WESTFIELD—Many children, when they turn eight years old, may want toys or games. But not Sophia Kotarski
Kotarski donated over $400 to the Westfield Athenaeum yesterday, as a way to help the continuing renovation efforts of the centuries old building on Elm Street. Kotarski raised the funds during a recent birthday party, after she took donations in lieu of other gifts last month.
Sophia Kotarski, left, gives her donation toward the Westfield Athenaeum to Dan Paquette, Director of the Westfield Athenaeum, right.
“I did it because I wanted the children’s library back,” Kotarski, a second grader from St. Mary’s School, said. “I wanted to help it by raising money because I like it.”
According to Kotarski’s mother, Michelle Chaisson, the precocious 8-year-old used to visit the library every week. While there, Kotarski said that she would play with games, read books, such as those from her favorite authors Dr. Suess and Mo Willems, as well as playing hide-and-seek inside the former homestead.
Kotarski said that among her favorite parts of the library were the books, the computers and the activity room.
Chaisson said that this donation is actually not the first time that Kotarski donated to the library. Chaisson said that Kotarski had made a lemonade stand, which included designing it, at the end of August last year during a yard sale, and used that to raise money for the Athenaeum.
The total–$25—was donated to the library after Kotarski said she wanted to purchase books with the money and her mother suggested she donate the money to the Athenaeum to buy books, instead.
“We’re very proud of her, very proud of her,” Chaisson said. “The fact that instead of getting toys and things she wanted and donated instead—very proud.”
Dan Paquette, Director of the Westfield Athenaeum, said that he was also impressed by Kotarski’s selflessness.
“I’m very impressed that a child just turning eight thought of the organization, instead of presents, to benefit the community.”
When Kotarski was asked what she wanted the money to go toward, her response—“Carpet everywhere.”
According to Paquette, following the donation from Kotarski and a comedy benefit held this past weekend for the Athenaeum, they now have about $60,000 remaining to raise for the renovations.
A total of $1.58 million has been raised so far.
The renovations have been done to improve a number of aspects of the building. Among them, the library is gaining improved handicap access, new children’s and reference library areas, improved security and had asbestos removed.
In addition, the handicap entrance is now accessible, which is at the rear of the building. A ramp has been built and a new elevator has been installed to improve the access.
To try and reach the final roughly $60,000 needed, the Athenaeum is holding a “Love Your Library” month fundraiser where patrons and others can purchase a paper heart for $1 or $5, which are being sold at the library’s circulation desk and some local businesses.
In addition, there is a mystery dinner theatre event scheduled for March 10. Tickets are $30.
