by Julie Gowel ·
Friday, August 16, 2024
Folks driving past the Harvard Public Library in the past few months may have noticed a pavilion being erected. Anyone driving past on Tuesday this week heard the squeals of delight and saw the completed pavilion hosting a children’s band for its inaugural event.
The concert, featuring the Toe Jam Puppet Band, was just one of the many programs children’s librarian Abby Kingsbury will host in the library’s new space. Having already conducted multiple story hours under the shade of the structure, Kingsbury looks forward to using the pavilion for book and writing clubs, workshops, and she hopes to offer movie nights if the library can secure a screen.
The pavilion is the brainchild of the Harvard Public Library’s board of trustees, elected officials of the town responsible for setting library policies and managing the finances. The board’s strategic plan took a major turn during the COVID-19 pandemic, giving members a reason to consider moving library activities outdoors in a more permanent way.
According to a press release from the trustees this week, when the staff at the library shifted to outdoor story time under a tent, it became clear that patrons enjoyed the natural space Harvard offers for activities throughout the four seasons. With funding from the library trust, which is supported by private donations, and the expertise of Ayer-based [RE]Architect, the library constructed a sheltered, outdoor space for library programs, something only a few libraries in the state boast.
Children chase clothing strewn about by Vinnie Lovegrove (center) as Tom Poitras (far left) accompanies his antics on guitar during a performance by the Toe Jam Puppet Band at the just-opened pavilion at the Harvard Public Library, Aug. 13. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)
The pavilion might provide space, but for board of trustees Chair Stacie Green, it is much more than that. “I read this whole theory around place-making,” she said. “You want to make not just spaces, you want to make places.” Having been at the library for something unrelated, Green heard the music coming from the pavilion and joined the spectators on the lawn for the concert on Tuesday afternoon. “I saw all these babies running around, and there was a lot of joy. That’s what we were hoping for, to create a place of joy.”
Kids were giggling and shouting as Toe Jam Puppet frontman Vinnie Lovegrove sent giant bubbles floating into the air, squirted the audience with water, and made everyone dance while Tom Poitras strummed his guitar and sang. “I love the space,” said Poitras when asked how he enjoyed performing in the pavilion. “It’s very warm under here because of all the wood, the acoustics are great.” Lovegrove said he appreciated the overall design, which allowed for easy load-in, had plenty of electricity, and was ideal for audience interaction.
Spectators were also enamored of the pavilion. Jessica and Chris Kimball and their 4-year-old son, Bode, sat on a blanket in the grass enjoying the show, the first library event the family has attended. “This is awesome,” said Jessica. “We will definitely come to more events.”
The library trustees have already received inquiries regarding the availability of the pavilion for public use. Green said policies regarding the space are the main focus of the next meeting of the library trustees, which will take place Monday, Sept. 9, at 7 p.m. in the library. “In the meantime,” said Green, “I am hoping we just pile it with activities and see what people like.”
The library will host a grand opening for the public Saturday, Sept. 7, from 2 to 4 p.m. The celebration will feature youth band One Twenty Too, whose lead singer is Bromfield rising eighth-grader Gina Moussouris, and drummer is Bromfield rising ninth-grader Vivienne Cogan, and blues folk band Neighborhood Panic from Fitchburg. Lawn games and light refreshments will be provided, but attendees should bring their own chairs or blankets.