Three Libraries Given Partial Construction Awards
May 06, 2022
Matthew Perry
Communications Specialist
1-800-952-7403 x240
matthew.s.perry@state.ma.us
Boston Public Library, Cambridge Public Library, and Grafton Public Library were awarded partial Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP) payments at the May 5, 2022 meeting of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC).
To meet spending targets established in the state’s five-year capital plan, the Board may offer partial awards to projects on the waiting list if that project already has local funding in place or if that project is already under construction. Each library has completed the building project they were awarded grants for during the FY2017 MPLCP grant round but remain on the waiting list for full funding.
Boston Public library was awarded a partial payment of $2,444,882 for the Roxbury Branch project which opened in October 2020 and was celebrated with a grand opening on October 23, 2021. The project is funded in part by a $5.6 million MPLCP grant.
Cambridge Public Library was awarded a partial payment of $1,738,370 for the Valente Branch project. The completed branch opened to the public with a grand opening on October 26, 2019. The project is funded in part by a $3.9 million MLPCP grant.
Grafton Public Library was awarded a partial payment of $2,444,882 for their library construction and renovation project. The library had its grand opening on December 17, 2021. The project is funded in part by a $7.4 million MPLCP grant.
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: Amherst, Greenfield, Marlborough, Melrose, Sharon, and Sherborn. Projects in Erving, Grafton, Hadley, Littleton, Medford, Norwell, and Roxbury 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.