By Mike Plaisance, The Republican
on November 22, 2013 at 2:26 PM, updated November 23, 2013 at 9:31 AM
HOLYOKE — U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal quoted President John F. Kennedy on the 50th anniversary of his assassination Friday in heralding the grand opening of the Holyoke Public Library.
" 'These libraries should be open to all – except the censor,' " said Neal, at a ceremony at the 250 Chestnut St. building.
The library actually reopened Oct. 28 after a $14.5 million, nearly two-year renovation. A 15,000-square-foot addition was built onto what was the rear of the original, 111-year-old, 25,000-square-foot library. The original 335 Maple St. entrance is now the rear of the facility with the new entrance to the library through the doors fronting on Chestnut Street, in the lobby of which the ceremony took place.
"The goal of a public library is it allows us to pick at the lock of darkness," said Neal, a Democrat from Springfield.
Themes of the library offering access to worlds of knowledge were struck by speakers. They stood at the top of stairs leading from the new building to the original structure and beneath a wall mural, "Allegoric History of Holyoke, Massachusetts," painted by Sante Graziani from 1948 to 1953.
Books and Internet access on public computers offer explorations into literature and other works of art that have graced history, said state Rep. Aaron M. Vega, D-Holyoke.
"We have fused together our history and our future in one building," said Vega, who also is a city councilor at large.
The renovations were needed after years of roof leaks ruined the area that previously was the children's room and caused water and mold damage elsewhere. The limestone exterior had structural cracks. Additional space also was needed for children's and public computer areas.
The job was funded with more than $5.5 million in city borrowing, $4.6 million from the Holyoke Public Library Board endowment, a $4.3 million state grant, other grants and fundraising.
"I've no doubt this this library is a library for the next 100 years," Mayor Alex B. Morse said.
After the speeches, Library Director Maria G. Pagan hugged well-wishers through tears after working for the renovation through years of meetings and delays. Pagan, who said her age is "more than a half a century," like many Holyoke residents came here from Puerto Rico. She was born in the Puerto Rican mountain town of Cayey, and has been in Holyoke since 1984.
Pagan, director since 1996 and a library employee since 1985, said many people have helped make the renovation happen.
"It's been incredible, it's incredible. Just seeing the faces on all the people. I couldn't do it without my guardian angels," Pagan said.
Former U.S. Rep. John W. Olver, D-Amherst, also was in the crowd.
According to an online pdf of the Oct. 29, 1960 issue of the Saturday Review [pdf], the full quote from Kennedy about libraries was, "If this nation is to be wise as well as strong, if we are to achieve our destiny, then we need more new ideas for more wise men reading more good books in more public libraries. These libraries should be open to all – except the censor. We must know all the facts and hear all the alternatives and listen to all the criticisms. Let us welcome controversial books and controversial authors. For the Bill of Rights is the guardian of our society as well as our liberty."
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