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Date: 2/9/2021
HOLYOKE – The Holyoke Public Library is asking the public to consider making their mark on the property by purchasing a brick as part of their ongoing brick fundraising event.
Development Associate for the Holyoke Public Library Nancy Kocsmiersky said the brick fundraiser began when they started raising money for the construction of the building years ago. “The brick fundraising is a continuing fundraiser, it started when the capital campaign for the construction of the building. It was one of the last fundraisers for the construction,” she said.
However, she said they have continued the fundraiser, as each year they find themselves having bricks still available for purchase. “We still have room, so every year we promote it again,” she said. Typically, Kocsmiersky explained, they begin promoting the fundraiser in the fall for bricks which are then installed in the spring.
“Usually we start during the fall, getting people who might want to do the bricks. Usually they get installed in the spring, which gives people a chance to see it when the weather is nice,” she said.
She said while they got the most participation in the brick fundraiser the first two years they did it, each year a dozen or so people still participate in the fundraiser. “Each year we get a few, not usually more than 10 or 12. We definitely have plenty of room for more,” she said.
Bricks come in two different sizes, she said. The first, was a four by eight brick that could be purchased for $125. This brick allows for up to three lines of text and 16 characters of text per line. The second, larger option, is an eight by eight brick for $250. This option allows for up to five lines of text with up to 16 characters per line. Kocsmiersky said the cost of the brick qualifies as a donation.
“It’s totally a donation to the library. Anyone can take the amount off on the taxes like a regular donation and get to memorialize or just put their stamp on a little piece of Holyoke,” she said. Kocsmiersky also said she was “always encouraging people to use that as a way to celebrate,” or for companies to use the fundraiser as a way to advertise.
The donations, she said, are used towards any programming the library puts on for the community. She said, “like 90 percent [of the donations] goes towards programming.” Kocsmiersky said, “Each department has its own programming efforts.” Such efforts include summer programming in the children’s room, and activities in both the children’s and teen’s room. She said activities have not stopped despite the library being closed to the public throughout the pandemic.
“We’re still doing virtual programming, so we will hire presenters right now, but obviously, hopefully soon, everything is more in person,” she said.
Even if they are not interested in donating or purchasing a brick, Kocsmiersky encouraged residents of the city to utilize the space. “It’s on the Maple Street side, the old front of the entrance. People are welcome to stop by and look. It’s open to the public, once everything is nicer outside,” she said. “It’s a nice way to see a different part of the library. It’s the original front entrance of the building at the base of it.”
Those interested in purchasing a brick can do so by visiting http://www.holyokelibrary.org/aboutdonate.asp.