100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDIAN ORCHARD BRANCH LIBRARY

Springfield City Library Plans Special Celebration!
SPRINGFIELD, MA – April 23, 2009 – It’s 1909 and what’s happening in the world? William Howard Taft has just succeeded Theodore Roosevelt as the 27th President of the United States. Big band leader Benny Goodman is born. And construction begins on the RMS Titanic in Belfast, Ireland. On Oak Street in the Indian Orchard section of Springfield, Massachusetts, the Springfield City Library system is opening the doors of a Classical Revival style library, made possible through the generosity of Andrew Carnegie. Designed by local architect John Donahue and built by local craftsmen, it is the first fully staffed suburban branch library in Springfield. In 1905 the Carnegie Foundation had given $260,000 to the city to build a central library and three branch libraries. (Also funded by this 1905 grant and commemorating one hundred years of service is the Forest Park Branch Library. A celebration event is being planned for the fall.)

In recognition of this milestone, there will be an Open House Celebration on Saturday, May 9th from 1-3 p.m. at the Indian Orchard Branch Library, which has now graced the corner of Oak and Worcester Streets for a century. The air will be filled with the sweet harmonies and jazzy blues sounds of the musical duo Too Human. Demonstrating her phenomenal artistry will be watercolorist Susan Pecora, who will work on a painting of the Library to be donated and hung in the branch. Crafts and face painting will provide fun for children. Refreshments will provide enjoyment for all!

This project is being funded in part through grants from the Springfield Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Special thanks and recognition go to the Indian Orchard Branch Library Advisory Committee for their continued help and support.


About the Springfield City Library
For over 150 years, the Springfield City Library (www.SpringfieldLibrary.org) has provided public library service to area residents. Starting with a single central library in 1857, the Springfield City Library today maintains ten neighborhood branches. Using state-of-the-art technology, the Library provides free and easy access to information and the opportunity for lifelong learning through a variety of programs and services, including Internet access at each location. Springfield City Library – A Place for You.

For additional information, contact: Janet Stupak, Community Relations Coordinator, Springfield City Library 413-263-6828, ext. 422; jstupak@springfieldlibrary.org