NEWS RELEASE

On July 13, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Senator Joanne Comerford, and Commissioner George Comeau from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) joined Greenfield Mayor Roxann Wedegartner, local officials, and a huge crowd of community members to celebrate the new Greenfield Public Library. This $20 million construction project was supported by a $9.37 million grant from the MBLC’s Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP).

“Other places in the country may be banning books, we’re building libraries that welcome all,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll.

The project came in on time and under budget. MBLC Commissioner George Comeau congratulated the community. “There’s truly an American ideal embodied in this building. A building that is free and open to all,” said Comeau. “American libraries belong to no race, no creed, no nationality, and no politic. We’re dedicating a building that embodies the spirit of your community. You made an investment in your children, and you’ve created one of the finest public libraries in the Commonwealth.”

The library was formerly housed in the historic Leavitt-Hovey house built in 1797. The new library is over 26,000 sq ft of accessible, welcoming space with public computers, a large community meeting room, quiet study rooms, and a designated teen room. The first floor includes a colorful children’s room with space for story time and activity areas. The library has been designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards and once certified will receive Green Library Incentive funding from the MBLC.

For Ellen Boyer, Greenfield Public Library Director, the occasion was one of her last as she is retiring. She thanked everyone who contributed to the project, especially Greenfield residents and library trustees. To staff she said, “It has been an honor working beside you.”

A recording of the event is available through Greenfield Community Television. MBLC photos are also available.

The MPLCP was first funded by a state bond authorization in 1987. 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 underway in the following communities: Amherst, Deerfield, Fitchburg, Gloucester, Marlborough, Melrose, Sharon, Shutesbury, Swansea, and Westford. Learn more about the program on the MBLC website and the Building Literacy podcast.