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November 18, 2009

Businessman Gives Town $20M Libary

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(Nov. 16) - For three decades residents of Townsend, Mass., could not raise the money needed for a new public library. Now they have a state-of-the-art facility valued at more than $20 million that was built and donated by a reclusive local executive.

Two years ago, Sterilite Chairman Albert Stone sent a letter to officials in Townsend, where his plastics manufacturing company is headquartered, offering up the library. No conditions, naming rights or requirements for matching funds were attached, reported the Boston Globe.

Residents of Townsend, Mass. now enjoy a large state-of-the-art library and senior center complex, made possible by local businessman Albert Stone. The donated facility is valued at over $20 million.The generous gift stunned townspeople, who primarily knew Stone as a fiercely private, and often gruff, local fixture.

The 22,000-square-foot complex was opened earlier this month and also houses a senior center and public meeting hall. The library boasts 56 computers plus wireless Internet access.
In his dedication speech -- a rare public appearance -- Stone talked about the importance of libraries, especially during an economic recession: "Libraries are the resources we turn to in tough times."

"Bar none, this is the gift of the century, and our good fortune to be receiving it," Townsend Selectmen Chairman David Chenelle said, according to Nashoba Publishing.

The library gift was not the only philanthropic effort by Stone. He had previously given Townsend a highway equipment garage, defibrillators, a playground and a building for the food pantry, the Globe reported.

Posted by tumulty at November 18, 2009 11:15 AM

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