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Library's Expansion | Newspaper Articles
Giving back to a giving doctor
Marisa Donelan, Sentinel & Enterprise, August 16, 2007
LEOMINSTER - Geraldine Feldman, of Leominster,
sits at a reading desk in the children s room at the
Leominster Library, Wednesday, as she talks about how the
library will be renaming the room after her late husband,
Dr. Martin T. Feldman, in a ceremony in September.
Pediatrician Martin T. Feldman used to buy thousands of
children's books at yard sales to give to his patients and
their families. And next month, Feldman -- who died last
summer at the age of 61 -- will be remembered both for his
care of children and his support for children's literacy,
his wife, Geraldine Feldman said Wednesday. The Leominster
Public Library's new children's room will be named the Dr.
Martin T. Feldman Children's Room.
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more
`New'
library gets rave reviews
Mary Jo
Hill, Telegram & Gazette, June 11, 2007
LEOMINSTER - Crowds poured into the newly expanded
Leominster Public Library, at 30 West St., with kids
plopping down on big pillows to read books and adults
talking about the spaciousness and renovations. More than
200 people turned out yesterday to listen to dedication
speeches under a tent and then line up to finally get a look
at the results of the more than $13 million project."It is
huge! I love it. It's bigger than ours," said Sylvia Page,
who recently moved to the city from Gardner, which opened a
new library in 2004. "We couldn't wait to get it open," said
Ms. Page, who came with her three daughters. Rick Shatos and
his son, Matt, were already browsing in the stacks and Matt
had some science-fiction books in hand. The library has more
space and is brighter than before, Mr. Shatos said. As
people wandered through the young-adult room, Benjamin
Kessler, 12, of Leominster, relaxed on pillows reading a
book titled "Bad Cat."
"I think it is great," Benjamin said, explaining that he
likes the books and games and having more places to sit.
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more
Leominster
library opens
Jonathan
Graham, Sentinel & Enterprise, June 11, 2007
LEOMINSTER -- Children chanted "Cut it, cut it," as
Library Director Susan Shelton officially snipped the blue
ceremonial ribbon outside the city's renovated library
Sunday afternoon.Hundreds of residents rushed in after
officials opened the door, marking the completion of the
nearly two-year, $12 million project. Officials and
residents both said they viewed the new library as a symbol
for the success of the city and its willingness to spend
resources on education. "This is a big deal," said state
Sen. Robert Antonioni, D-Leominster, to large applause from
the hundreds of spectators who gathered to watch the ribbon
cutting. "Our history will be defined by certain moments in
time, I would suggest one of those moments is occurring
today," he said. Throngs of
residents milled in the library's different sections Sunday
afternoon, while beaming library staff offered help.
Children ran around the library's young adult area,
dedicated to Leominster writer Robert Cormier. Older
residents marveled at the library's much-refurbished front
hall.
Read more
Renovated library to
open June 10
Marisa Donelan,
Sentinel & Enterprise, May 30,2007
LEOMINSTER -- The newly renovated Leominster Public Library
on West Street will be open for business June 10, following
a dedication ceremony, officials said Monday. Kathleen
Reynolds-Daigneault, a member of the library's board of
trustees, said the two-year expansion and renovation project
will result in a booming library downtown. "Leominster is
such a vibrant city right now," she said. "This will only
add to it. There's going to be more space for people of all
ages, with the children's area, the teen section, and plenty
of room for adults." Leominster has been without a library
since April 16, when the temporary location at Crossroads
Office Park closed for the move. The dedication ceremony
will be a chance for people to take a tour of the downtown
building, and start checking out books if they'd like,
Reynolds-Daigneault said.
Read more
Summer
reading on hold
Marisa Donelan Sentinel & Enterprise April 5, 2007
LEOMINSTER -- Public Library Director Susan T. Shelton is
preparing for a move from the temporary library at
Crossroads Office Park to a newly expanded building on West
Street. But in order to make the move, the city will be
without library services for more than a month and a half,
starting April 16, Shelton said.
"We'll be opening in the early part of June (at the new
building)," she said Wednesday. "There's a tremendous amount
of work that needs to be done in the meantime." Patrons have
visited the temporary library at Crossroads for two years
during the $12 million renovation and expansion at the West
Street location. Shelton said the closure is necessary to
move the library's collection from its temporary location
and a storage facility, organize it in the new building and
train the staff in the West Street location.
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more
Gala
auction to aid library: Brady-signed football among items
Anna L.
