Deconstruction

The old stack wing of the 1902 library building is empty and ready for deconstruction. Scaffolding on the Essex Street side allows workers to remove and stack the exterior bricks.  I assume they will be reused, given the care with which they are being removed.

The demolition of this wing is (as of now) scheduled to begin April 23.

Photographs! Come March 30!

PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT TO FEATURE HOLYOKE LIBRARY
A Benefit for The Holyoke Public Library
Photographs By Jeffrey Byrnes

• Friday, March 30, 2012
• 6:00pm until 10:00pm
• Mill 1 at Open Square 1 Open Square Way, Holyoke, MA

“Landmark Illuminations,” an extraordinary exhibition of the unique character and special beauties of Holyoke Public Library at its most impressive, will have its official opening on Friday March 30 from 6:00 to 10:00 PM at Mill 1 at Open Square. This exciting cultural and social event features the work of prominent local photographer Jeffrey Byrnes, who has captured the essence of our beloved historic library building on the cusp of its transformation. Mr. Byrnes has generously offered to make some of these iconic images available for sale to benefit the Library Capital Fund Campaign. A number of additional works will also be available to be sold at auction.

Holyoke Mayor, Alex B. Morse has commented that “This gallery opening will be a chance for everyone to see, and potentially own, an example of Jeffrey’s impressive work and to join together to benefit the Library. This is certain to be a highlight of this year’s social calendar.”

The program for the evening begins with a preview of the exhibition from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, during which hors d’ouevres, catered by Slice Café, will be served and a cash bar will be available. The auction, including several limited edition works, will start at 8:00 and continue until 9:30 PM. The exhibit will remain open until 10:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Holyoke Public Library’s temporary location at City Hall. Tickets are $20 each and purchase automatically enters the purchaser in a drawing to win a print by Jeffrey Byrnes.

Muse Framing donated the matting and backing for all of the photographs included in the exhibition and Jeffery Byrnes is donating all of his time, work and profits to the Library Capital Campaign.

MUSIC FOR THE EVENING WILL BE PROVIDED BY Bob Homan. Catering provided by Slice California Cafe and there will be a surprise signature drink for the evening. For additional information or to purchase tickets for the event, please contact the Holyoke Public Library Capital Campaign office at 413-322-5636 or via email:  HPLCampaign <"at"sign> gmail.com

March action

Much action this month! Have you seen the progress at the Construction site? I have been taking some exterior photos and posting them on an online album on SmugMug. INTERIOR photos are being captured by the contractor, sent to the Library each week, and posted on the Library's website. Look for the "Photographic documentations"(weekly pdfs).

Would you like to see a webcam of the construction progress? We'd like to set one up and are seeking advice about best ways to do so. PLEASE let us know if you have expertise in this area. Contact Sandy Ward, 413-532-4306.

Meanwhile, in City Hall, electricians are hard at work upgrading the wiring and lighting for the temporary library spaces.

And the Friends of the Library are gearing up for the annual Future Begins Here GALA (which will be May 6 this year). On Wednesday March 14 we'll be stuffing envelopes for a big mailing. Come join us! We'll be at CareerPoint, 850 High St, 5:30-7pm.

Computers and Phone working!

Telephone service to the Library in City Hall was connected this week. The regular library number, 413-322-5640, again reaches the library's public service staff. (During the move, that number had gone only to a recording that announced a cell phone number for interim use.)

The public access COMPUTERS are also up and running, and free WiFi is available. A Fax machine and copiers are also working. Books, CDs, and DVDs may be borrowed for the usual loan periods.

The Library is open during its customary hours:
8:30 A.M. to 8:30 P.M. Monday through Thursday
8:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. on Friday and Saturday.

If you haven't already visited this library location, do come! You'll find the library in the Auditorium of City Hall, accessible by elevator, which you can reach from the entrance at the back parking lot. 536 Dwight St, Holyoke.

Friends working together

The Friends of the Holyoke Public Library work together on many activities each year. This photo was taken at the Feb 4th Library Open House sponsored by the Friends.

Come to our next meeting, Wednesday, February 8, 5:30-7pm, at CareerPoint, 850 High Street, Holyoke, to learn more about us and upcoming plans.

Winter Carnival events

The Holyoke Winter Carnival is underway.

Friends of the Library are sponsoring several events: a Hot Cocoa Social at the Merry-Go-Round on Thursday, February 2, 5:00-7:00pm, and a Library Open House on Saturday, February 4, 12:00 - 3:30pm. Mr. Tim will read stories to children at 12:30pm, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm. These events are FREE.

Also on February 4th, HPL Board Member Joel Patruno is hosting a "Comic Book Day" at the Library, 10:00am- 4:00pm. He will be sharing many copies of comics he has collected.

The Holyoke Public Library Board also sponsored several events: a benefit concert by Pioneer Valley Capella on the opening day of the Winter Carnival and a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday January 30 to make official the re-opening of the Library in the City Hall Auditorium.

Library Open House

The Library has now re-opened in its temporary location, City Hall, 536 Dwight Street, Holyoke.

 You are Invited to the

Library Open House!

We've Finally Settled In!

The Library Board of Directors and Library Staff

Cordially Invite You to a

Special Open House

To Mark the Occasion of the Official Opening of the Holyoke Public Library

in its Temporary Home in the City Hall Auditorium

Monday, January 30, 2012

from 9:00AM to 11:00 AM

Ribbon Cutting – 9:30 AM