Fundraising effort for library renovation continues
Date: 8/23/2013
By Katelyn Gendron
katelyn@thereminder.comWEST SPRINGFIELD – Sharon Scott, chair of the West Springfield Public Library Board of Trustees, may have described this period of fundraising to
Reminder Publications as the “quiet phase” but work behind the scenes is far from slow.
A Steering Committee has been formed and Financial Development Agency has been contracted to assist in effort to raise $2 million to help the town pay for its portion of the library’s renovation and expansion. The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners approved the $13.4 million project and released its first round of funding in the spring for the location at 200 Park St., which would renovate and expand the facility by approximately 15,000 square feet.
“The library is a very, very important project to the community. Having a strong library and good schools lets everyone know how much education is important to our community. [This renovation is needed] so the library can be the communication and information hub of West Springfield,” Scott said.
“Financial Development Agency is helping us with the capital campaign,” she continued. “They’re developing and writing all the grants. Not only are we seeking large donations but we’re also seeking out grants to make the $2 million [mark].”
Scott said the money raised could be used for a variety of things such as landscaping, window treatments, additional lighting and furnishings.
“This is a three-year [fundraising] program but we’ve asked people to donate their pledges based on a five-year gift,” she explained, noting that this way the dollars can stretch over time.
For additional information about the fundraising campaign, visit the library’s website at
www.wspl.org.