Griffin, Telegram & Gazette, March 5, 2007
LEOMINSTER— Members of the 150th Anniversary Gala
Auction Committee said plans are firming up for the event
that will be held March 24. “We’re very pleased with the
items we have received,” said Sue Chalifoux Zephir,
chairwoman of the event. “The community has been very
generous.” Among the items that have been received are
a football autographed by New England Patriots quarterback
Tom Brady; a baseball autographed by Boston Red Sox pitcher
Curt Schilling and an autographed photograph of Schilling
pitching; a wildlife photograph featuring a penguin, shot by
Dr. Michael E. Gotthelf, that also comes with two tickets to
the New England Aquarium; and a complete Italian dinner for
eight, from antipasto to dessert, that comes with a basket
filled with a bottle of wine, olive oil, a CD of “Il Divo”
and other items. “We really have something for everyone,”
said Mrs. Zephir.
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more
FSC classes in city library stalled
J.J. Huggins, Sentinel & Enterprise, February 20,
2007
LEOMINSTER -- Library officials say they like a proposal
from two city councilors who want Fitchburg State College to
offer classes at the new library.But now that the library is
not scheduled to open until June, it is too soon to make an
agreement with the college, according to the officials.
"Since several members of the Library Trustees are alumnae
of Fitchburg State College and the current president of the
college (Robert Antonucci) once served as the chairman of
the Leominster Public Library Board of Trustees, you can be
assured that this suggestion was welcomed wholeheartedly,"
Gilbert Tremblay, the chairman of the library trustees,
wrote in a letter to city councilors.
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more
'New' library eagerly awaited - Exterior entices patrons, but
inside not ready
Anna L. Griffin, Worcester Telegram & Gazette,
February 12, 2007
LEOMINSTER - Appearances can be deceiving.
With the exterior work of Leominster Public Library nearly
completed, people have been trying to make their way into
the building; some have been successful.No trespassing signs
are in place for good reason. "It's a safety issue. This is
an active construction site," said library Director Susan
Shelton."I guess people are anxious for the project to be
completed," she said. "But there's still a lot of work that
has to be done on the interior of the building."Mrs. Shelton said construction work on the interior
continues, and no part of the project is open.An opening date of late spring - sometime in June - is being
looked at, Mrs. Shelton said. That date is contingent upon a
number of things, such as completion of the interior work
and the installation of carpeting and shelving. The
carpeting and shelving should each take three weeks to
install."Then, we have to take all of the books and other materials
that we placed into storage - actually three-quarters of our
collection - out of storage and place them back into the new
facility," Mrs. Shelton said.
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more
Library fundraising hits $1 million
Gala planned to raise money for furniture and equipment
Lindsay Sauvageau, Leominster Champion, February 9, 2007
Fundraising for the renovation of the city's library -
including the main stairway - has passed $1 million.
As the Leominster library expansion project nears its
completion, support of the project has brought in $1 million
in donations from local businesses, organizations and
individuals. Now a new committee hopes to increase that
total to help furnish and equip the newly renovated
building.
A 150th Anniversary Gala Auction Committee has been formed
to help organize an event which will feature both a silent
and live auction, a 50/50 raffle, musical entertainment and
food. Tickets for the event will cost $25 for admittance,
hors de oeuvres, live entertainment from the Leominster High
School Jazz band, a cash bar and a chance to win a plethora
of items from vacation getaways to autographed novels
through an auction hosted by auctioneer Dave Rodgers.
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more
Library bidding for improvements - Leominster auction gala
March 24
Anna L. Griffin, Worcester Telegram & Gazette,
January 28, 2007
LEOMINSTER - A gala auction, with both live and silent
components, will be held to benefit the Leominster Public
Library Building Fund. All proceeds will be used for
furniture, fixtures and equipment."It's going to be a celebration of the 150th anniversary of
public library service in the city," said Sue Chalifoux
Zephir, chairwoman of the 150th Anniversary Gala Auction
Committee.The event will be held from 7 to 9:30 p.m. March
24 in Tata Auditorium, City Hall, 25 West St. Tickets to the
event are $25 each. In addition to the auction, there will
be refreshments and a cash bar. Dave Rogers is the
auctioneer.
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more
$2,000
library brunch irks council
Leominster project ran over budget
Matthew Bruun, Telegram & Gazette, November 17, 2006
LEOMINSTER— A $2,000 brunch for library officials and
staff working on the expansion and renovation of the public
library on West Street has infuriated members of the City
Council who grudgingly approved additional borrowing to pay
for cost overruns on the project. “I’m floored,” Councilor
John M. Dombrowski said yesterday after seeing the
allocation in the meeting minutes of the library trustees.
