NEWS RELEASE

On May 7, 2015, hundreds of Everett residents gathered at the rededication of the newly renovated Shute Memorial Library. Commissioner Carol B. Caro from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) congratulated residents on their newly renovated space. She spoke about the importance of branch libraries and stressed what they mean for neighborhoods.

"The staff, building, and community feel of a branch library is what makes it so special," Caro said. "It is obvious that the people of Everett share this feeling, and this building is a testament to what branch libraries can do."

The $3,836,158 project was funded partially by a $2,236,491 grant from the MBLC. The projected renovated the original 1899 building and expanded the facility from 7,210 square feet to 8,590. It also gave an overall update to the building's infrastructure by improving energy efficiency, expanding computer access, providing a new meeting space and group study space, and facilitating access for all. Close to the city's new high school, the library provides services to about 37 percent of Everett's population, or 13,800 people.

"Together we are making our city a better place to live, work, and play," Mayor Carlo DeMaria said. "Preserving our assets, such as this historic building, is not only important for our city's history but also its future."

State Senator Sal DiDomenico spoke of the library's importance to the city's youth population. "The children of this city deserve the best, and this library is just that," he said.

The Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP) helps libraries across the Commonwealth meet the growing demand for library services with expanded and improved library facilities. Over the past decade, visits to libraries have increased by close to 40% as libraries evolve into the only remaining free community space that welcomes all residents. Technology in libraries has also become increasingly important. Every six minutes, a Massachusetts resident sits down at a library computer.

Funding for the MPLCP is authorized by the governor and legislature. With support from the MPLCP, projects are currently underway in Edgartown, Framingham, Hopkinton, Reading, Salisbury, Scituate, Shrewsbury, Stoughton, Webster, and West Springfield. An additional 21 communities are in the planning and design phase.

The MPLCP was first funded in 1987. Since then, the program has assisted hundreds of communities in building new libraries or in renovating and expanding existing libraries. For more information about the program, please visit the MBLC's website.

Photos from the event can be viewed on the MBLC Flickr page.