Adams Library Hoping to Host Historic Civil Rights Exhibit
 The library board of trustees is hoping to host a historic photography exhibit this spring. |
ADAMS, Mass. — The Free Library hopes to host an exhibit of famous photographs taken at the March on Washington 51 years ago.
Leonard Freed's "A Day Like No Other" could be displayed in the upper levels of the library this spring.
The 30 historical images have been on display in the Library of Congress. Freed, who died in 2006, was noted for his visual documentation of the Civil Rights Movement, including photographing the 20th anniversary march in 1983.
Library Trustee Eugene Michalenko explained that the exhibit should bring more people, not only to the library, but to downtown Adams.
"Artists and Pro-Adams groups are trying to generate traffic in downtown Adams, and this is part of the idea," Michalenko said at Thursday's meeting of the trustees.
Michalenko added that the exhibit could be installed as early as April and would be cleared well before major renovation construction is started in the library.
Chairman James Loughman added that the library faces security and insurance issues with the photographs. Although the library is fitted with security cameras, staff may be needed to keep an eye on the photos when the library is open.
"We have to confirm whether or not [photograph owners] can provide docents during regular business hours and during off hours," Loughman said. "Adams will have town bus tours, and this will be a spot, but ideally there will be docents accompanying everyone."
While not yet sure of the protocols with the exhibit, the trustees agreed to pursue the opportunity.
In addition to the exhibit, the board discussed changes in the original boiler renovation plans.
Instead of renovating the oil boiler system in the library, the trustees propose switching the system over to gas. Originally the upgrades estimate cost was $720,000. However, with changing the system, the total renovation costs for the building would be raised to somewhere between $800,000 and $1 million.
Library Director Deborah Bruneau explained that the building suffers from uneven heating. The changes in systems would provide much more consistent and efficient heating. The library would also have the capabilities of zoned heating.
"This is an opportunity to see if these improvements can be made," Bruneau said.
A decision in regards to the new boiler system and other renovations are expected to be made at a special town meeting in March.
The library also looks to purchase four refurbished laptops to replace four older ones that are unable to be updated during the library's technological improvements. All four laptops together will cost near $800.
Tags: capital projects, civil rights, exhibit, public library,
