bankESB donates use of downtown building to Easthampton Public Library

Easthampton Public Library and bankESB recently announced that the bank has donated use of its building at 52 Main St. to the library to help expand library programming to the Easthampton community.

According to Library Director Katya Schapiro, the library initially intends to use the building as an annex to its primary location at 9 Park St. to help enhance its offerings. The annex will host a mix of community meeting and event space, classrooms for computer classes and other educational opportunities for patrons, and an accessible children’s room. The property offers ample off-street parking and is conveniently located in the downtown area to allow walkable access for downtown residents.

“The library staff and patrons are eagerly looking forward to the expanded programming and gathering opportunities that the new annex space will provide, as well as the opportunities for future expansion,” said Schapiro. “We’re very grateful for this gift from bankESB and excited to make the most of this incredible opportunity.”

bankESB president and CEO Matthew S. Sosik says when he and the bankESB board of directors heard of the library’s need for additional space downtown, it was a “no-brainer” for bankESB to support the library in its mission to further unlock the potential of the Easthampton community and its residents.

“We’ve been an integral part of downtown Easthampton for over 150 years, so it’s literally our own backyard,” Sosik said. “We view this as an opportunity to continue making a meaningful difference in the community we call home and for those who live and work here.”

Renovations will begin in the next few weeks. Northampton-based DA Sullivan and Sons, Inc. has been selected as general contractor and Easthampton resident Curtis Edgin of Caolo & Bieniek Associates, Inc. as design consultant. Both have extensive experience in building and renovating libraries across Massachusetts. Work is expected to be completed in early 2025.

A groundbreaking ceremony will be held on Tuesday, October 1, at 5:45 p.m. in front of 52 Main St. to mark the start of renovations and to honor those individuals involved in the project. The public is welcome.