‘The Hub’ to open in Chicopee, former site of public library
CHICOPEE — The former and long-vacant Chicopee Public Library will reopen this weekend as a hub for the community to gather and engage with each other, according to city officials.
The Hub at Market Square, on Springfield Street, is a part of the city's reinvestment into Chicopee Center. It will open on Saturday, according to a statement from the Mayor's Office.
The city dedicated American Rescue Plan Act dollars toward revitalizing the old library building, according to reports on the city's website.
Lee Pouliot, director of planning and development in Chicopee, said via an emailed statement that the site had, for decades, been identified as a priority building.
"Renovations to the former Chicopee Public Library provide a distinct opportunity to not only restore a historic building to productive reuse but to also ensure that the reuse plan supports contemporary community needs and economic development priorities, within a fully accessible downtown building," Pouliot said.
Mayor John Vieau, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, and Pouliot will all speak at the event, which begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday. The rest of the afternoon will be filled with activities and live music.
"The people of Chicopee have wanted this for a long time. We've all worked hard for this day, for a long time. I am so grateful for all who worked to make this dream a reality. To bring such a special building, filled with so many memories, back to the heart of downtown Chicopee, has been a true labor of love," said Vieau.
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