Annual mini golf event at the Holyoke Pubic Library returns on May 2

One of the holes from the 2024 mini-golf event at the library.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo

HOLYOKE — Bookshelves will double as fairways when the Holyoke Public Library tees up its annual mini golf event on Saturday, May 2, turning the library into a one-of-a-kind course for players of all ages.

The schedule features a series of fun events inside and outside of the Holyoke Public Library at 250 Chestnut St.

Mini golf will be featured on all floors of the library from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The 18 holes of miniature golf are for people of all ages and are free to attend.

Games outside the library’s park will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and there will be outdoor activities for all ages, including a chalk artist.

“This is a fun and casual event that will take you through every floor of the library,” Holyoke Public Library Development Associate/ Finance Assistant Nancy Kocsmiersky said about the event. “Playing mini golf through library stacks will give you an appreciation of all that the library provides. You can just come for the mini golf or spend time outside seeing chalk art and maybe making your own.”

The Holyoke Public Library will give out free chalk and bubbles while supplies last, so visitors can make their own art on the sidewalks.

Guests are also invited to vote for their favorite decorated hole, and the Holyoke Public Library will post the top three holes chosen by the public. People don’t have to play mini golf to vote.

Since 2016, “Mini Golf in the Library” has been an important fundraiser for the Holyoke Public Library, according to organizers.

Kocsmiersky said that the average turnout for the event is usually over 300 people, not including the regular library patrons.

“The mini golf event is important to the library because it brings many people into the library who may not regularly come or may never have visited us,” Kocsmiersky said. “This event also benefits the library by bringing much-needed funds to help with the programming and services that we provide our patrons. The Holyoke library does a lot with a limited budget, and these fundraising events are important to help us keep expanding our outreach to the community.”

Although the event is free for all players, there will be opportunities for people to donate and a lucky ticket auction where the funds raised from ticket sales will go to support the library, according to Kocsmiersky.

She added that if anyone can’t attend but would like to support their mission, they can donate at holyokelibrary.org.

Proceeds will be used to augment library services, summer reading, year-round literacy programs and more. The Holyoke Public Library has set a goal of raising $15,000 via sponsorships, ticket sales and auction proceeds.

The library will be open for regular business while this fun community event is going on.

For more information, a volunteer link, or flyers, readers can contact Kocsmiersky at 413-420-8109 or nancy@holyokelibrary.org. Readers can also visit holyokelibrary.org.

“In times of uncertainty, it is important to spend time with your community enjoying fun things together,” Kocsmiersky said. “This event gives everyone that opportunity while also giving them a chance to support an important public resource like the Holyoke Public Library.”