Library Director Antonia Golinski-Foisy is optimistic officials can raise $2 million for new library project.
WEST SPRINGFIELD – Now that they have gotten a provisional $6.3 million state grant to build a new library, officials have sent out requests for proposals for a professional fund-raising consultant to help muster $2 million from the community.
Library Director Antonia Golinski-Foisy said Monday that the request was scheduled to appear in the state’s Central Registry that day, with applications due Aug. 10.
The $2 million would go toward costs of the proposed $13.4 million library that will not be covered by the state. Library officials have until Jan. 31 to get local funding in place for the balance of the project.
Just under $2 million is needed to cover such expenses as all the new furnishings and computers for the building as well as landscaping and paving. The library director said officials will aim for $2 million just to be on the safe side.
Golinski-Foisy expressed optimism that $2 million can be raised from the community. Such anticipated local support is looked on favorably by the state in awarding grants, according to her.
“I think we will be able to raise the $2 million,” Golinski-Foisy said. “There is great support here.”
The library director said she based that on the fact that the library has already raised $8,000 in just three weeks as part of its annual fund drive, which usually nets $10,000 to $15,000. Despite the poor economy, Golinski-Foisy said people are still willing to support causes that are important to them.
The current building of about 19,300 square feet is considerably smaller than that 32,000- to 35,000-square-foot structure called for under guidelines used by the Massachusetts Board of Library Trustees.
The main building was a Carnegie library constructed in 1916. Additions were built in 1958 and 1978. At 104,000 volumes, the library is at capacity and a book must be discarded for every new book purchased.
Golinski-Foisy has said the library needs space for special programs and currently has room for only 10 computers. Parking is also inadequate, according to Golinski-Foisy, who has said the building on Park Street having only about 40 spaces, while about 140 are recommended for a community West Springfield’s size. In addition, the building is not fully accessible to the handicapped.