Hackley Library Uses Match Day Funds

Original Hackley Library furniture to be refurbished

by Lynn Moore | The Muskegon Chronicle
Monday September 07, 2009, 9:54 PM

MUSKEGON -- A loveseat and two chairs that are original to the 119-year-old Hackley Public Library will be refurbished thanks to a day of fundraising.

The furniture has beckoned library visitors to relax with a good read in front of the fireplace in the library's Julia Hackley Room.

But lately, the furniture that is well used has started to show its wear.

"They're not that comfortable because you're kind of worried whether you might land on the floor or not," library Director Martha Ferriby said of the chairs.

So the library is using part of the $2,257 it received during "Match Day" to reupholster the three pieces that came with the library when Charles H. Hackley donated it to the community in 1890.

"When you think about the fact the chairs have lasted that long, it's amazing," Ferriby said.

Lakeside Canvas & Upholstery is expected to remove the chairs and loveseat today and work on the furniture for about six weeks, Ferriby said. The new fabric, which will go on seats, backs and arms, will be "consistent with Victorian ideas" but "wear like iron," she said.

On Match Day, which was May 28, the Community Foundation for Muskegon County pledged to provide a 50-cent match for every $1 donated to qualifying nonprofit organizations.

"It's wonderful," Ferriby said of the money that was directed to the library, a tiny share of the $515,000 that was raised that day.

The library also will use its Match Day money to refurbish a display case that will finally have a permanent home in the Julia Hackley Room, which is named after Charles Hackley's wife and is used as a quiet reading and study area.

"It's gotten kind of ratty too," Ferriby said of the display case. "The wood veneer is coming off in places. It's kind of a mess, to tell you the truth."

The case was donated to the library at least 40 years ago by Amstore, she said. It has been moved to various locations in the library.

Great Lakes Furniture Restoration will refurbish the case, changing its finish from a light oak to a darker tone that will match the woodwork in the Julia Hackley Room.

The case is expected to be returned to the library by mid or late October.