SPRINGFIELD — Hundreds of guests gathered Thursday morning as the East Forest Park Branch Library officially opened at its new home at 136 Surrey Road after 14 months of construction.
There is a large family and children’s room, a dedicated teen area and a makerspace. A sidewalk connects to the Mary Dryden School. The library will also interact with other nearby schools, including Pope Francis Preparatory School.
“For well over 40 years, they’ve talked about a standalone East Forest Library — I’m so glad that my administration has been able to deliver on this neighborhood enhancement project,” Mayor Domenic Sarno said in a statement. “Especially after the devastating EF-3 tornado (in 2011), this is a true testament of the resiliency of our East Forest Park residents.”
Previously the branch library occupied rented space in a commercial strip on Island Pond Road.
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