NEWS RELEASE

After nearly a decade at the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC), Construction Consultant Rosemary Waltos is retiring. As the head of the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP), she assisted many communities in building or renovating public libraries. “New libraries are game-changers for the communities and residents they serve,” said MBLC Chair Mary Ann Cluggish. “Rosemary shepherded countless libraries through the construction process and it is because of her dedication that so many Massachusetts residents are able to enjoy 21^st century library services in libraries that will serve them well into the future.”

From assessing the need for a new library all the way through the grand re-opening, Rosemary worked closely with library directors, trustees, library design teams and architects through every step of a library building project. Thirty libraries were completed during her time at the MBLC, two construction grant rounds and one planning and design grant round were also conducted.  “It takes passion, dedication and risk on the part of library directors and their supporters to launch a major building project much less complete one.  It has been a privilege to be a part of their effort and part of making a positive impact on individual communities and across the state.” 

Ms. Waltos started at the MBLC during the economic downturn which left some communities struggling to launch MPLCP projects. She worked with MBLC staff and Commissioners to develop new MPLCP regulations that increased the average grant award from between 35% and 60% of eligible costs to an average of 50% of eligible costs. At the time, MBLC Chair George Comeau called it, “The most significant program we have ever offered to advance the construction of new libraries in the Commonwealth.”

Ms. Waltos came to the MBLC with over 20 years of library experience including two library building projects.  She was Director of the Auburn Public Library (Maine) when the library expanded its 13,000 square foot building to over 30,000 square feet. As Director in Millbury, she was instrumental in coordinating all phases of Millbury Public Library’s project which expanded a 6,000 square foot building to 13,000 square feet.  In the 1980’s she was Branch Manager involved in the Framingham Public Library’s Saxonville (later renamed the McAulliffe) Branch Library addition/renovation project.  A New Jersey native, she received her Master of Library and Information Science from Simmons College.