New Reuben Hoar Library Opens to the Public
November 12, 2021
Matthew Perry
Communications Specialist
1-800-952-7403 x240
matthew.s.perry@state.ma.us
On November 5, 2021, the new Reuben Hoar Library in Littleton opened its doors to the public and celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The $14.5 million project was supported by a $5.8 million grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP).
“A library is a living force for education and culture,” said Commissioner Karen Traub. “On behalf of the Board of Library Commissioners, I congratulate Littleton on this achievement.”
The old Reuben Hoar Library was part of a shared town complex housed in a former school building. The brand-new standalone building sits behind the former site. It includes a larger children’s room and dedicated young adult space, quiet study rooms, community meeting space, a local history room, and space for reading that overlooks the wooded area behind the library. The new building is also fully accessible, and expands the library’s footprint from 16,000 sq. ft. to 23,000 sq. ft.
In addition to the MPLCP grant and funding from the town, the Friends of the Library raised $1 million from 498 local businesses and residents who donated. Littleton Town Administrator Anthony Ansaldi called the library, “A beautiful facility that residents of Littleton will enjoy for generations to come.”
Photos from the event can be seen 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, Marlborough, Medford, Sharon, and Sherborn. Projects in Dartmouth, Erving, Hadley, Norwell, Roxbury, 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.