“It’s not a lot of money, but it’s almost mind-numbing.”
Library Director Susan T. Shelton countered that the holiday
brunch will be paid for through trust funds, which have
nothing to do with taxpayers’ money.
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more
Trustees
planned $2,000 party
J.J. Huggins, Sentinel & Enterprise, November 17, 2006
LEOMINSTER -- Despite $1.3 million in cost overruns, library
officials had planned to spend "up to $2,000" on a "holiday
brunch" inside the new multi-million dollar library next
month, according to minutes from a recent Leominster Public
Library Board of Trustees meeting. But they can't because
the building won't be ready in time, Gilbert Tremblay, the
chairman of the board, said Thursday. "This (was) going to
be a reception for city officials, for people who have made
donations, etc.," Tremblay said during an interview. The
trustees met on Oct. 10 -- the same day the City Council
voted 7-1 to approve a $1.3 million loan to cover a
shortfall for renovating the library. The trustees, at the
Oct. 10 meeting, approved the minutes for their Sept. 11
meeting, which included a portion about the brunch. "The
trustees unanimously approved expending up to $2,000 from
trust funds for this as a way of saying 'thank you' to
everyone who has worked so hard on the library project," the
minutes say.
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more
City revels
in free cash - Leominster has $6M available
Matthew Bruun, Worcester Telegram & Gazette, November 10,
2006
LEOMINSTER - The city has almost $6 million in certified
free cash, clearing the way for Mayor Dean J. Mazzarella's
plan to pay off a cost overrun for the public library
building project. The mayor also plans to ask the City
Council to approve using the money for millions of dollars
in capital expenses.City Councilor Dennis A. Rosa, who heads
the council Finance Committee, said he anticipated a higher
than normal figure for free cash after reviewing the city's
balance sheets.The Web site for the state Department of
Revenue's Division of Local Services lists certified free
cash for Leominster at $5,943,576 for fiscal 2007, which
started July 1. It's one of the highest free cash figures in
the state and the highest in the region.Fitchburg, by
comparison, has certified free cash of $333,440, while
Worcester has $2,101,529, according to the Web site."It
takes discipline by all and it's a team effort," Mr.
Mazzarella said last night."We're in good financial
condition and this proves it," Mr. Rosa said.
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more
Library’s
campaign soars high
Fundraising halfway to $1.2 million goal
Anna L. Griffin, Montachusett T&G, November 5, 2006
LEOMINSTER— Support for the Leominster Public Library’s
fundraising campaign has reached the $700,000 mark. The goal
is $1.2 million. “We’re very pleased with the response from
the public,” said Susan Shelton, director of the library.
“The public has been very supportive of us throughout this
entire process.” The library’s fundraising campaign recently
received the first installment of a $10,000 donation by
Hudson Savings Bank. “We have a branch in the city and we
like to get involved with the communities that we’re doing
business in,” said Kenneth R. Simms, vice president and
director of marketing for Hudson Savings Bank. The bank has
a branch on Lancaster Street. “We know how important the
library is to the people of the community,” Mr. Simms said.
“It’s something we felt we needed to show our support for.”
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more
'Free cash'
to lower increase in property tax
J.J. Huggins, Sentinel & Enterprise, November 2, 2006
LEOMINSTER -- The property-tax increase resulting from the
construction of the new library will not be as high as
previously expected, thanks in part to "free cash" Mayor
Dean J. Mazzarella plans to use toward cost overruns. The
City Council, at the request of the mayor, approved a loan
order this fall to cover an additional $1.3 million for the
new library across from City Hall. The $1.3 million could
have resulted in a $14 property-tax increase for the average
single-family homeowner. But that's not going to
happen now, Mazzarella said. "What we will do, through
a variety of different sources, is we will take the $1.3
million and pay it off between seven and 10 years, and pay
for it using some free cash," Mazzarella said during an
interview Wednesday. "That will wipe out the $14."
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more
Mayor has
plan to pay library overrun
Mary Jo Hill , Worcester Telegram & Gazette, November 2,
2006
LEOMINSTER - Mayor Dean J. Mazzarella said he has come up
with a plan to pay for the $1.3 million overrun in the
library project that will not involve a tax hike and, in
fact, has an idea that will cut the project's cost to
taxpayers. There had been talk that borrowing to cover the
shortfall would hike the average taxpayer's bill by $14, but
Mr. Mazzarella said a capital budget he has put together
would wipe out that increase. Under this budget, Mr.
