Old Chicopee library transformed into community hub

The city of Chicke held a ceremony for the old library building after two decades of vacancy. 22 News reporter Cla Overton was there for the grand reopening. >> It's a beautiful, beautiful day in Chap. >> State and city officials joined together with the public at the opening ceremony for the old Chap Library, repurposing the building into a community space. We had to really try to think outside the box on how we were going to turn this into viable space that could be again a hub, a hub of activity for the people who live here and something that you as the residents of Chapie could be proud of. >> The building sat vacant for 20 years since the Chapi Library moved to its current location down the street on Front Street. >> There was people out there that said, "Knock it down. Why are we spending the money?" Well, this is what we we got out of it for the community to use. >> From the old library to a community hub for everyone, the restoration process wasn't easy or smooth over the last 20 years. >> It could have never happened. The roof was failing. This is on the historical register. Had to be replaced with copper. To do that would was almost virtually feasibly impossible. ADA compliance is a huge thing. You couldn't get in the building unless you came up the front steps. The repurposing of the building is thanks to over $10 million in state and federal funding. >> This is just what the ARPA money was supposed to do. It was to restore landmarks. It was about an investment in the future. >> The city looks to utilize the space to bring the community together through different events at the hub while also supporting local businesses. working for you. Claire Overton, 22 News.