50 Years of Library Cooperation

Last night western Massachusetts librarians, trustees and legislators celebrated 50 years of cooperation, services and advocacy at the Apollo Grille in Easthampton. On December 1, 1961, the first Massachusetts regional library system, the Western Regional Public Library System, was founded.

Even though the Western MA Regional Library System is no longer in action (see below), the Western MA Library Advocates (WMLA) is thriving, offering programs, opportunities for advocacy, and occasions for library advocates to gather, support libraries services in western Mass and share a mutually beneficial and treasured history. This anniversary party was no exception.

Participants from the five western counties brought photos and artifacts from the history of the Western Region, the WMRLS Friends, and the Western MA Library Club (WMLC). (The Advocates is a merger of these last two organizations.) The occasion was honored by the presence of three Regional Administrators: Frank P. Taplin (first), Bruce S. Baker (third), and John E. Ramsay (final). Mass Library Association Ruth Urell attended as did Representative Don Humason and Aide to Senator Knapik Dan O’Brien. Most of the WMLA Board was there as were members of the previous WMLC board.

There were lots of stories, even some new ones. Brian Marchese, former driver for WMRLS observed when looking at the slide show that was being shown: “You know—looking at those pictures, I feel like I’m seeing reruns of an old TV show that I used to watch a lot. Like—‘Oh, here’s the episode where Mary and Jan (insert plotline here)…..’ I have to remind myself that this was actually my life every day for ten years!” In addition to plans for the future, the evening held a lot of history and a lot of joy.

As an aside, the Apollo Grille provided delicious food complemented by the music of guitarist Mark Schwaber. WMLA President Eric Poulin MC’d the comments. On behalf of the Cooperating Libraries of Greater Springfield President Kathy McDonough presented WMLA with a donation of $200 to support advocacy efforts. Everyone had a great time; maybe we’ll do this again next year.

(Following the Western Region, the Central and Eastern regions formed. In 1982, the Western Region became the first Massachusetts regional library system to form a nonprofit corporation. In the late 80’s, an affiliate membership was created to allow a few nonpublic libraries to join the system for ILL and delivery services. In the early ‘90’s, regional systems were expanded to include all types of libraries and the number of systems was increased to 6. In 2010, funding was diminished to such a degree that the 6 systems were dissolved. The Massachusetts Library System was established to support library services in the Commonwealth.)

Happy Anniversary to Granby Free Public Library

On December 1, 2007 the Granby Library Trustees held an Open House from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Granby Free Public Library’s Carnegie Building. This Building was officially opened on Nov. 23, 1917. It was built with the help of a $5,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation on land donated in the 1880’s by Dexter Taylor, a descendant of Granby’s original settlers.

December 1 was a day set aside to celebrate the present and remember the past. Food and entertainment were provided, including World War I recipes, baked by Library Trustees. Library staff, some Trustees, and two Granby patrons came dressed in period costume. Original blueprints and architectural renderings of the building were displayed. Many other Carnegie libraries sent the Library cards and other mementos, which were also on display. Entertainment included a performance by Richard Clark, who reenacted Andrew Carnegie’s life. Attendees were given commemorative bracelets and a newspaper entitled Then And Now. A commemorative quilt was on display at the Library and included the thank you Andrew Carnegie cards that school aged children had created. Available for sale were notecards depicting the Library during the different seasons. Also on sale were watercolor prints of the Library… A special cancellation stamp, designed by Library Trustee Nancy Evren, which commemorated the dedication of the Carnegie Library building, was available for use for the first time at the Open House. A time capsule, containing items culled from library patrons’ suggestions, was buried on the library grounds. Senator Gale Candaras presented the Library with a citation from the Commonwealth. Trustee chair, Virginia Snopek, presented Library Director, Jennifer Crosby, with a plaque, listing all the directors of the Library since its inception (pictured above right).

While planning for a future home in a community library, the Trustees of the Granby Free Public Library were proud to provide the Town with this special day of celebration, remembering our past.

~ Virginia Snopek, Trustee Chair, Granby Free Public Library