Mazzarella would borrow the money for the shortfall but use
free cash to pay off the loan. The City Council would vote
over a 7- to 10-year period on paying off part of the $1.3
million each year using free cash, Mr. Mazzarella said. The
mayor also wants to use free cash to pay off about $400,000
in interest for temporary borrowing for the entire library
expansion.
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more
Library
costs may be in budget -
Leominster seeks overrun solutions
Mary Jo Hill, Worcester Telegram & Gazette, October
31, 2006
LEOMINSTER - Mayor Dean J. Mazzarella said he will likely
have a capital budget ready next week that includes an
additional $1.3 million needed to cover cost overruns for
the library expansion project. The city recently sold a
house for $325,000 that is part of the property where Sky
View Middle School was built, and there had been discussion
by the City Council about using that money to help cover the
library costs. But Mr. Mazzarella said yesterday he did not
know if some of the money for the library will "come from
that pocket." Another possibility discussed to cover the
project's shortfall was free cash, or leftover state
funding. The mayor said he is working on certifying free
cash for the city now. The capital budget will include money
for the library and other capital needs.
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more
Councilors
vow to push mayor for more information next time
Matthew Bruun, Telegram & Gazette, October 12, 2006
LEOMINSTER— Members of the City Council said Mayor Dean
J. Mazzarella can expect closer scrutiny of major funding
requests and budgets after the saga surrounding cost
overruns on the public library expansion. The council voted
7-1 Tuesday to ratify the mayor’s requested loan
authorization worth $1.3 million. But the wide margin of the
vote belies the discontent that was visible in the council
chambers over the cost of the library and the mayor’s
handling of the funding request. “I felt like I was backed
into a corner and there were no options,” Councilor Dennis
A. Rosa said yesterday. “We could have been more partners in
this particular situation. I’m never going to be put into
this position again.”
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more
Library
money finally OK’d
Rosa
disputes need for bond
Matthew Bruun, Telegram & Gazette, October 11, 2006
LEOMINSTER— Despite concerns about how the request ended up
in council chambers, the City Council last night affirmed
its vote supporting a $1.3 million bond authorization to
complete the expansion and renovation of the public library.
Councilor Dennis A. Rosa cast the lone dissenting vote last
night, echoing his stance from two weeks ago that
alternative funding sources were available to cover cost
overruns associated with the project without raising taxes
through added borrowing. “I say this to the taxpayers — show
me the money,” Mr. Rosa said. “It’s there.” Councilor
Richard M. Marchand, who joined Mr. Rosa in voting against
the loan authorization last month, was not present last
night because of a medical issue, Council President Robert
A. Salvatelli said.
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more
Council
officially approves loan
J.J. Huggins, Sentinel & Enterprise, October 11, 2006
LEOMINSTER -- The City Council Tuesday night finalized the
appropriation of an extra $1.3 million needed for
constructing the new library. The council voted 7-1 in favor
of approving a loan order for the $1.3 million. It was their
second vote in favor of the spending. Two votes were needed
to make the approval official. Mark Bodanza, the chairman of
the Leominster Public Library Building Committee, said
officials can now focus on finishing the project. Workers
are adding onto the old library across from City Hall, and
also renovating the existing building. "We feel relieved
that the process is over," Bodanza said after the council
voted during their meeting in City Council Chambers in City
Hall.
Read more
Salvatelli:
Library vote may go poorly
J.J. Huggins, Sentinel & Enterprise, October 10, 2006
LEOMINSTER -- City Council President Robert Salvatelli
thinks the second vote needed to finalize the approval of an
extra $1.3 million for the new library might not go well
tonight. It could be tough times," Salvatelli said during a
recent interview. Councilors already voted 7-2 on Sept. 28
to approve the money needed for the cost overruns. They must
vote a second time to officially approve the spending. A
public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. tonight in the City
Council Chambers in City Hall. Salvatelli said there is a
chance some councilors who voted in favor of the spending
the first time might change their minds.
