"Building Connections" Capital Campaign for the Marshfield Public Library and Community Center, Final
Tuesday, July 1st, 2014 -- 1:15 PM
-The public phase of the ?Building Connections? Capital Campaign for the Marshfield Public Library and Community Center was announced on Tuesday morning.This is a project that has been many years in the making, but fundraising efforts for it began last fall. If the campaign can reach its fundraising goal, they hope to construct a new, two-story library, renovate the current library building, create a community center and connect both buildings with an enclosed entrance and lobby.
Lori Belongia, the library director, knows firsthand the shortcomings of the current library.
Miss Belongia said, "To the casual observer, Marshfield Public Library as it stands is an open and functional space. But, to those that have to integrate new formats, limit the size of popular collections and squeeze just a few more computer and workstations in general meeting rooms and conduct story time, the space is limited and inadequate. When I say that, it's too little space, it's inefficient, it's under-electrified and it lacks flexibility."
Miss Belongia also sees the new library and community center as a place for people to put up displays that are important to them.
"We also are a source of space for public displays and exhibits," said Miss Belongia. "It's a place where the American Legion can put up a poppy exhibit. A different group could put up informational displays about their organization or about an issue that they care about. We also see that as an important part of what the library provides to the community in terms of being a place where speech is free and access to sharing that information is free as well. We also view that as an important part of the new building. There will be space in the link, or the hub, between the two buildings, there will be space for displays for the community to use for themselves and if they're not using them, will make sure that they're filled and intriguing and attractive. But these are important things that a library provides to a community."
Miss Belongia and the co-chairs of the campaign believe this new library and community center will open Marshfield up to many different opportunities.
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