To the editor:
Recently, our Great Barrington libraries have undergone numerous changes: management and staff turnover, a confusion of roles, and fewer library hours. Relatively new trustees are breathing new life into the organization. They need our support to meet the opportunities that will change the quality of our lives. It begins with the renovation of Ramsdell Library which will expand space and programs for both libraries greatly.
To do so, we need a building grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioner (MBLC) which is offered once in 8-10 years. A minimum grant prerequisite is a Town commitment of $150,000. This certified commitment is but a fraction of what we could receive.
While it was named a major priority in Great Barrington’s 2013 award-winning Master Plan, Ramsdell’s renovation was left behind. As a concerned citizen and having once served as the Chair of the GB Finance Committee, I am advocating why Ramsdell should be re-addressed:
TWO TOWNS IN ONE. In square miles, Great Barrington is the largest town in Berkshire County with our Housatonic hamlet at the northern tip. Yet, Housatonic is about the population size of Monterey or Egremont. Ramsdell Library is centrally located in its hamlet and walkable for its many families. Further, with Housatonic’s median income 25 percent lower than GB center[i], many do not have cars. We need both libraries.
SERVING THE UNDER-SERVED. Housatonic is underserved and its library is an example. The Beaux Arts building was a gift to the Town in 1908 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2014. It has not been renovated in nearly a century. Architecturally attractive, its sumptuous second floor, once known as “the Great Hall,” is now a massive storage space. The building has no elevator and not ADA compliant. The temporary handicap ramp added is not in keeping with the Library Building Program of June 2020 as a historic building.
Ramsdell represents the last public building in Housatonic available for formal community gatherings. The abandoned Housatonic School was left unaddressed for 20 years and was finally sold. Let’s not let that happen to Ramsdell. The restricted deed calls for the building to be returned to the Ramsdell family should it cease being a library.
POPULATION CHANGES. Great Barrington’s population changes in both composition and size have sparked urgency. Since 2000, the non-white population has increased 3.5 times over with the Hispanic population leading the way, quadrupling its residents. Housatonic CDP* houses 30 percent of this sector more than Great Barrington CDP. In terms of growth, Great Barrington’s population is expected to increase in tandem with the largest expansion of group housing in South County. Between 2013 and 15 years hence, an increase of 1,000 people will be residing in these new group housing units. This growth does not include new single- or dual-family occupants.
One way to meet GB’s needs is to use our resources optimally. By renovating, modernizing and expanding its usable space, Ramsdell will not only serve more people, but also spur improvements at Mason Library through the reallocation of spaces. Special programs for pre-teens and teenagers could fill a void for this under-served group. Spanish language and tutoring facilities could also be accommodated in flexibly designed spaces. Both libraries will be more efficient, technologically updated and improved in space utilization.
KICK-OFF FUNDS. The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) will meet to recommend the library’s application for historic funds. To qualify for the MA building grant, the Town must certify a commitment of $150,000. This will kick-off “the Planning and Design Phase” of Ramsdell for the multi-million-dollar grant.
WORK TO BE DONE. The 2020 Library Building Program has outlined the potential renovation, but many factors contributed to a standstill. Looking forward, a team, including the Library Board of Trustees will address Ramsdell’s needs such as: an elevator, the build-out of its second floor, modern technology including audio-visual facilities access to wireless internet, a redesign of its space, and basic infrastructure improvements (windows, insulation, lighting, etc.) Outreach committees will incorporate further community input.
CAPITAL FUNDS NEEDED. Finally, a fundraising campaign will be launched to reduce the effect on the Town’s capital improvement budget. This can be done either through the expansion in the size and scope of the Friends of the Library (a 501c3) group or through a separate new vehicle focused on capital projects.
With these improvements, both libraries will be centers of community-gatherings and program enlightenment, moving in tandem with our growing and changing population. I am asking that our Select Board, Town Manager, committees, and townspeople to support our libraries with letters and participation in efforts to move this project forward.
Sharon Gregory
Great Barrington
[i] Housatonic and Great Barrington CDP (Census-Designated Place)
