SOUTHWICK – During Monday night’s Select Board meeting, ongoing discussions continued about the use of the old library. Historical Commission Chairman Sean Bissaillon and member David Gunn were present at the meeting.
The old library is located at 475 College Hwy, on the southwest corner of the intersection with route 57. It was the town’s public library until the middle of the 1990’s and officially opened in 1895.
Having such a historical meaning, the Historical Commission doesn’t want to see the old library go to waste.
“Our main objective is to preserve historical architecture in its integrity,” said Gunn.
As the building has not seen any use for several years, there is a concern.
“We don’t want to see it deteriorate by neglect,” said Gunn.
Historical Commission members discuss the old library use with the Select Board. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
Gunn, Bissaillon, and the rest of the Historical Commission have been working with Tighe & Bond to be able to get estimations of how much the cleanup of the building would cost.
This past May was the latest estimation from Tighe & Bond that totaled up to $40,000 for the cleanup. A majority of the cleanup issues has to do with the asbestos in the building.
Monday night’s meeting with the Select Board was mainly used as an update towards the project. But, the Select Board made a proposal to help push the project forward.
“What the select board wants to do is provide a request for proposal to solicit individuals who might be interested in leasing the building,” said Gunn.
If an individual leases the building, they will be allowed to undertake the cleanup efforts.
As the process of finding someone to lease out the old library is still premature, the Historical Commission is now focusing on putting together a list of things on the exterior and interiors of the building that they want to have preserved.
Gunn described how the stained glass windows inside the building as well as the natural woodwork are important parts to the building.
With this project continuing to be ongoing, it remains clear that the the old library is important to some people.
“So many town residents used that library as they were growing up here in town,” said Gunn.
“They certainly don’t want to see it sold and moved,” said Bissaillon. “They’d like to have it be part of the town.”
