News Release

Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
DATE: September 29, 2009
CONTACT: Celeste Bruno
Communications Specialist
1-800-952-7403 x208
celeste.bruno@state.ma.us


Construction begins in Buckland

The original Buckland Public Library pictured here was founded in 1890 and is 975 square feet. The new addition will add about 4,000 square feet of much needed community space.

The original Buckland Public Library pictured here was founded in 1890 and is 975 square feet. The new addition will add about 4,000 square feet of much needed community space

Residents of Buckland Public Library had much to celebrate as they broke ground for their new public library on Saturday, September 26, 2009.

For library trustee Karen Harmon, the day marked the beginning of a project that she, along with other library trustees and residents, had been working toward for many years. The current 975 square foot building served Buckland residents well, but it was not handicapped accessible and the small size limited community activities at the library.

MBLC Commissioner Katherine Dibble (left) congratulated the residents of Buckland. The Commissioner is pictured with Karen Harmon, Trustee Chair & President of Buckland Public Library, Inc, who has been instrumental in moving the library project forward.

MBLC Commissioner Katherine Dibble (left) congratulated the residents of Buckland. The Commissioner is pictured with Karen Harmon, Trustee Chair & President of Buckland Public Library, Inc, who has been instrumental in moving the library project forward.

To ensure that the new library would meet the needs of the town's residents, a survey was mailed to each resident and their input was used to shape the plan for an additional 4,000 square feet of new space. Library Director Liz Jacobson-Carroll is already looking forward to the new community space, including room for young library users and a public meeting room.

Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) Vice-chair Katherine Dibble was on hand to congratulate the residents of Buckland.  As part of the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP), the MBLC awarded Buckland a provisional grant award totaling $529,598.  Funding for the MPLCP is made possible through the General Governmental Needs Bond Bill, signed by Governor Deval Patrick on August 11, 2008.

For more information about the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program, please see:
http://mblc.state.ma.us/grants/construction/index.php

For a list of current grant recipients, please see:
http://mblc.state.ma.us/mblc/news/releases/past-releases/2008/nr080814.php?current=yes

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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Page last updated on 10/14/2009