AGAWAM – Four months after being forced out of the Agawam Public Library, librarians and patrons have settled in to their temporary quarters in the town’s Senior Center.

Things are going “really well,” reported Nancy Siegel, the library director. “The Senior Center gave us four rooms open to the public.”

Library staff were able to bring about 5,000 items to the Senior Center at 954 Main St. in October, a month after the library closed following air quality tests that revealed mold in four areas throughout the building.

There are also some new acquisitions that joined the collection at the temporary library. The four rooms include a children’s room, a computer lab, and two rooms solely designated for books.

“They couldn’t have been any better,” she said of her new hosts. “The Senior Center has been so accommodating. It’s been a delightful experience.”

In recent months, the library has been resuming in-person programs.

“The Children’s Department has ramped up – offering more programming,” said Siegel. For instance, the library has gone back to hosting storytimes, along with multiple craft offerings for children of various ages.

Siegel noted that the library has programs for adults too, such as an in-person technology lab to assist in phone and computer use.

“There’s nothing we haven’t been able to do,” said Siegel. Between the information desk, museum passes and constantly adding books, she said, “We have all our services here.”

Although the library staff hasn’t seen the same number of people visiting their Main Street location, Siegel is hopeful that by spreading the word, more patrons will come back.

At the start of the pandemic in 2020, the Agawam Public Library began offering home delivery for residents who are physically unable to leave their homes.

“It’s not done for convenience – it’s for necessity,” she said. This service is “still going strong,” added Siegel.

Those wishing to partake in the delivery service are asked to call the library directly at 789-1550.

At press time, Siegel said she was unsure as to when the Cooper Street building will be safe to reopen, as the maintenance work is still ongoing.

On Cooper Street, a private company has worked to deep-clean the walls, furniture and floors, along with conducting further tests.

Siegel said, “Thankfully not [all was] damaged by the mold,” allowing for most items to remain in their original location.
“We are eager but patient to get back,” she added.

She extended her gratitude to the Agawam Senior Center for all its assistance throughout this unpredictable time.

The library’s current hours at its temporary location are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday.

A complete list of the library’s programs can be found at www.agawamlibrary.org.