NEWS RELEASE

On May 25, 2017 Woburn residents were joined by local and state officials to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Woburn Public Library construction project.  The project, which is funded in part through a $9.9 million grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP), will renovate the existing library and expand the size of the library to better accommodate the city’s population and 21^st century library services.

“It is not just an architectural masterpiece; it is an institution that welcomes all, that fosters dreams, that bridges divides, that transforms individuals and communities.  The spaces CBT has designed and Consigli will lovingly restore and carefully construct will be filled with activity and energy in 18 months, because our Library exists for the pursuits of our people. We are here to help you craft the story of your life and choose your own intellectual, educational, occupational, and recreational adventure. We are honored to be a part of your journey and thankful you have been a part of ours,” said Woburn Public Library Director and Woburn native Andrea Bunker.

Built in 1879 to serve a community of 13,000, the original library was designed by noted 19^th century  architect H.H. Richardson and is a National Historic Landmark as well as a revered part of local history that is featured on the city’s seal. Woburn’s population has tripled since the library was built and the library has experienced dramatic increases in usage.  Nearly 265,000 patrons accessed the library's resources in FY2017, as compared to 134,819 in FY2007.

The new library will feature a large multipurpose meeting room, quiet study and collorative spaces, a light filled spacous children’s room, a dynamic teen room, and updated structures and systems. It will also meet Americans with Disabilities Act mandates.  The result nearly doubles the facility’s size and creates an energy efficient building which will qualify for additional funding from the  MBLC’s Green Library Incentive when it attains LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The new library is expected to open in fall 2018.

“The new library will invigorate and revitalize Woburn Center, preserve and expand this treasured community asset and meeting place, enhance cultural and artistic opportunities and highlight our city’s strong commitment to educational opportunities and programs for all of our residents,” said Woburn Mayor Scott Galvin.

Funding for the MPLCP is authorized by the governor and state legislature. The MPLCP was first funded by a state bond authorization in 1987. Since then, it has helped hundreds of communities build, renovate and/or expand their public libraries. MPLCP projects are currently underway in Hopkinton, Leicester, Sherborn, Stoughton, and Webster.