LYNN – More than 100 family, friends, and colleagues of the late Lynn Mayor Patrick J. McManus expressed their ultimate gratitude for his contributions to the city at the Lynn Public Library on Thursday.
A bronze plaque bearing McManus’ name was affixed to the front entrance of what is now the Patrick J. McManus building as a symbolic representation of his passion for education.
As Lynn’s longest consecutive-serving mayor, McManus directed $10.7 million to the library, drove the construction of the new Lynn Classical High School, a large extension of Lynn Vocational and Technical Institute, and a major renovation of Lynn English.
One day during his tenure, McManus was asked by a friend how he would want his legacy to be preserved. Without hesitation, McManus said that he wanted the library to be named after him.
Now, his wish has been officially granted, thanks to community donors and the commitment of the library board of trustees.
“Access to knowledge is a hallmark of open society. And if you want to find that in any community, you go to the public library. That is a grand and noble purpose. And a grand and noble purpose deserves a grand and noble building,” Mayor Jared Nicholson said during the celebration ceremony at the Lynn Public Library.
He added, “Everything I’ve had the opportunity to learn about the late Mayor Patrick McManus suggests he knew that, and he lived that in his personal life, in his public life, and as the leader of our city. I see tonight as a way to not only dedicate this building in his honor and memory, but to dedicate ourselves to that mission.”
Businessman and philanthropist Tom Damakes spoke about his efforts to leverage the library to increase local children’s interest in reading.
“Lynn is a city of immigrants. If they are here, they are entitled to an education. My focus is on youth. I grew up in this library, I learned to read, and I love to read today because of it. But kids today aren’t reading, and I prefer to address that now. With all these kids, and the library right at ground zero, there’s gotta be something we can do,” he said.
“I was interested in helping the library be a part of something bigger. I’d like to find a way to double or triple the amount of reading specialists we’ve had. We’re all behind the Lynn library trying to bring increased reading capacity to our children,” he added.
Eastern Bank Executive Vice President Steve Antonakes talked about his childhood connection with McManus’s educational efforts.
“My mom was a teacher at the Lynn Public Schools. TV was not allowed in our house during the week, because that’s when you focused on studies. If you had free time, you read a book. I got my first library card here at this facility. We’re very proud to have played a role in the rededication of this wonderful library,” Antonakes said.
Those who knew McManus on a deep personal level gave their perspective on what the Lynn Public Library plaque would have meant to him.
“My memory of Pat was of a scholar and athlete. A leader on the field, and in government. He was a voracious reader, with a photographic mind. The city of Lynn, and we its citizens are better off because of his life, contributions, and care. Pat would be so proud to have his beloved Lynn Public Library dedicated to him,” said RoAnn Costin, daughter of late Lynn Mayor Tom Costin.
McManus’ brother Judge Garrett McManus said, “Pat’s accomplishments were detailed with respect to education. Education has always been a big deal in our family, and Pat saw it as a way to success for all. Not just his own personal educational accomplishments, but those of an entire city. This building represents the gifts of learning.”
McManus’ daughter Laura Christensen also offered touching words of deep appreciation.
“My dad was a true advocate for learning and education. He was a wonderful and inspiring man both in politics and his everyday life as a husband, father, brother, and friend. He spent the majority of his life dedicated to making the city of Lynn a better place, so it only makes sense that he would be a permanent part of the city that loved so much,” she said.
She added, “We’re all really proud to have the Lynn Public Library building named after him, and I know that he would be proud too.”
The McManus committee included: Claire Cavanagh, Mike Cole, Tom Cole, Kevin Geaney, Maryanne Rooney Hegan, David L’Esperance, Victor L’Esperance, Harry MacCabe, Jim Mazareas, Jim McDonald, Moona Mullins, Jim Smith, Attorney Steve Smith, Jon Thibault, Daves Travers, and Attorney Sam Vitali. It was chaired by Ted Grant.
