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Holyoke library project gets $200,000 from PeoplesBank, with President Douglas Bowen calling library catalyst

Mike Plaisance, The Republican By Mike Plaisance, The Republican The Republican
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on May 27, 2011 at 4:47 PM, updated May 27, 2011 at 4:53 PM
libemurals.JPGMurals adorn front lobby of Holyoke Public Library in November 2009 photo.

HOLYOKE – PeoplesBank of Holyoke has donated $200,000 toward the $14.5 million construction and renovation of the Holyoke Public Library, officials said.

“The library project is an initiative that will be a catalyst for community development on so many fronts – economic, social, educational,” Douglas A. Bowen, PeoplesBank President and CEO, said in a press release Thursday.

The library at 310 Maple St. will be a blending of old and new. It will serve as a state-of-the-art information technology and community center while retaining the current building’s historic grandeur, library board pesident Stephen H. “Terry” Plum said.

Among the reasons for the renovation are that the library is 109 years old and has exterior cracks and extensive water damage inside from roof leaks.

Also, in order to meet standards of the state Board of Library Commissioners, additional space is needed for children’s programs and for computer and literacy training, Plum said.

The city is borrowing $5.5 million to help in funding the project. The rest of the project’s funding consists of $4.6 million from the library board’s endowment, a $4.3 million state grant and fund-raising.

“This project is a true partnership between the commonwealth, the city of Holyoke and private citizens and foundations,” Plum said.

“We are tremendously grateful to PeoplesBank for setting the bar for our capital campaign and look forward to other community businesses also participating in this vital community project,” he said.

Construction is set to begin in August and officials hope the new library will be ready in early to mid-2013.
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