New ornament to benefit Friends

President Tim Damon recently announced the arrival of a shiny new ornament in the Friends of the Library's series of historic ornaments. This one depicts the popular Holyoke landmark of Scott Tower.  The design was selected by long-time Friends volunteer Michael Baron. 

The sale of each ornament ($14) benefits the Friends and ultimately the Library,  helping to fulfill the Friends mission of supporting the Library.  You can buy the ornaments at the Library, in the Mayor's Office,  or whenever you see a Friends of the Library table at a community event.

The Scott Tower ornament made its debut at the Great Holyoke Block Party, Sunday September 5, 2010.    It was on display in Veterans Park along with the Civil War Memorial ornament honoring the statue that is being restored by Cesar Lopez in the center of that park.

Karlene Shea (pictured here) was one of the volunteers staffing the Friends table.

Walter Scott Memorial Tower is the official name of the tower, as noted in the information card that accompanies the new ornament. (See photo below).

September's coming!

September will start with much activity, and YOU could be a helpful volunteer for the Friends.

President Timothy Damon is seeking people to help staff a Friends of the Library table on Sunday, September 5 during the Great Holyoke Block Party  (11am-8pm on Chestnut Street by Veterans Park, Holyoke).   Our role is to encourage the public to use the Library and to consider joining the Friends of the Library.  Last year at this event we recruited several new members and had fun in the process.  Come enjoy the music, food, and games AND volunteer at the Library table to help for an hour or two.

This is also the time of year for our membership mailing about dues renewal.  Come socialize with Friends as we hold a "work bee" to stuff envelopes starting Wednesday afternoon, September 1.  (The materials are  being printed...  schedule may shift slightly, but our hope is to get all in the mail by September 3.)  Contact Sandy Ward, Tim Damon, or Margaret McCarthy if interested in helping for an hour or two.

Join us also on Wednesday, September 8, 5:30-7:00pm, in the Community Room of the Library for the first full BOARD MEETING of the Friends of the Holyoke Public Library under our new monthly schedule  (2nd Wednesday of each month, 5:30pm).   All meetings open to the public, and refreshments* are provided.

*Another volunteer opportunity!  Contact us if you can help with refreshments for one or more meetings.

THANK YOU!  
       Sandy Ward, Corresponding Secretary  413-250-8079

Summer activities

The Friends of the Library sponsored an Information Table and an Activity Table at the Noche de San Juan festival in Heritage Park on June 27.  This was a fun opportunity to promote the Library, meet people, and recruit new Friends members. 

Loida did outreach in Spanish while Tim manned the table.

  Friends volunteers Tim Damon, Christine Alger, Loida Martinez, Sandy Ward, and Rory Casey were among the active participants.

Tim read books to younsters

Another outreach opportunity will come on Labor Day Weekend: we'll have a table at the Great Holyoke Block Party on Sunday afternoon September 5, 2010.  Here's a photo from last year's Block party, at which we recruited several new Friends members.

 Come join us!    Chestnut Street & Veterans Park.

  Sept 5, 2010    11am-7pm

Drop by whenever you wish --enjoy the music, food, games, dancing--  and help us talk to people about the Library and its many services).

It's Official! Contracts signed for Library Project

On Thursday, June 24th at 11:00 am,  in Mayor Elaine Pluta's office at City Hall,  important documents related to the Holyoke Public Library Building Project were signed by Mayor Pluta, HPLC President Terry Plum, and City Solicitor Lisa Ball:

1. City-Library contract formalizing the on-going partnership between the HPLC and City
2. Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners contract for $4.4M state grant  

Friends, public officials, and the media were present to witness this historic step.

   WAMC reported on 2010-06-26, "At a time when public libraries in Massachusetts are being hit by budget cuts ..., there is reason for library supporters in one Western Massachusetts city to cheer. A plan has been put together to pay for a 15 million dollar renovation and expansion of the 108 year old Holyoke Public Library building..."
 [link to WAMC report]

Community Meetings with Library Design team

Come to the Library Community Room on Tuesday, May 25, to see drawings of the proposed library expansion/renovation and give your reactions!    You have a choice of two sessions:

11:30am-1pm

    5:30 - 7 pm

This is a follow-up to the well-attended May 13th community meetings pictured here.    Community input was helpful.   We expect to see further development in the design by May 25.

ANNUAL MEETING

May 20, 5:30pm, Community Room, Library, 335 Maple St, Holyoke.  Brief business meeting to elect new Board and Officers, then Refreshments at 6:00 pm, Program at 6:30pm: 

Come hear author Timothy Black discuss his award-winning book, When a Heart Turns Rock Solid: The Lives of Three Puerto Rican Brothers On and Off the Streets.

Photos taken May 20:   Delicious food provided Rory Casey and Michael Baron


Book-signing after the very moving program.

Future Begins Here 2010

Friends of the Holyoke Public Library participated in the 19th Annual Future Begins Here event at the Holyoke Mall, Sunday, May 2, 2010.

Christine Alger (photo, right)  and many other volunteers assisted at the Silent Auction tables.

THANK YOU to all the people who volunteered their time and/or spent their money at this gala event!

Funds raised by ticket sales, auctions sales, bar sales, balloon sales, and sponsorships help support the Children's Room at the Holyoke Public Library.

Peg McCarthy (left) staffed another table with Silent Auction items.

Rory Casey was Chair of the Library team. Thanks, Rory!

Christine Alger, Peg McCarthy, Karlene Shea, Tim Damon, Rory and Melissa Casey.