For Immediate Release
Press Contact: Lisa Downing, 413-587-1016
Forbes Library will be breaking ground on a new outdoor performance stage later this month. H|AI Architecture based in Northampton designed the accessible, open air, covered stage for the library’s west lawn. The stage will support a wide variety of programs including concerts, children’s programming, and outdoor movies. “We have a long history of outdoor programming at Forbes. It began over a century ago with community singing events. This stage will be a wonderful addition to the library’s gathering spaces and enjoyed for years to come”, Lisa Downing, Library Director. The stage will be available for use by community groups in addition to hosting library programming.
The stage includes ramping to provide handicap access to the stage and the viewing area. It will have electricity, lighting, and a durable metal roof that will hold solar panels to power it. Campora Construction based in Ludlow will be building the $289,000 project. Funding for the stage comes from ARPA funds distributed by the City of Northampton, a state earmark secured by Senator Comerford, a major gift by the Friends of Forbes Library and over $125,000 in private donations. Additional funds are being raised to add audiovisual equipment and landscaping.
Construction will be completed in June and the stage will be ready for use later this summer.