Greenfield Breaks Ground on New Library
August 24, 2021
Matthew Perry
Communications Specialist
1-800-952-7403 x240
matthew.s.perry@state.ma.us
On August 19, 2021, residents of Greenfield gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the city’s new library. The $20 million construction project is supported by a $9.37 million grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP).
A rainy morning cleared for the ceremony prompting Greenfield’s mayor Roxann Wedegartner to say, “this library will be built rain or shine.” The new library will be on the site of the current Greenfield fire station next to the current library building housed in the historic Leavitt-Hovey house on Main Street. The house has been home to the library since 1909 and the new building will be the first time the city has constructed a library specific structure.
MBLC Commissioner George Comeau spoke on behalf of the board. He called the new library “a symbol of pride for everyone in the city,” adding, “a new library is a symbol of strength in a community. We have seen a revitalization and restored energy in cities and towns that have built libraries across the Commonwealth.”
The new building will increase the library’s space from 15,253 sq.ft. to 26,800 sq.ft. and will include a large community meeting room with after hours availability, a children’s program room, a dedicated space for teens and young adults, increased computers for public use, and increased parking. The library has been designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum standards, the highest available.
Library director Ellen Boyer thanked the community for their support of the project. “Greenfield’s future shines bright because of this new building.” Senator Jo Comerford and Jose Delgado from Lt. Governor Karyn Polito’s office were also present at the ceremony. Photos from the event can be found on the MBLC Flickr page.
The MPLCP was first funded by a state bond authorization in 1987. Since then, it has helped more than 250 communities plan, build, renovate and/or expand their public libraries. MPLCP projects are currently underway in the following communities: Grafton, Littleton, Marlborough, Medford, Sharon, and Sherborn. Projects in Dartmouth, Erving, Hadley, and Norwell were recently completed. Learn more about the program on the MBLC website and the Building Literacy podcast.
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.