Library Renovation Underway in Melrose
January 11, 2023
June Thammasnong
Communications Specialist
1-800-952-7403 x240
june.thammasnong@mass.gov
On January 11, 2023 Melrose residents gathered with state and local officials to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Melrose Public Library renovation project. “There's no institution more important, and frankly more American, in our community than our Public Library,” said Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian.
The project is partially funded with a $8.1 million grant through the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP) from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). The grant will renovate the existing historic Carnegie building and replace the outdated 1960’s addition with a new structure and entrance designed to dramatically improve the library’s accessibility. MBLC Commissioner Mary Ann Cluggish congratulated the Melrose community heartily for their dedication and efforts. “The building or renovation of any library—big or small—is an affirmation of some of the principles this country was founded on: the freedom of speech and ideas,” she said.
The new building will have a dedicated young adult space, and a completely new children’s room above basement level with adequately sized programming space. For adults and older library patrons, a new community room and adult program space, a Discovery Zone for computer classes and shared innovative technology will be created. Improvements in building efficiency include new lighting and a fossil-fuel free HVAC system throughout.
“Libraries are the great community connector. They connect people to information, and they connect people to one another. We want a library for the next hundred years. This project we’re celebrating today is more than an investment in a building, it’s an investment in our community—an investment that will benefit every single Melrose resident for generations to come,” said Mayor Paul Brodeur. The $21 million project is estimated to be completed in the Spring of 2024.
The Melrose Public Library Renovation Project is also sustainably designed and recently received a $500,000 grant from the Green Communities division to decarbonize the existing building, making it an all-electric building.
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. The MPLCP is currently seeking a new $150 million bond authorization to support upcoming grant rounds. MPLCP projects are underway in the following communities: Amherst, Deerfield, Gloucester, Marlborough, Melrose, Sharon, Shutesbury and Westford. Projects in Littleton and Medford 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.