NEWS RELEASE

On August 21, 2019, residents and officials gathered to break ground on the new Norwell Public Library. The $15.4 million dollar project is being funded in part by a $6,360,764 grant through the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP) from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC).

“Today is a milestone in a journey that began over fifteen years ago” said Norwell Library Director Judy McConarty. “This project was worth waiting for.”

The building project will completely remove the 1975 building and use the same site for the new library. The new building will include more space featuring a large community meeting room and smaller meeting rooms and study spaces, a local history room, a spacious children’s room, a young adult room, and an outdoor garden and porches. The larger building will also include more parking, an issue at the current space.

MBLC Commissioner Les Ball was on hand to offer his congratulations on behalf of the Board. “Nothing makes the MBLC happier than to award a well-deserved grant. I look forward to seeing you again at the grand opening.”

Photos from the event can be seen the MBLC’s Flickr page.

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. In addition to Norwell, MPLCP projects are currently underway in Erving, North Dartmouth, Medford, Marlborough, Sharon, Sherborn, Springfield, and Weymouth.

The MBLC is currently seeking additional bond funding in order to fund all libraries on the waitlist and start a new grant round. It is also requesting an increase in the yearly capital budget from $20 million to $25 million in order move through the waitlist in a timelier manner and save local communities the increased construction costs that come with waiting several years for the state funding needed to start projects. For more information about the MPLCP please visit the MBLC’s website.