Hampden Bank Donates to Library Technology Improvements
 

Wilbraham Public Library
25 Crane Park Drive
Wilbraham, MA01095

Contact: Christine Bergquist, Library Director 596-6141 x105

For Immediate News Release: April 22, 2011


Hampden Bank Donates to Library Technology Improvements

James S. Jurgens, Wilbraham Public Library Board of Trustees Chairman, announced that Hampden Savings Foundation, Inc. has pledged $7,500 toward library technology improvements. Funds will donated over a three-year period and used to purchase computers, a VGA projection system and other equipment to support library services and enhance building renovations.

Hampden Bank Vice President Hector Toledo and Wilbraham Branch Manager Shana J. Hendrikse presented a $2,500 check as the first payment to Library Director Christine Bergquist at the library on April 11 as the first of three payments.

In a letter accompanying the check Treasurer Robert A. Massey wrote, “It is with great pleasure that Hampden Savings Foundation, Inc. helps support organizations such as Library Improvements for Tomorrow, Inc. Organizations, such as yours, contribute to the welfare of the people with the greater Springfield area.”

“We are excited about and very grateful for Hampden Savings Foundation’s generous support of our library,” said Bergquist. “They understand and appreciate the importance of the public library in the community and our ability to positively impact of the lives of residents of all ages.”

Library Improvement for Tomorrow, Inc. (LIFT) is fundraising for renovations and needs to raise $400,000 to complete all four phases. To date LIFT has raised over
$200,000 in private funds, including donations from several local banks, community groups, and numerous town residents. The overall cost to complete renovations is estimated at $800,000.

LIFT is funding improvements to service delivery while the Town of Wilbraham Capital Improvements Project budget is providing funds to support infrastructure and health and safety remodeling.

Work has been ongoing at the library since 2007. Renovations to date include a new teen space, new stairs, upgrades to the nonfiction book stack new stairs, window replacements, HVAC upgrades, emergency and exit lighting, and automatic door openers. The next improvement scheduled is for a new unified service desk on the first floor to be installed early this summer.

Anyone interested in more information about library renovation plans or wishing to make a donation may contact Bergquist at the library at 596-6141 ext. 105.

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