It’s Not Magic
Pomfret Public Library: A library built for the ages
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
POMFRET — The Pomfret Public Library addition was formally welcomed into the Pomfret family April 10 and 11. The space follows more than a decade of hard work, volunteers, a speed bump named Covid, record cold and blizzards, and perseverance. Right down to sharing space with “the lovely mice” at the Old Town House temporary library quarters.
The 1,200 square foot addition and renovations to the existing library include an expanded deck/outdoor space, a large meeting room, a conference room, a cozy lounge, ADA bathrooms and a kitchenette. Rooms will be available for community gatherings. The project was funded entirely by grants and donations from a generous and caring community.
Marc Archambault of the Building for Community Fund-raising Committee thanked guests/donors, “your generosity and belief in the power of shared spaces have brought us to this exciting milestone. This would not have been possible without every donor and volunteer who contributed to this effort.”
The original plans fell to Covid and committee members found that building costs had risen dramatically post-Covid. The committee returned its state grant to the state in order to reapply for a larger one. The fund-raising continued in earnest and about $1 million was raised. And a larger state grant was secured.
Among the many he thanked were architects Silver Petrucelli & Associates, general contractor A. Secondino & Son Inc., and Skip Wise who “devoted countless hours of his retirement to give the gift of his many years of experience in managing construction projects. He knows pretty much every nail and can account for every penny that went into this project.” He also acknowledged First Selectman Maureen Nicholson for the “foresight to grab Skip at the mailbox a couple years ago and convince him that this would be a great thing to spend his time on.”
Selectman Patrick McCarthy, speaking on behalf of Nicholson who could not attend, said the expansion represents “far more than square footage. It reflects the evolving role of the library as a place for collaboration, quiet study, community programs and for civic engagement.”
Noting that in these modern times “we risk losing the ability to engage in respectful face-to-face conversation,” the new space is a place you can exchange ideas thoughtfully and this new space stands in contrast to those more impersonal interactions. It’s a place where people can exchange ideas thoughtfully and strengthen the kind of civic discourse that builds healthy communities.”
“Pomfret has chosen to invest, not retreat.” He added, “This expansion was never just about a building. It is and will continue to be about community.”
Library Director Laurie Bell spoke about the numerous programs at the library and its “grassroots efforts to encourage wellness through opportunities for social engagement. “We anticipate more lectures, more discussions, more concerts, more art workshops and exhibits and many other things, some of which we haven’t dreamed up yet. All will result in an increased sense of health and wellness for individuals for households and for the community as a whole.”
Archambault said: “This is a celebration of community spirit, shared vision and the commitment to creating a welcoming place for generations to come. Thank you for helping us build more than a library. Thank you for helping us build a community.”
*Editor’s note: Some may think projects just appear like magic. No. Behind the scenes are your creative, hardworking “invisible” neighbors who’ve worked relentlessly to make this “magic” happen. It’s not magic.
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