Promise Realized Campaign Announces $250,000 Grant

SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts, March 29 -- Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance, a life insurance company, issued the following news release:

The Springfield Library Foundation is pleased to announce that the MassMutual Foundation has awarded $250,000 to the Promise Realized Capital Campaign. A formal presentation ceremony about the grant was held at Springfield City Hall on March 29.

The Library Foundation launched the $2 million campaign last fall to support replacement of the current East Forest Park Branch Library with a new building. The new facility will begin construction later this year thanks to a $4.9 million state grant, strong municipal support, and community funding through the Promise Realized Campaign.

"Our promise to Springfield and the East Forest Park neighborhood, to rebuild after the devastating tornado, is one major step closer to being fulfilled," said Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno. "With the support of great champions like MassMutual, we will build Springfield's first true 21st Century Library and Learning Center, making our City an ever better place to live, work and raise a family."

"We are beyond grateful to have MassMutual's support," stated Library Foundation President Patrick Markey. "Their commitment to improving the community is undeniable. This leadership gift to the Promise Realized Campaign brings us significantly closer to our $2 million goal."

Springfield City Library Director Molly Fogarty echoed the sentiment: "This new library will be a landmark development for the Springfield area. We absolutely could not do it without the support of the local corporate leadership."

"The MassMutual Foundation is committed to enhancing economic opportunity in our community, and this project represents a forward-thinking approach that re-imagines the whole concept of a library," said Dennis Duquette, Head of MassMutual Community Responsibility and President of the MassMutual Foundation. "A modern public library is a vital community resource and we are proud to support the Library Foundation in its efforts to create a learning hub that will enrich the lives of all by providing access to the latest technology, training programs and collaboration space. We hope this grant will inspire and stimulate additional giving within and beyond the local corporate community."

The existing East Forest Park Branch Library is one of the busiest locations in Springfield, but struggles to serve the high numbers of visitors with only 4,100 square feet of strip mall space. The current facility lacks program and meeting rooms, high-speed internet access, and accessible entrances and restrooms. The new building will consist of 17,000 square feet of community space, including special areas for children and teens, a community room, study rooms, dozens of public computers, and a maker space. The new branch is expected to be "a model for the future" according to Springfield City Library Director Molly Fogarty.

Founded in 1857, the Springfield City Library provides over 800,000 free print, physical, and digital resources for public enrichment, as well as nearly 5000 educational and recreational programs per year. To learn more, visit www.springfieldlibrary.org.