By JULIE CUNNINGHAM
Photos by Matt Gregory
(Greenfield, MA) The groundbreaking ceremony for the new library in Greenfield drew many supporters on Thursday morning as well as protestors, who disrupted the event by interrupting speeches and the groundbreaking photo-op ceremony. Protestors, some standing and carrying signs and others seated, clashed with officials and members of the public at different times during the event. Several protestors carried signs that claimed Greenfield tax payers were lied to about the library’s cost while at least one sign opposed the relocation of Greenfield’s fire station.
Two years ago, Greenfield voters approved of a new library with 61 percent of the vote in favor of construction. The library and dedicated parking lot will be constructed on the site of the current Greenfield fire station and neighboring public parking lot to the east.
The 10am ceremony was held at 426 Main Street, the location of the new library, despite heavy rain from Tropical Storm Fred that subsided just before the event began.
The event featured speeches by the mayor and other committee and board members including George Comeau, Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, Doris Cowdrey Greenfield Public Library Board of Trustees, Ed Berlin speaking on behalf of Tim Farrell, both of whom co-chair the Greenfield Public Library’s Building Committee, and Ellen Boyer, Greenfield Public Library Director.