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Sandy Ward  > Libraries > Holyoke Public Library > Glass blocks
Glass floor panels (a.k.a. "glass blocks") saved from the 1902 stack wing are for sale as part of the Library's fundraising campaign. Contact Library Director María Pagán, 413-322-5640, to order. In January 2013, we invited proposals from artists; see the Call for Entries (pdf) and Application Form. Some finished works were displayed in April. Glass blocks come in several sizes (rounded to nearest half inch): Size A (34.5 x 36"), B (34.5 x 27"), C (34.5 x 25"), D (19 x 23.5"), E or F (19 x 26-27"). Each panel is 1" thick, very sturdy and heavy. Prices depend on size:
$ 175 for largest size (A)
$ 125 for medium sizes (B, C, G) . . . 20% discount for Friends of the Library members . . . Own a piece of library history!
$ 60 for small ones (D, E, F)
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In the old stack wing of the Holyoke Public Library, we walked on glass floors. This photo was taken in winter 2010 on a building tour led by Mr. Tom Ripa.
These "kit" stacks, constructed in 1902, were "state of the art" then, but do not meet 21st century building codes. Note the open spaces below the shelving, connecting several floors in a chimney-like stack, a fire hazard. The aisles lacked adequate space for wheel chairs. But the translucent floors were lovely. People walked on these glass floors for 110 years! Note the different shapes and sizes of glass blocks.
April 24, 2012. Some of the glass blocks had been removed from the stacks, while others remained for a while (for workmen to walk on). This crate shows Size G on top, Size E in two stacks in middle, and the largest, Size A, on bottom.
Size A (34.5" x 36") glass blocks. These are the LARGEST ones. For sale "as is" @ $175 each. It is estimated that this crate of 26 blocks weighs about a ton (2,000 lbs)! If so, each block would be about 75-80 lbs. We have reserved thirty of this size for ARTIST proposals in early 2013.
Rory Casey and Jeffrey Byrnes moving one of the largest blocks (size A). Heavy!
It is possible, but not recommended, for one (very strong) person to carry a Size A panel.
These are smaller sizes. Size F (~ 19" x 27"). For sale "as is" @ $60 each.
Size E (~ 19" x 26.5"). This sample was brought to the Library for display in the lobby. August 31, 2012. NOTE: Sizes D, E, and F are very similar. Variations in exact measurements make these sizes hard to distinguish, so we've priced them all the same @ $60 each (or $48 with the Friends membership discount).
The idea of cutting some large glass blocks into smaller sizes and making products to sell (e.g., paperweights, bookends, plaques) has been discussed. We are open to proposals that would include the cutting and making of such products. Contact us.
In the old stack wing of the Holyoke Public Library, we walked on glass floors. This photo was taken in winter 2010 on a building tour led by Mr. Tom Ripa.
In the old stack wing of the Holyoke Public Library, we walked on glass floors. This photo was taken in winter 2010 on a building tour led by Mr. Tom Ripa.
In the old stack wing of the Holyoke Public Library, we walked on glass floors. This photo was taken in winter 2010 on a building tour led by Mr. Tom Ripa.
gallery pages:  1  2  3  4  5  >  
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