Monterey Celebrates Library Groundbreaking
October 23, 2018
Matthew Perry
Outreach Coordinator
1-800-952-7403 x240
matthew.s.perry@state.ma.us
On Saturday, October 6th, residents gathered with local and state representatives to celebrate the ground breaking of the new library in Monterey. The project is funded in part by a $1,855,675 grant from the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Project (MPLCP) through the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC).
On hand to mark the momentous occasion were State Representative Smitty Pignatelli, State Senator Adam Hinds, and children from Monterey who grabbed shovels to help break the ground. The State officials congratulated the town on its hard work paying off, and praised what the new building will do for the town.
Located in the Southern Berkshires, the Monterey Library was founded in 1891, and has been at its current location since 1931. The proposed design will update the library for the 21st century, providing updated resources and more space for patrons to use.
The proposed project will expand the library to 3,728 square feet, removing the two additions and converting the original library into a bigger multipurpose room that would serve the community in many ways. An addition will create a new flexible space around the back of the original building that would have areas that would welcome segments of the population that are not currently served. The project will take advantage of a view of the Konkapot River and the waterfall, and provide a welcoming community space for all.
This project may also qualify for an MPLCP Green Library Incentive following completion of construction, if official LEED certification from the US Green Building Council is attained.
Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program projects are currently under construction in Leicester, Sherborn, Stoughton, Woburn, Dartmouth, and Springfield; and in the final planning stages in Erving, Hadley, Medford, Norwell, and Weymouth. MPLCP grants provide crucial funding that enables the libraries to meet the growing demand for services. Statewide, attendance at public library programs has increased 49% since 2006 and every 5.5 seconds a Massachusetts resident accesses the Internet through a public library.
Funding for the MPLCP is authorized by the governor and the legislature. 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. Please visit the MBLC website for more information about the MPLCP.
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.