The city is preparing to convert former branch libraries on Boston Road and Liberty Street to community uses.
SPRINGFIELD – The City Council this week approved spending $750,000 to renovate and equip the former Pine Point library on Boston Road, planned for community uses including an expanded adult literacy program and a “library express.”
The reuse plans follow the city’s decision last year to close the Pine Point and the Liberty Street branches, ending their use as full-service libraries in order to consolidate the system and to expand hours at the remaining branches.
“I think it’s great they are going to provide some library services,” said At-Large City Councilor Kateri B. Walsh, chairwoman of the council’s Maintenance and Development Committee. “It’s what people are looking for and it gives them access to books and a place to go. I think it accomplishes a lot of needs, and it is so modern.”
The city plans to open the express library by early February, and to have the expanded adult literacy program ready for Sept. 1, following renovations through the summer, said Molly Fogarty, director of the Springfield public library system.
The branch closed Nov. 15, but continued to operate an adult literacy program there.
The express library will have a smaller collection of books and materials on site, approximately 5,000 items, but the users can also order specific items, in person or on-line, available from statewide sources, and then pick them up, often sent within a day, Fogarty said.
The adult literacy program includes access to computers and has programs such as aiding with computer literacy, writing workshops, and job search skills.
The council, by unanimous vote, authorized Mayor Domenic J. Sarno to borrow funds for the conversion project. However, Ward 5 Councilor Clodovaldo Concepcion said he still objects to the loss of the full-service branch.
The city, meanwhile, continues to make plans to convert the former Liberty Street branch to a neighborhood senior center, as announced last year. The Springfield Disability Commission is providing $80,000 for the conversion work, with the funds collected via parking fines for handicapped space violations.
With the closure of the two branch libraries and a budget increase for the library system, the city was able to expand the hours at each of the other seven branches from 18 hours per week to 30 hours per week.
Sarno has stated the overall goal was to strengthen the system while ensuring the closed branches had community uses.
The plans involve various departments including the Library Commission, School Department, Department of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management, Health and Human Services, and Elder Affairs.