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more
Council
questions some of library's 'must-have' list
J.J. Huggins, Sentinel & Enterprise, October 6, 2006
LEOMINSTER -- City councilors Thursday night questioned why
the new library needs some of the appliances on the
project's "must have" list. "Why do they need four
refrigerators and three microwaves?" at Large City Councilor
Dennis Rosa asked during the council's finance subcommittee
meeting at City Hall. "Beats the hell out of me," replied
at-large Councilor John Dombrowski. No library officials
attended the subcommittee meeting, which lasted about 15
minutes. Library officials have previously said they plan to
pay for furnishings and other items inside the new building
with private donations.
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more
Council
ponders Leominster library needs
Count of bathrooms, refrigerators, microwaves raises
questions about expansion
Mary Jo Hill, Telegram & Gazette, October 6, 2006
LEOMINSTER— Questions continued to swirl around the library
project yesterday, with city councilors asking if the
building will have 12 bathrooms and why it needs three
full-sized refrigerators, a minifridge and three microwaves.
The council’s Finance Committee was considering the second
reading of a loan order that would allow Mayor Dean J.
Mazzarella to borrow up to $1.3 million more to finish the
expansion and renovation of the library. Rather than make a
recommendation, the committee asked for more time, since a
public hearing will be held Tuesday on the request.
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more
Library
loan stirs Council
J.J. Huggins, Sentinel & Enterprise, October 1, 2006
LEOMINSTER -- The weeks-long debate about whether the
City Council should approve spending $1.3 million more on
the library hit a boiling point Thursday night as some
councilors became furious with the mayor. "I got played," an
enraged Ward 1 City Councilor David Rowlands said during the
special meeting at City Hall. "I will never be put in this
corner again," he said, referring to how Mayor Dean J.
Mazzarella told the council that if they don't approve an
additional $1.3 million of taxpayer's money for the new
library, construction of the building would stop.
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more
Leominster OKs $1.3M loan for library - Council backs
mayor's bid in show of `faith'
Matthew Bruun, Worcester Telegram & Gazette,
September 30, 2006
LEOMINSTER - After lengthy and heated debate, city
councilors decided to put their faith in Mayor Dean J.
Mazzarella this week and approve his request to borrow up to
$1.3 million to complete the expansion of the public
library.The loan authorization was approved by a 7-2 vote,
with Councilors Dennis A. Rosa and Richard M. Marchand
opposing. The matter will be the subject of another public
hearing Oct. 10, when the City Council must approve a second
reading of the loan order.At the lengthy meeting Thursday
night, both Mr. Rosa and Mr. Marchand were concerned about
raising taxes to pay for the project's cost overruns.
Read more
Library
loan gets initial OK
J.J. Huggins, Sentinel & Enterprise, September 29,
2006
LEOMINSTER -- The City Council on Thursday gave initial
approval to a $1.3 million loan order to cover unexpected
costs associated with renovating and adding onto the
Leominster Public Library. The council voted 7-2 in favor of
the loan order, with at Large Councilor Dennis Rosa -- the
chairman of the finance committee -- and Ward 5 Councilor
Richard Marchand voting in opposition. Councilors must take
another vote on Oct. 10 on the loan before it receives final
approval. They will hold a public hearing on the matter at 7
p.m. that night. Library Director Susan Shelton, when asked
how she felt after the meeting finished around 10:10 p.m.,
replied: "We still have one more vote to go."
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more
Council
balks at library loan $1.3M sought to finish project
Mary Jo Hill, Telegram & Gazette, September 29, 2006
LEOMINSTER— City councilors repeatedly pressed Mayor
Dean J. Mazzarella last night about finding other ways than
borrowing to come up with $1.3 million needed to complete an
expansion of the city library. During last night’s special
meeting of the City Council, Councilor Robert A. Salvatelli
said if the mayor comes up with the money in a different way
he would support it. Mr. Mazzarella said he could walk out
of the council chambers a hero if he said there were other
ways to fund the shortfall in the project. But that would
not be responsible, he said.
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more
Meeting
on loan issue canceled
J.J. Huggins, Sentinel & Enterprise, September 28,
2006
LEOMINSTER -- Officials canceled Wednesday night's
special City Council meeting regarding the allocation of
$1.3 million for unexpected library building expenses. The
meeting will occur tonight in the City Council Chambers at
City Hall. A public forum is scheduled for 6:55 p.m., and
the meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. The council had
originally planned to meet Wednesday night and vote on
whether the city will take out a loan to cover the $1.3
million. But to vote on the loan order, councilors must
first vote to allocate the money, according to City Council
President Robert Salvatelli.
