News Release

Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
DATE: July 06, 2009
CONTACT: Celeste Bruno
Communications Specialist
1-800-952-7403 x208
celeste.bruno@state.ma.us


A Celebration in Westhampton

In June, Westhampton residents turned out to celebrate the groundbreaking of their new public library.

The Westhampton Memorial Library is getting a new home. The community is planning to leave behind the current 2,500 square foot library and renovate an historic building located nearby in the town center. An addition to the historic building is also included in the project.

The well-designed renovation and addition will provide the new library with the space it needs to expand Westhampton's library programming. Included in the plans are space for more public Internet computers and a community meeting room. When complete the new library will be more than double the size of the current building.  

In August 2008, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners awarded Westhampton a contruction grant totaling $1,065,074 as part of the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program. For more information about the construction program please visit:
http://mblc.state.ma.us/grants/construction/index.php



MBLC Commissioner Mary Rose Quinn congratulated the community for working together to make the new library possible. Photo credit: John Ramsay

MBLC Commissioner Mary Rose Quinn congratulated the community for working together to make the new library possible.
Photo credit: John Ramsay

Westhampton’s current library. Library Director Lynn Keating is looking forward to have space that the entire community can use. In her 19 years as director, circulation has more than doubled.

Westhampton’s current library. Library Director Lynn Keating is looking forward to have space that the entire community can use. In her 19 years as director, circulation has more than doubled.
Photo credit: John Ramsay

The MBLC awarded Westhampton a grant for more than $1million to renovate the former Westhampton Congregational Church parsonage (pictured here) and build an addition. Photo credit: John Ramsay

The MBLC awarded Westhampton a grant for more than $1million to renovate the former Westhampton Congregational Church parsonage (pictured here) and build an addition.
Photo credit: John Ramsay

About MBLC

The Board of Library Commissioners (mass.gov/mblc) is the agency of state government with the statutory authority and responsibility to organize, develop, coordinate and improve library services throughout the Commonwealth. The Board advises municipalities and library trustees on the operation and maintenance of public libraries, including construction and renovation. It administers state and federal grant programs for libraries and promotes cooperation among all types of libraries through regional library systems and automated resource sharing. It also works to ensure that all residents of the Commonwealth, regardless of their geographic location, social or economic status, age, level of physical or intellectual ability or cultural background, have access to essential new electronic information technologies and significant electronic databases.

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This Web site, and other programs of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, is funded in part with funds from the
Institute of Museum and Library Services, a federal agency that fosters innovation, leadership and a lifetime of learning.
Page last updated on 09/15/2009