WESTFIELD–The Westfield Athenaeum hopes that this year’s “Love Your Library Month” will not only bring valentines to the library, but also donations.
The Westfield Athenaeum staff celebrated the beginning of Love Your Library Month with a fundraiser and informational session last night, with the hopes of raising awareness and funds for the library’s renovations through the Rise to Knowledge campaign. The funding will go toward renovations to allow for greater handicap access to the library, as well as revamping several spaces within the library.
The Rise to Knowledge sign outside of the Athenaeum, showing how much has been raised
“We’re kicking off Love Your Library month with a community challenge,” Dan Paquette, director of the Athenaeum, said last night. “We’re looking to raise capital funds for universal access improvements that total $1.5 million.”
To this point, the campaign was said to have raised about $1.1 million and Paquette and others hope that by the end of the month an additional $100,000 can be raised for the project.
“We are looking for little donors, just $5 or $10,” Paquette said. He added that any total donation will be welcome and that this month isn’t the only time you can donate–donations are accepted year-round.
The renovations are being done to create more access through a variety of improvements for handicapped patrons, including a new wheelchair ramp, improved parking and more handicap bathroom access. Additionally, a large reference and quiet study room is being planned, which will help to improve the limited access library-goers currently have to such.
Regarding the handicap access improvements, Paquette said that they are much needed. The library has not been renovated in over 50 years he said, and access for those who are handicapped is limited and at times difficult.
Right now, if a handicap patron were to come to the library and need to use the restroom, they would have to go to one of the staff members and request an escort to the basement via one elevator, where the one handicap accessible bathroom is located. The escort is needed due to the bathroom being located in a restricted area.
Dan Paquette, left, receiving a donation from Dan Allie, right
In spite of these issues though, the Athenaeum is looked at by many as a landmark in the city and the renovations will help to provide the library with exposure to more residents.
“I think it’s excellent to have an Athenaeum like this, it’s an amazing resource and real center to the community,” at-large city councilor Dan Allie said.
“This project is a long time coming and the community is very supportive,” Mayor Brian Sullivan said.
Both Sullivan and Allie donated and Sullivan had a message for his fellow local politicians.
Dan Paquette, left, receiving a donation rom Brian Sullivan, right
“I’d like to challenge all of the elected officials and business people to donate,” he said.
If you would like to donate to the renovation project, you can go to westath.org and click on the “Donate” button the main page. Also, you can donate in person at the Westfield Athenaeum.