Read more
Library loan on docket tonight
Marisa Donelan, Sentinel & Enterprise, September 27, 2006
LEOMINSTER -- The City Council, Mayor Dean Mazzarella
and other city officials will meet tonight at 7:30 p.m. in
City Hall to further discuss a $1.3 million loan order to
pay for additional costs of building the new library, as
well as any other financial options. They will also meet at
6:55 p.m. Thursday in City Hall to vote on the loan order
request, Ward 4 Councilor and City Council President Robert
Salvatelli said Tuesday. The council on Monday delayed
voting on the loan, which Mazzarella had requested, after a
lengthy discussion.
Read more
Leominster library funding faces more hurdles
Matthew Bruun, Worcester Telegram & Gazette, September
27, 2006
LEOMINSTER— Councilors still have questions about Mayor
Dean J. Mazzarella’s request for $1.3 million in
supplemental money to complete the renovation and expansion
of the public library. The council did not vote on the
request after a lengthy discussion Monday night and is
slated to meet again tonight at 7:30 to continue discussion
on the matter. Council President Robert A. Salvatelli has
requested another special meeting at 7 p.m. tomorrow for a
vote on the request. "The project will be completed,” Mr. Salvatelli said
yesterday afternoon. “But I don’t think any councilor wants
to be put into a box.”
Read more
Council delays vote on library loan
J.J. Huggins, Sentinel & Enterprise, September 26, 2006
LEOMINSTER -- City councilors on Monday night delayed voting
whether to borrow $1.3 million to pay for unexpected costs
associated with building the new library.They voted to delay
making a decision until they meet again for a special
meeting at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday night in City Hall, so they
can better understand their financial options.They also
asked the city's financial department heads to attend the
meeting.Before the council decided to delay taking a vote,
Ward 1 City Councilor David Rowlands suggested some
alternative ways to come up with the $1.3 million.
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more
Audience pleads to councilors to approve $1.3 million for
Leominster library
Matthew Bruun, Worcester Telegram &Gazette, September
26, 2006
LEOMINSTER - A multigenerational crowd made impassioned
pleas to the City Council last night seeking support for
$1.3 million to complete the renovation and expansion of the
public library. But councilors also heard from residents
concerned about increasing property taxes and the effect
those hikes will have on senior citizens.As debate continued
in the council chambers last night, it appeared there was a
consensus that the $1.3 million was a necessary
appropriation, but how it would be made was still to be
determined.
Read more
Councilors
may decide on library loan tonight
J.J. Huggins, Sentinel & Enterprise, September 25, 2006
LEOMINSTER -- The City Council is scheduled to discuss
tonight whether to approve a $1.3 million loan to pay for
unexpected costs of building the new library. Mayor Dean J.
Mazzarella has asked the council to approve the spending to
help cover a shortfall in the money needed to complete the
building, which is supposed to open in spring 2007. The
matter has stirred controversy in recent weeks, especially
from residents, who are concerned about their taxes going
up. But the mayor said many people are supporting the project.
Read
more
Library
costs questioned - FinCom asks why?
Mary Jo Hill, Worcester Telegram & Gazette, September
22, 2006
LEOMINSTER - With a request to borrow another $1.3
million for the city library project on the table, the
Finance Committee last night quizzed those working on the
project about changes that added to the costs and why they
did not see some of the changes coming. Councilor Dennis A.
Rosa said the council should have been treated as a partner
in the construction project. Now that the renovation and
expansion of the Leominster Public Library is 80 percent
complete, the council is in "sticker shock" over the cost,
Mr. Rosa said.
Read
more
Library project problems continue
J.J. Huggins, Sentinel & Enterprise, September 22,
2006
LEOMINSTER -- At Large City Councilor Dennis Rosa said
Thursday night the City Council is facing a "worst-case
scenario" in deciding whether to approve a $1.3 million loan
for the new library.
"It's almost like a play or a nightmare," Rosa said during
the council's finance subcommittee meeting in the City
Council Chambers at City Hall.
His comment came after Leominster Public Library Committee
Chairman Mark Bodanza told councilors that if they spend
more time considering whether to approve the money to pay
for unexpected building costs, they could delay the project.
Read
more
Council getting calls over library
J.J. Huggins Sentinel & Enterprise, September 20,
2006
LEOMINSTER -- Some city councilors told library
officials Tuesday they've gotten an earful from residents
angry that the mayor is asking the council to approve a $1.3
million loan for unexpected building costs.
