At the Corner of Checkout and Return: A Message from Library Director Antonia Golinski-Foisy
And suddenly you know it’s time to start something new and trust the magic of new beginnings. - Meister Eckhart
Dear Readers, After twenty-five years working for the town of West Springfield, I will be retiring from my position as Library Director on January 13. It has been my honor working in this community beginning in 1997 as the Supervisor of Children’s Services and then in 2000 accepting the position of Library Director. I am honored to have worked with incredibly dedicated, skilled, compassionate, kind and resilient co-workers who never wavered in their commitment to being team players. I am forever grateful for their efforts in creating a welcoming environment for all.
Through their efforts, the light of hope shone brightly as the library traversed a construction project, transitioned through the COVID-19 pandemic, adapted to new technologies, and created new services. Over the years, we were able to develop the Ruth M. Peck internship program for high school students, provide intern opportunities for students attending local colleges, expand the ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) classes both virtually and in-person, collaborate with HCC to provide teaching space and opportunities for our emerging immigrant population, develop memory kits for community members with dementia and Alzheimer's, increase our circulating puzzle and game collections, and introduce our first ever monthly Memory Café.
Collaborations were strengthened with the schools, Council on Aging, Parks and Rec, and the Boys and Girls’ Club. Opportunities to book spaces in the library for meetings, trainings, and conferences were made available to businesses, organizations, town departments, and individuals. Monthly art displays are now considered a staple, promoting local and regional artists and art groups. Our Board of Trustees, the Friends group, elected officials, town administration and departments, area businesses and organizations provided continuous support to make the library a success and remain an essential service to the community. The residents of West Springfield have always been the reason WSPL exists. Their steadfast support carried us through the construction project and the pandemic. Their daily visits created connections that will always be remembered.
For a quarter of a century, I was the recipient of so many opportunities for growth and learning in a field that I remain passionate about and I am fulfilled knowing that all of my career goals and dreams became a reality. My new phase of life is being approached with high expectations and jubilation. More time will be spent with family, lifelong learning, travel, home improvement projects, spending time in nature and living in gratitude for what I have had, have, and will have
I write this on my heart and carry it in my soul…thank you for the opportunity to have served you. With much appreciation and affection
The Library will be closed on: Monday, January 16th in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Monday, February 20th in observance of Presidents Day Monday, April 17th in observance of Patriots’ Day
Contact Us
Library staff are available during open hours
at (413) 736 - 4561 and the following extensions:
Borrowers’ Services / Museum Passes x 0
Hours of Operation x 2
Adult Services x 3
Youth Room x 4
Teen Room x 5
Find us online at:
wspl.org
facebook.com/westspringfieldpubliclibrary
facebook.com/westside.teenroom
facebook.com/westspringfieldpubliclibrary.youthroom
twitter.com/wspl_ma
instagram.com/wspl_ma
Click here to Read More Information About West Springfield Public Library Cover to Cover: Winter 22 - 23
