Adams Free Library Rededicated

A cake featuring the building's front facade is cut after Saturday's ceremony.

ADAMS, Mass. — Library trustees, staff, friends and patrons celebrated the completion of renovations to the 116-year-old Free Library with a rededication ceremony on Saturday.

Library Director Deborah Bruneau thanked all those involved in the eight years of exterior and interior renovation.

"Everyone is proud of this build and they always compliment all the hard work that has gone on in here," Bruneau said. "I have to say this is quite the architectural jewel and we are very pleased that it was able to happen today."

Along with the various other speakers, Bruneau unveiled a plague dedicated to Ron Bishop, a former trustee and library patron who helped make the library what it is today. Bishop passed away in 2006.

"Ron had ideas, Ron had dreams, and Ron had visions of how spectacular the very special Adams Memorial Library could look when it was finished," she said. "Although he drove me crazy at times with his demands and deadlines, he was always focused on preserving and enhancing what was a very extraordinary gem in Adams."

Bruneau thanked Bishop and his family for the close friendship they had through his 11 years of devotion to the library

"The library is a much better place because of his hard work," she said. "Ron has left a long to-do list of projects that will keep me busy until I retire, but today we cross off a major one, and we thank Ron for all of his efforts and devotion to this building."

Massachusetts Board of Libraries Commissioner Mary Kronholm spoke about the historical significance and beauty of both Adams and the library.

She said as far back as 1914 the library maintained a collection of books published in Polish and German for the many nonnative English speakers in the town; she said only 12 percent of the population at the time was native born. She added this extensive collection was shared throughout Berkshire County and was an incredible asset to the region.  

She said the library is a focal point in the community and shows promise for a bright future after the renovations.

"Your library is the strength of your community, it a cornerstone of American democracy, it has something for everyone no mater age, sex, religion, and race, and it’s here and it ... serves you all from cradle to grave," Kronholm said. "It is now complete, and your library not only has a rich history but an even richer future."

Selectmen Chairman Richard Blanchard thanked all those dedicated to the project such as former Town Administrator Jonathan Butler, Community Development Director Donna Cesan, and others integral to the project.

"This rededication would not be possible without dedication. The dedication of the staff here at the library, the dedication of the trustees, and the dedication of the friends of the library," Blanchard said. "Before one shovel hit the ground there was a lot of work that went into this project, I'd say years to bring all this together."

Representatives from the general contractor and the designer of the building also spoke and explained the importance of reusing as much of the building as possible and keeping it historically accurate. The building is now watertight with historically accurate mortar work and the entrance itself was rebuilt for handicapped accessibility with original material.

The ceremony concluded with a statement from the library staff, friends, and trustees.

"We the trustees staff and friends of the Adams Free Library do hereby renew our commitment to provide the very best possible public library services to all citizens of the town of Adams and surrounding communities, and do hereby rededicate the building ... built to house the public library and continue to serve as a memorial to all military veterans."

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