Leverett Library Park fundraising concert features the Beth Logan Raffeld Trio
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Leverett Library Park fundraising concert features the Beth Logan Raffeld Trio
LEVERETT, Mass., April 6, 2025 - The Leverett Library, with the support of the Friends of Leverett Library, plan to transform the library property into an accessible, interactive community park. Join us at the library (75 Montague Rd.) on Sunday, April 6th at 4 p.m. for a fundraising concert to support the park installation and enjoy the jazz music of the Beth Logan Raffeld Trio. Tickets are limited and available on Eventbrite.
Leverett’s first-of-its-kind accessible park will have a wide, paved path encircling the library and include a boardwalk inviting people to appreciate the nearby wetland. Dotted along the path will be benches, outdoor instruments, and a covered stage/workshop area. This all-persons and all-abilities park will increase Leverett’s community gathering spaces and ensure that children, older adults, and people of all abilities can come together for music, learning, appreciation of nature, and joy.
Join us for an afternoon jazz concert to celebrate and support the library’s community park. Jazz standards from the Beth Logan Raffeld Trio will brighten your early spring weekend. The trio consists of Beth Logan Raffeld on vocals, Stephen Page on piano and Steve Bulmer on bass. Raffeld has performed with world-class jazz musicians and has played for the library’s popular Music on the Patio series.
This park has been designed to answer many of the needs in Leverett including increased community gathering spaces, safe opportunities for people with compromised immune systems, and accessible spaces to foster full participation by those with auditory, physical, visual, and cognitive disabilities. It will include an ADA and AAB compliant stage and trail and an ADA sound system for use during workshops, playgroups, and other gatherings.
The Friends of Leverett Library and the Library Director worked closely with Meera Connors, a student at the Conway School of Landscape Design, to create the initial design. Since then, the Library Trustees and Friends have worked to produce engineering level plans that aim for a low-maintenance and fully accessible design to enliven the property and make it a long-term asset to the town.
This project was originally conceived when the Friends of Leverett Library received a $10,000 anonymous gift that included a matching requirement. That original matching fundraiser has now garnered over $28,000 and the Library Trustees have also committed $91,000 from the generous 2019 John Van Steenberg bequest. The Library is currently seeking the remaining funds through the town’s Community Preservation Commission; their grant request will be voted on at Town Meeting.
Quotes:
“Beth is a local gem and her trio’s music is a true delight. We were thrilled to accept her offer of a fundraising concert as the library is committed to enhancing our role within the community and offering fully accessible joy on the library’s property during open hours and beyond.” Hannah Paessel, Library Director
“The library park is a project dear to my heart. I am so proud of our library and I’ve always cared about gardens and landscapes. We have so much potential here to make a park-like atmosphere for use by Leverett citizens of all ages. We have a vision and we are working hard to bring it to fruition!
When Beth volunteered to do a benefit concert for our Library Park project, I was overwhelmed by her generosity. I’m so looking forward to this event!” Leslie Fisette, President of the Friends of Leverett Library
“Many older Leverett citizens use the Library and the Pocket Park would allow for more opportunities for older adults to make connections with each other and also connect with younger generations.” Linda Hoer, Co-Chair, Leverett Council on Aging
“I am particularly impressed with the Library’s inclusion of individuals with disabilities in the design process. I appreciated being asked to join the conversation. It provided an opportunity for me, and for others, to provide valuable feedback on the design. It is understood historically that accommodations for disability drives innovation; it always has. But access is often only achieved by the efforts of those who see, experience, and therefore intrinsically understand barriers to access.” Cheryl Howland, M.Ed., CAGS and Leverett resident from her letter of support to the Community Preservation Commission.
How can you get involved? Get your tickets today at the Leverett Library or online at: Eventbrite
And, please vote for the library’s Community Preservation grant application at Town Meeting on Saturday, May 3, 2025
As a public library, the Leverett Library is a welcoming and vital center of lifelong learning that strengthens its community. It offers space for all people and ideas to come together. The library annually serves 10,500 visitors and offers programs for kids, teens, and adults throughout the year. https://leverettlibrary.org
The Friends of Leverett Library are a 501(c)3 nonprofit that has been active since the 1990s. They support the mission of the library through fundraising, advocacy, and increasing the library’s visibility in the community. They provide the primary financial support for public programs, museum passes, and the summer reading program. /friends
Contact Information:
Hannah Paessel
Library Director
75 Montague Rd.
Leverett, Mass.
413-548-9220
leverett@cwmars.org
http://leverettlibrary.org
Posted: to General News on Wed, Mar 12, 2025
Updated: Wed, Mar 12, 2025