City Council President Robert Salvatelli, while touring the
new library, said he has heard senior citizens complain they
are afraid their property-tax bills will rise because of the
proposed spending.
"I get stopped every day. I've been on the council for seven
years and this is the most I've ever heard," Salvatelli
said.
Read more
Library
costs may hike tax bills
J.J. Huggins, Sentinel & Enterprise, September 15, 2006
LEOMINSTER -- The unexpected construction costs of the new
library could trickle down to residents via their
property-tax bills, according to at Large City Councilor
Dennis A. Rosa. Mayor Dean J. Mazzarella is asking the City
Council for a $1.3 million appropriation to pay for
additional costs of building the new library, which is
across the street from City Hall.
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Leominster
library costs rising
Matthew Bruun, Worcester Telegram & Gazette, September 13, 2006
LEOMINSTER - Although it is expected to win the support
of the City Council, the request for another $1.3 million
toward construction costs on the massive expansion of the
Leominster Public Library will face some tough scrutiny.
Councilor Dennis A. Rosa, chairman of the Finance Committee,
has scheduled a meeting for 6:45 p.m. Sept. 21 to explore
the request, which had its first appearance on the council
agenda Monday night. "I'm a little concerned we're so far
into the project and the City Council is just now hearing
about this shortfall," Mr. Rosa said yesterday. "I am
charged with a fiduciary duty to look into this and see how
this happened."
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$1.3M
loan may be needed for library
Marisa Donelan, Sentinel & Enterprise, September 10,
2006
LEOMINSTER -- Mayor Dean J. Mazzarella will ask City
Councilors to consider approving a loan of $1.3 million to
pay for unexpected costs of expanding the Leominster Public
Library. Mazzarella said the request is necessary because
construction has cost more than city officials initially
expected. Mazzarella said he learned last week about the
additional costs. "I knew when all the other building
projects in the state, and all the schools projects, were
coming in way above where they were supposed to be," he
said. "I sort of thought ours would come in high as well."
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Library's new chapter - Leominster celebrates construction
milestone
Matthew Bruun, Worcester Telegram & Gazette, January
12, 2006
LEOMINSTER - While the Leominster Public Library's
massive addition is still a year away from opening, much
celebration took place at the construction site yesterday
morning. Officials held a "topping off" ceremony, at which
library backers signed their names to one of the last steel
beams to be installed in the 35,000-square-foot addition on
Pearl Street.
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Addition by
subtraction at library
Robert Burgess, Sentinel & Enterprise, September 28, 2005
LEOMINSTER -- Spectators peered through the metal fence
surrounding the public library's West Street grounds to
watch the 1966 addition begin crashing to the ground
Tuesday. While viewers said they were excited to see
the structure come down -- the early stages of a $10.8
million renovation of the 30 West St., facility -- few were
disappointed to see it go.
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'66
addition to library going down - Way is being cleared for
major expansion
Mary Jo Hill, Worcester Telegram & Gazette, August
29, 2005
LEOMINSTER - A large hole on the back wall of the Leominster
Public Library is a sign of things to come. Demolition of
the 10,000-square-foot addition put up in 1966 is expected
to begin in several weeks, said Susan T. Shelton, the
library director. "What they're doing right now is they're
doing some internal demolition." Carpeting, lighting
fixtures and ceiling tiles are being taken out so the
structure becomes a shell ready for demolition, she said.
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Library's anniversary, construction deadline loom near
Robert Burgess, Sentinel & Enterprise, August 29,
2005
LEOMINSTER -- The Leominster Public Library's West
Street home is just an empty building with a metal fence
around it right now. Patrons looking to drop by to read a
local or foreign newspaper, participate in a book club or
sign up their children for storytime have to drive more than
a mile down Mechanic Street to the temporary library.
But in just a few weeks, passersby will see the destruction
of the West Street structure's newer, rear addition, which
already has a large hole under one of the empty windows, the
result of gutting the building before demolition.
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Appleseed
absence questioned
Anna L. Griffin, Worcester Telegram & Gazette, August
14, 2005
LEOMINSTER - Where's Johnny? That's the question that was
asked by several passers-by at the Leominster Public
Library's 30 West St. site. Work on the exterior of the
building has started in anticipation of a construction and
renovation project. The bust of John Chapman, aka Johnny
Appleseed, that stood near the entrance to the building is
gone, but it is in a safe and secure location.
