Hadley Holds Ribbon Cutting for Library
October 07, 2021
Matthew Perry
Communications Specialist
1-800-952-7403 x240
matthew.s.perry@state.ma.us
On September 30, 2021, the town of Hadley cut the ribbon for a new public library, senior center, and fire substation, three municipal buildings that were built during the COVID-19 pandemic and had their openings delayed. The new Hadley Public Library was built with a $3.9 million dollar grant from the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP) from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC).
Lt. Governor Karyn Polito attended the event and congratulated the community on the hard work that went into building the three new facilities, saying, “It is a lot for a small town to accomplish a project like this and it will serve as an inspiration for other communities.” She added, “You have improved the quality of life for the people in this community.”
The new library sits beside the former Goodwin Memorial Library at the corner of Routes 9 and 47. The new building is double the size of the library’s former home and includes a children’s room, teen space, community meeting room, new computers, and large windows that allow for natural light throughout.
Commissioner Les Ball attended on behalf of the MBLC to congratulate the people of Hadley. “This is a marvelous example of the best of what a library can be,” he said. “What a transformative accomplishment this is.”
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, Norwell, and Weymouth 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.