremonially break ground for their long-awaited new library in Charlton that would transform Dexter Memorial Hall into a new library. Stefan Sage, Chair of the Charlton Public Library Board of Trustees, introduced the Shepherd Hill Regional High School Marching Band who played the National Anthem. That was followed by the quick ceremonial groundbreaking by six residents of Charlton who had been invited to do the honors.
Representatives from the community quickly shoved dirt at the groundbreaking for the new Charlton Public Library.
Stefan Sage, Chair of the Charlton Public Library Board of Trustees, thanked State Representative Mark Carron and State Senator Stephen Brewer for their work on behalf of the project.
Following a quick break, the crowd went to the Charlton Elementary School where it was warm and the ceremony continued with remarks by State and local officials. Among those speaking were State Senator Stephen Brewer and State Representative Mark Carron who were thanked by Sage for their assistance with the project. “When you build libraries,” said Sen. Brewer, “you build for the future,” to which Rep. Carron said, “This project has brought out the best that Charlton has to offer.”
Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioner Edward Bertorelli in his remarks said that “It is amazing what citizens of towns like Charlton, and hundreds of communities across the state, have been able to do in building and rehabbing their libraries. Well over $200 million has been given to communities with these projects,” he continued.
Peter Boria, Chairman of the Charlton Board of Selectman, said, “What a great birthday present for the 250th anniversary of Charlton, that we can bring a new use to this great building.” And, he credited much of that success to the Capital Campaign Committee that announced that it had so far raised more than $1 million in private donations through its “Make Our Treasure Shine” campaign.
Lunenburg Opens its New Library
Light snow covered the new Lunenburg Public Library on Sunday, December 4, 2005, for its Grand Opening Celebration.
Enjoying refreshments and music, hundreds of friends and neighbors of Lunenburg toured their new library on Sunday, December 4th during the Grand Opening Celebration.
Susan Tallman, Director, was all smiles as she greeted old friends, staff, supporters and welcomed everyone who had made this “dream” become a reality. State Senator Robert Antonioni said, “It is a blessing to be here today. This building is filled with bright lights, books, computers, people and love, imagination and devotion.” State Representative James Eldridge added, “The true value of a library is providing equal opportunity for all to pursue your dreams and education.”
Debra Chapdelaine, Chair of the Library Board of Trustees, thanked all the volunteers who helped with fundraising and the many tasks that brought this wonderful library to fruition.
Senator Robert Antonioni offered his congratulations to the residents of Lunenburg, along with others, on the completion of their new library.
Other speakers included Daniel Cronin, Chair of the Library Building Committee; Debra Laffond, President of the Friends of the Library, and Edward Bertorelli, a Commissioner with Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. “As Americans we should never take for granted the ability to enter these doors to access information. Our libraries, free to all who enter, are the envy of all throughout the world,” said Bertorelli.
Carolyn Noah, Administrator of the Central Massachusetts Regional Library System, left, enjoying the new Lunenburg Public Library with Susan Tallman, Library Director, Daniel Cronin, Chair of the Lunenburg Public Library Building Committee, and Edward Bertorelli from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.