Driving through the farmlands of Hadley one late afternoon in August as the sun was blazing through the open slats of a tobacco barn I was reminded how the light of knowledge lights up a library and the people within. For a split second I imagined a library that captured the essence of this icon of local ingenuity and industry and was reminded of an article I read in 2010 during the design phase of planning for the new library.
More important to me than what it looked like, was being able to dream of a new library again. After it was burned and worse, neglected, at the time of Caesar and Christ wars. It was rebuilt in 2002. Started in a jelljar cupboard in 1811, shutesbury's first library
I want a library with a flush toilet: a place to read a newspaper, to learn and be inspired, catch up with neighbors on the welcoming porch. I imagine children playing, families on bikes arriving safely along the tree lined main street alley, crossing the bridge over the rain garden strolling through the memorial garden enjoying nature along the cranberry strewn trails. The library in my mind is a model of sustainability and cooperation, built together in harmony with the natural world, a community center that brings us together and lifts us up.
I am done with meetings in the cold, damp basement of town hall and won't be on the committee next time. but if will alone can build a library then I will one day be sitting at the maple table with the crystal ball feet in the sunny window of the local history room. everything legal and mostly moral to see that the new Shutesbury library comes to fruition in my lifetime.
“Shutesbury residents have indicated that they like the friendly, welcoming atmosphere at the current library facility. As we move toward the future, LFNAC members recommend that the library maintains its small town atmosphere, while serving our growing population of active library users with a high quality library. LFNAC members continue to encourage suggestions from residents. Some strongly expressed ideas suggested the library should:"Patrons would prefer a larger overall space that could include community rooms that could be used for classes or groups (for example, a knitting group, the library book group, yoga classes, etc.) Any expansion of the library must match the unique character of Shutesbury, respect the town and library history, reflect the needs of the residents, and be mindful of the budgetary limitations of a small town." (library building program 2009)
a. Be located in the town center (85.7% said very or somewhat important)b.Serve as a community center, strengthening community in Shutesbury.c. Offer more activities at the library.d.Be visible to the community.e. Be an architectural enhancement to the town.f. Be built with planning for the future in mind and that it last a long time.g.Honor the town’ s history.h.Reflect current thinking about ecology – i.e. have a southern exposure, be a “green” building, possibly include photovoltaic cells for electricity, and/or use solar or geothermal heating.i. Reflect the cultures represented in the community.j. Be a place that provides educational opportunities for the community.k.Include a café or community center where residents can gather and socialize.
