Welcome to the Catalano Memorial Library

Central Catholic is proud to rename our library in honor of G. Thomas '50 & Marie Catalano.

On May 18, 2023, the CCHS and Catalano Families came together to dedicate and bless the library as the G. Thomas '50 & Marie Catalano Memorial Library.

Photo Album: Dedication & Blessing of the Catalano Memorial Library

On Thursday, May 18, 2023, members of the Catalano Family, alongside Central Catholic faculty, staff, alumni and students, gathered to celebrate two beloved and selfless Raiders – the late G. Thomas Catalano '50 and his wife Marie (Galvagna) Catalano.

The event marked the official renaming of the library to the G. Thomas '50 & Marie Catalano Memorial Library which honors the incredible philanthropic support provided by the Catalanos, who were instrumental in responding to the critical needs of Central Catholic multiple times over the years.

Tom and Marie are Central Catholic’s most generous philanthropists in the history of the school, giving over $1.4 million dollars to support a multitude of CCHS initiatives, including an endowed scholarship - the G. Thomas ('50) & Marie Catalano Fund.

Their generosity ensured that hundreds of Central Catholic students have - and will continue to make - incredible advances in the arts, technology and sciences. Tom was also willing and able to take on leadership roles on Central's Board of Directors several times. The couple also included Central Catholic in their estate plans.

The Dedication of the Catalano Memorial Library

The library dedication ceremony was kicked off by Mr. David Erwin P’24, Chief Advancement Officer as he welcomed those in attendance and described Tom and Marie Catalano as “kind, considerate and philanthropic individuals.”

After Bro. Rene Roy '59, President Emeritus and Campus Minister, gave the blessing for the renaming ceremony, Board Chair Mr. Peter J. Rayno '78 commented on Tom Catalano serving as one of the first lay Chairs of the Board and being "taken aback by his passion and commitment to Central Catholic."

The highlight of the event was when Tom and Marie Catalano’s grandson Andrew Scott '09 spoke about how important Central Catholic was to his grandfather.

"Central Catholic was an integral part of my grandfather’s life – it was in his blood, flesh and bones and he had immense pride in his roots," said Andrew. "Central was the foundation of how my grandfather’s dreams were built, and his generosity continues to help countless others call CCHS home."

Tom and Marie, who have both passed on, left behind four children Thomas Catalano, Barbara Catalano Hey, Catherine Catalano Scott, and Claudia Catalano, and a long legacy of Raiders: Sebastian F. Catalano '48, Brother (deceased); Thomas B. Hey '70, Son-in-Law; Matthew Palmisano '10, Great Nephew; Rachel Palmisano '08, Great Niece; Andrew D. Scott '09, Grandson; Stephanie M. Scott '12, Granddaughter; Brian G. Sweeney '03, Great Nephew; and Tara M. Sweeney '05, Great Niece.
 

About Thomas & Marie Catalano

G. Thomas Catalano '51 served as one of Central Catholic's earliest Board members and Board Chairs. He and his wife Marie were incredibly generous to Central Catholic throughout their lives, providing significant support for growth in STEM, expansion of programs, and physical campus growth and improvements.

Upon their passing, they remembered Central Catholic in a meaningful way, and we celebrate them and their legacy with this special re-naming of our library.

Read more about the Raider legacy of Tom and Marie in Raider for Life: Leadership, Generosity, & Commitment to Innovation.

 

About the Catalano Memorial Library

Overview

The Catalano Memorial Library is a hub of student life. Students gather there before school, after school, and during lunch. Teachers bring their classes during the school day to make use of the resources and programs offered by the Library & Information Services Team. The library offers an abundance of online resources and tools, in addition to hosting events and programs.

History

The current site of the library opened in 1970 with 20,000 volumes on the third floor of the then newly-constructed Hampshire Street Building.

When the South Wing was completed in the 2004, the library was significantly expanded into the footprint of former science labs that now live on the Science Hall of the South Wing.

The library has continued to evolve and grow to meet the evolving needs of students and faculty.

Today's Library: Physical & Online Hub

Today, the Catalano Memorial Library is a bustling physical and online resource for the school community.

The Library & Media Center maintains a collection of approximately 12,000 print volumes and 70 magazine subscriptions, with access to thousands more through its membership in the Massachusetts Library System.

All resources are carefully selected with the interests of students, faculty and curriculum in mind. Books, periodicals and electronic resources are updated and augmented regularly to meet the ever-changing information needs of the CCHS Community.

The Library also offers a host of events and programs featuring student art, topical themes, and recommendations, including:

• The CCHS Book Club
• National Library Month Events
• March Book MAdness
• Book Bags
• World Read Aloud Day
• Summer Reading Recommendations
• Therapy Animals

 

The CoLab - Collaborative Learning Space

One wing of the library has been transformed into an expansive and adaptable learning area that can be used for classes, group work and discussion, meetings, and conferences. This space serves as a resource for the Academic Success Center, classes, clubs, faculty, additional school groups, alumni, and the Board of Directors.

The Library's Media Production Room: Lights, Camera, Action!

Making a movie for a class project? Need a place for your group to gather to film, record and edit your work? Need to do some voice recording for a narrated project and want a quiet space?

We are pleased to announce that there is a media production space in the library complete with lights, video camera, microphone and Macbook for movie editing. You might even want to try out the green screen and add in some cool backgrounds!

Library Hours

• Monday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Tuesday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Wednesday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Thursday 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Friday 7:00 AM - 2:30 PM

The Catalano Memorial Library Staff

The library is fully staffed by experienced library personnel and faculty to assist students with homework assignments and research projects.

Mrs. Sarah Downs, Director of Library & Information Services

• sdowns@centralcatholic.net
• 978-682-0260 ext. 690

Mrs. Jessica LaBrie, English Teacher & Library Assistant

• jlabrie@centralcatholic.net
• 978-682-0260 ext. 7324

Ms. Julie Hayashi, Library Assistant

• jhayashi@centralcatholic.net
• 978-682-0260 ext. 698