News Release

Senator Stanley Rosenberg, who has been a long-time advocate for libraries, was on hand to help the community celebrate.

After a summer of hurricane and tornado damage and a high school still open as a Disaster Recovery Center, the residents of Buckland were glad to come together for a happy occasion. On September 17, community members, local leaders, and state legislators celebrated the grand opening of Buckland Public Library’s renovation and addition. “This library is not only a visible sign that Buckland is recovering from Irene , but it also symbolizes the character of our town and what we can do as a community when we pull together for a common goal,” said Selectman Robert Dean.  

The project which came in on time and under budget renovated the original 975 square foot building (built in 1890) and added 3,000 square feet in a new addition. The new space features a children’s area and a community meeting room.  The project was made possible in part by a Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP) grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC )which funded approximately 50% of the eligible building costs.

Buckland Public Library not only offers residents the latest technology, but also beautiful views of the surrounding area. The library’s renovation and addition was made possible in part with a $529,598 construction grant award from the MBLC.

Building Committee Member Karen Harmon highlighted the building’s sustainable elements and the cost savings to the residents. “This year’s budget is just $670 more than last year’s even though we have a library that is more than three times the size.” The Buckland Public Library qualifies for a $100,000 MPLCP Green Library Incentive from the MBLC and will receive this award when it receives the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.

The community first applied for an MPLCP grant in 2005 and was put on a waiting list for funding. In 2008, the project received a $529,598 MPLCP construction grant award. They broke ground on the project in September 2009.

MPLCP was first funded by a state bond authorization in 1987.  From July 1989 through June, 2011, 204 construction grants totaling $320.3 million have been awarded to assist cities and towns in construction or renovation and expansion of their public libraries.  In addition, 91 planning and design grants totaling over $1.8 million have been awarded to support public libraries as they prepare to apply for a construction grant.  For more information about the MBLC's Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program please see the 2011 Construction Fact Sheet or click here for general information.

MBLC Chair Katherine Dibble congratulated the community for recognizing the value of libraries and the importance of providing library services for generations to come.

Massachusetts Library System Consultant Mary King (left) and Shirley Keech from Online Research and Instruction enjoyed the display of historic information.

Library Director Liz Jacobson-Carroll cut the ribbon and welcomed residents to tour their new library.