Editor’s Note: The following was written and submitted by Sandra Pantorno, a newly elected member of the Great Barrington Library Board of Trustees.
Mickey Mouse made his first appearance in Steamboat Willie in 1928.
Bubble Gum was created in 1928.
The Great Depression began in 1929.
As a community, we can be proud. It was in 1906, that the Ramsdell Library in the hamlet of Housatonic was constructed. As a gift to the people of Housatonic, Theodore Ramsdell left the library to the community in his will. Two years later, in 1908, the doors opened to the public, who marveled at the opulent structure that included a second floor stage known as “The Great Hall.” Over 100 years later, in 2014, the two-story, Beaux Arts edifice was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The 1930s was a difficult decade for our country, yet the community persevered. It was in 1930 when Ramsdell expanded to meet the needs of the public. It would be the last time a significant renovation would take place at this historic building.
Even Great Barrington’s award-winning 2013 Master Plan discusses the renovation of Ramsdell, but, unfortunately, no funds were appropriated for it.
The survey linked below will enable us to gather information that will be used to develop a five-year Strategic Plan for both Mason and Ramsdell libraries. Additionally, this will enable us to apply for a Massachusetts library grant of up to $5 million dollars to reimagine Ramsdell. As Chair of the Library Board of Trustees Patrick Hollenbeck said, “This sizable grant application is due in May 2024. We need to seize the opportunity.”
In 2007, the Mason Library underwent an extensive renovation through the state’s Library Building Grant Program. Sixteen years later, in April 2023, Great Barrington submitted a letter of intent to enter Ramsdell in the building grant program.
The Strategic Plan survey is our stepping stone on a path that will move us forward as a community, providing a new trajectory for enhancing both of our libraries. It will envision Ramsdell, in particular, our last remaining underutilized town building, as a fully accessible historic library serving as a community gathering space to meet the needs of the 21st-century citizenry, now and tomorrow.
The COVID-19 pandemic made many things apparent, one of them being the real need for people to have public gatherings places to connect with others. The Great Barrington libraries should serve that function for our community.
Click here to download the Strategic Plan survey. Survey responses are due August 4, 2023, and filled-out paper surveys can be dropped off at either Mason or Ramsdell Library or the Great Barrington Town Hall.
