Holyoke Public Library

Designed by James Clough as a gift in honor of his daughters, the Holyoke Public Library was built in 1902 and is situated in an historic park. A lack of funds, the passage of time and faulty drainage made 40 percent of the interior unusable by the time the library began renovations. The library worked with the Finegold Alexander Architects to create a design that preserved the functioning sections of the historic building, selectively demolished an inaccessible stack wing, and added a larger, compatible addition.

The renovation and addition reflects a significant understanding of how a public library functions in today’s society. The new addition and historic renovation of the original library were successfully combined to create a spirited sense of spaces, relegating neither new or old to a subordinate position. The project required bi-lingual presentations to community members, historic and planning commissions and has received the approval of the Board of Library Commissioners. Constructed on time and under budget, this project achieved LEED Silver Certification. Careful research, attention to detail, and experienced personnel enabled the great success of balancing historic significance with current needs.

The library now has 40,000 square feet of space in which to provide services to patrons. Many of the historic features were preserved, including interior murals, and the library now meets Americans with Disabilities Act mandates.