Indian Orchard Branch Library
100th Anniversary Celebration
100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDIAN ORCHARD BRANCH LIBRARY
Was Held on Saturday, May 9, 1 - 3 pm
It's 1909 and what's happening in the world? William Howard Taft has just succeeded Theodore Roosevelt as the 27th President of the United States. Big band leader Benny Goodman is born. And construction begins on the RMS Titanic in Belfast, Ireland. On Oak Street in the Indian Orchard section of Springfield, Massachusetts, the Springfield City Library system is opening the doors of a Classical Revival style library, made possible through the generosity of Andrew Carnegie. Designed by local architect John Donahue and built by local craftsmen, it is the first fully staffed suburban branch library in Springfield. In 1905 the Carnegie Foundation had given $260,000 to the city to build a central library and three branch libraries. (Also funded by this 1905 grant and commemorating one hundred years of service is the Forest Park Branch Library. A celebration event is being planned for the fall.)
In recognition of this milestone, an Open House Celebration was held on Saturday, May 9th at the Indian Orchard Branch Library, which has now graced the corner of Oak and Worcester Streets for a century. The air was filled with the sweet harmonies and jazzy blues sounds of the musical duo Too Human. Demonstrating her phenomenal artistry was watercolorist Susan Pecora, who created a painting of the Library to be hung in the branch. Crafts and face painting provided fun for children and refreshments were enjoyed by all!
This project was funded in part through grants from the Springfield Cultural Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Special thanks and recognition go to the Indian Orchard Branch Library Advisory Committee for their continued help and support.
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