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Ground broken for library - 2006 finish slated for job in
Leominster
Anna L. Griffin, Worcester Telegram & Gazette,
July 3, 2005
LEOMINSTER - Neither rain nor pessimism deterred the
groundbreaking ceremony for the Leominster Public Library's
expansion and renovation project.
The event was held under cloudy skies Friday morning at the
entrance to the library, 30 West St., but the mood was
decidedly sunny.
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City breaks ground on library expansion
Hillary Chabot,
Sentinel & Enterprise,
July 2, 2005
LEOMINSTER -- About 150 residents joined Library Director
Susan Shelton and Mayor Dean Mazzarella at a groundbreaking
ceremony for the $10.8 million library expansion Friday
morning.
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Library given a long last look
Anna L. Griffin, Telegram & Gazette, June 26, 2005
LEOMINSTER - A final and fond farewell was bid Tuesday to
the Leominster Public Library. The event was
held for children and their parents at the library's 30 West
St. location. The event featured games and other activities
for the children, as well as refreshments in an otherwise
empty library.
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Bids for library opened - Offers higher than expected
Matthew Bruun, Telegram & Gazette, June 10, 2005
LEOMINSTER - Library officials will meet next week to
discuss the construction bids that were opened yesterday at
City Hall, showing prices that were slightly higher than had
been estimated for the major expansion and renovation
project.
Fontaine Bros. of Springfield submitted the low bid of
$9,077,000, purchasing agent Gregory C. Chapdelaine said.
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Companies compete for library-building contract
Hillary Chabot, Sentinel & Enterprise, June 10, 2005
LEOMINSTER -- Three companies submitted bids to be in charge
of building a new library on West Street -- and the lowest
bid came in at $9.077 million, said Purchasing Agent Greg
Chapdelaine.The entire cost of the project is $10.8 million.
Still, Chapdelaine said, there's not much breathing room.
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A fine alternative - Customers applaud temporary library
quarters
Mike Elfland, Worcester Telegram & Gazette, May 17,
2005
LEOMINSTER - The Ortega kids were glad to be back at the
library yesterday morning, even if the library was no longer
at the library.
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Leominster Public Library to have temporary new home
Anna L. Griffin, Worcester Telegram & Gazette, April 24,
2005
LEOMINSTER-When? How? Where?
These and many more questions have been asked of the staff
of the Leominster Public Library after the announcement that
the library will be moving to a temporary location."We've
had a lot of questions," said Susan T. Shelton, library
director.
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Library
to move to temporary location
Anna Parachkevova, Sentinel & Enterprise, April 12, 2005
LEOMINSTER -- The public library will move to Crossroad
Office Park at 690 Mechanic St. for the next 18 months,
until renovation and expansion of its current facility is
completed.
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Library
project start nears - Leominster to seek bids
Matthew Bruun, Worcester Telegram & Gazette, April 7,
2005
LEOMINSTER - Ground may be broken in June for the
long-awaited expansion and renovation of the public library,
Library Director Susan T. Shelton said yesterday. "We're on
our way," she said.The city will advertise for construction
bids on the library project next week, Purchasing Agent
Gregory C. Chapdelaine said.
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Razing
starts library project
Mary Jo Hill, Worcester Telegram & Gazette, November 18,
2004
LEOMINSTER - A carriage house on West Street is tentatively
scheduled to be demolished tomorrow, giving the public the
first physical sign that the expansion of the Leominster
Public Library is getting under way.
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Needed: Temporary library space
Matthew Bruun, Worcester Telegram & Gazette, November
11, 2004
LEOMINSTER - As public library officials continue their
search for temporary quarters during a 16-month major
renovation and expansion of the public library on West
Street, the City Hall auditorium has been discussed as a
possible last resort.
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Temporary home being sought for Leominster library
Mary Jo Hill, Worcester Telegram & Gazette, August
11, 2004
LEOMINSTER -- If all goes as hoped, by December the
Leominster Public Library will have moved into a temporary
home while contractors begin more than doubling the size of
the building and the amount of parking.
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Leominster hoping to break ground on library expansion in
November
By Lisa Guerriero,
Sentinel & Enterprise, February 17, 2004
LEOMINSTER-- The planned expansion of the Leominster Public
Library calls for the historical section of the building at
30 West St. to be preserved, said a member of the building
committee.
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Leominster library project to start
Matthew Bruun, Worcester Telegram & Gazette, February
16, 2004
LEOMINSTER- Ground should be broken in November on an
enlarged and renovated Leominster Public Library, and the
search has begun for a site to house the facility's
collection during 16 months of construction.
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