WESTFIELD-The Westfield Athenaeum is a “historical gem” in the eyes of director Daniel Paquette.
During an interview in the Athenaeum’s Whitney Study on Thursday morning, Paquette was passionate when he announced an ambitious fundraising effort was underway titled Rise to Knowledge Campaign that seeks to raise $1.5 million by the end of 2017. A public kick-off and reception is slated Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to noon to showcase an artist’s rendering of the upcoming renovations and answer questions about the project.
“The funds will support a building and renovation project to make the Athenaeum universally accessible, safer for children and families, and ensure the beauty and historic integrity of our beloved building for generations to come,” said Paquette, noting this effort is the first major renovation at the Athenaeum in 50 years.
Daniel Paquette, director of the Westfield Athenaeum, notes that a temporary ramp will be located at this entrance while renovations are made to the side entrance.
“It is our hope that these renovations will ensure the Athenaeum will not need more upgrades for another 50 years,” he added.
The Athenaeum has graced the downtown area for more than 150 years, and Paquette noted this campaign is the first time in 50 years that the library has asked the public to support renovations and improvements to the building.
“Many people don’t realize that the Westfield Athenaeum, although open to the entire community, is not a city department,” said Paquette. “We are continuously grateful for the support and funding we receive from the City of Westfield, Mayor Sullivan, and our City Council. Their support will allow us to move forward with contractors and bring our plans to life.”
Paquette noted the city’s Community Preservation Committee had allocated funds to the project which was voted on by the Westfield City Council. The first vote came on Aug. 22, when an appropriation of $300,000 was approved. Then, on Sept. 1, the City Council approved $550,000, bringing the total community preservation award to $850,000.
The Community Preservation Committee was established following a public referendum in 2003 after the adoption of the Community Preservation Act (CPA), according to Paquette.
“The CPA surcharge on property tax bills generated the revenue that is then redistributed within the community,” he said. “The committee is responsible for the review of applications, and recommends the expenditures to qualified projects. Such expenditures are then subject to mayoral endorsement and an affirmative vote by the Westfield City Council.”
Paquette also announced that the Athenaeum has received $20,000 from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners which will be used for planning and design purposes.
With the campaign already halfway to the $1.5 million goal, Paquette said the Athenaeum’s board of directors are “excited” to share their vision with the Westfield community and encourage residents and business owners to stop by during the reception.
The Athenaeum will be closed from Sept. 26 to Oct. 1, as the first phase of renovation begins which involves the reference and children’s areas. The Athenaeum will reopen Oct. 3.
“During our renovations there will be some tight confined spaces,” said Paquette. “We will also install a temporary ramp outside of the Children’s Library door on Court Street since the side entrance will be under construction.”
The side entrance to the Westfield Athenaeum will undergo renovations this fall.
Paquette noted that with all of the upgrades planned, the process could take up to a year to complete.
“Ultimately, we will improve the Athenaeum to ensure universal access to all,” he said.
On a related note, Joyce Peregrin, public services librarian, reminds patrons that during the renovation phases several popular series will continue but will be relocated to different venues. At press time, the speaker series is planned at St. John’s Lutheran Church and the First Thursday Concerts will be conducted at the Westfield Senior Center. For updated information on times and locations, call the library at (413) 568-7833 or visit the website, www.westath.org.
