A new chapter for Ashby Free Library
More than 100 attend grand re-opening
By Caitlyn Kelleher Journal Staff Reporter

(Right) Ashby residents (f to b) Alyssa Jollimore, 13, Meghan Hyatt, 12, and Katyna Kusmirek, 12, use the computers after the ceremony.

A small celebration on the town common followed by a ribboncutting and a musical entrance helped usher in a new era for the Ashby Free Public Library on Oct. 22.

Official guests at the grand opening of the newly renovated library included state Rep. Robert Rice, state Sen. Robert Antonioni, former state Rep. Brian Knuuttila and representatives from the Massachusetts Library Board of Commissioners.

"No tax increase were used to do this project," said Trustee John Mickola. "There is no public debt for this project."

The $3.1 million was funded through a grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library commissioners, a Community Development Block Grant to cover the architectural issues for handicap accessibility, and $425,820 of town money appropriated over four years as well as $425,000 in private donations.

Antonioni helped the town apply for and receive some of the state funding for the renovation. He said he was pleased to have helped the town get the money and to attend the reopening.

(Left) Lillian Randall, of Milton, studies some of the historic memorabilia in the front room of the original library.

"There is no more popular program than the money we give in this commonwealth for buildings in our communities," said Antonioni.

He complimented the town officials and the trustees on their work.

"I want to congratulate you on your steadfastness on this project," Antonioni said. "I know you had your bumps and bruises along the way."

State Rep. Robert Rice also offered his congratulations on the completion of the project. He had visited the library before its official opening and the former librarian helped unpack many of the boxes.

"The Dewy Decimal system, once it's in your brain, never leaves," he said. "I can't think of a more happy event [than a library opening]."

The trustees used the grand re-opening to announce two new awards. The first is for high school students from town who volunteer at the library. These students will get the chance to apply to be the recipient of a refurbished laptop.

Libby Molan, Mia Galante, Emily Homer, Sarah Pierce and Evan McPherson stand in front of the new door to the Ashby Free Public Library after cutting the ceremonial ribbon during the Oct. 22 grand re-opening.

"We are putting together the library volunteer program guidelines," said Trustee Dwight Horan.

The first set of laptops was donated by BAE in Nashua, N.H.

The other award is to honor those who work and serve the library and it is named after the library's original benefactor Edward Chapman - the Edward Chapman Library Service Award.

The first presentation of the award was given to Helen Nash, who served as a trustee for many years.

Sam Joseph, 14, reads the Guinness World Records book after the grand opening of the library.