NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The library will return original fixtures and furniture to the building that has been in storage since the renovation some years ago.

 

Library Director Mindy Hackner told the trustees Wednesday that she recently toured the Windsor Mill to make sure there was nothing left in storage from the library and came upon some original exterior parts and fireplace surrounds.

 

"What we found was some beautiful nickel fireplace surrounds that go in the old building to kind of keep people from stumbling in [to the fireplace]," she said. "They are made out of nickel and gorgeous. There are about eight of them and I want to bring them back over here."  

 

Hackner said a lot of furniture, fixtures and outdoor fixtures were stored during the renovation at the Windsor Mill. With the city planning to sell the mill, the director said she wanted to make sure nothing was left behind.

 

"We just wanted to see one last time before they started chucking things out," she said.  

 

She said there were also display cabinets that were in bad shape and too big for the library.  

 

The trustees also started a new strategic planning session and agreed it may be time for more consistent branding.

 

Hackner suggested using the belvedere — the windowed tower — somehow in the logo.

 

"I came in one day and the sun was coming through those windows from behind it and it looked like a diamond," she said. "It was beautiful. It almost looked like Stonehenge."  

 

Trustee Rich Remsberg suggested going even further with the belvedere and allow access to it. 

 

"I think we should be using it as an incentive we need to get people up there or a least look in," he said. "Maybe fix it up and have $100 plate dinner up there for donors. I think we can do more with it." 

 

Hackner said it would be nice but the belvedere is in bad shape and is unsafe.

 

She read a letter from building department that stated the parking lot lights have been replaced and energy company has inspected the indoor lighting to see if grant funds can be used to change out them out with LED lights.

 

Also, the outside structure of the building has been inspected and a lift will be hired so inspectors can check the gutters.

 

Hackner said the library recently had a German doctorate student researching the Hoosac Tunnel for his thesis.

 

"We were able to get him some incredible stuff and he was as happy as a clam," Hackner said. "He said he would give the library all the credit it's due because he saw some primary sources he thought he would never see." 

 

Hackner said the new library app is now downloadable. She said the app will make it easier to use library services. It can be found here or by searching for CWMARS Boopsie app on Google Play or the Apple App Store.