Melrose Celebrates its New Library
April 15, 2025
Celeste Bruno
Communications Director
1-800-952-7403 x208
celeste.bruno@mass.gov
On April 15, 2025, Melrose residents were joined by state and local officials to celebrate the grand opening of the new Melrose Public Library. “The construction of any library, no matter the size, affirms the principles and freedoms we stand on," said Commissioner Jessica Vilas Novas from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC). The project was partially funded with a $8 million grant through the MBLC’s Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP).
“I want to acknowledge how challenging this field has been for so many as we constantly hear words like termination, ending, cutting, dismantling," continued Commissioner Vilas Novas. “But today’s joyous occasion offers us all some more promising words to rest on. Words like expansion, construction, development, belonging, community, accessible, responsive and inclusive. Today these are all true and alive because of your efforts.”
The Melrose Public Library project renovated the existing historic Carnegie building and replaced the outdated 1960s addition with a new addition and entrance to improve the library’s accessibility. The new children’s room, housed in the new addition, is a dramatic transformation. It was moved from the basement of the 1960s addition to a top floor light-filled spacious area with large programming and craft space. The new library also boasts a dedicated space for young adults with comfortable seating and computers.
The new addition is also home to a large community room and programming space, computers, and has comfortable seating throughout. The renovation of the historic Carnegie building included restoration of the building’s historic fireplace and the restoration and reinstallation of historic stained-glass windows.
Sustainable design was an important part of the project. The existing library was decarbonized, making it an all-electric building. New efficient lighting is used throughout, skylights and windows take advantage of natural light, and a new a fossil-fuel free HVAC system serves the entire new library.
The MPLCP has benefitted more than 250 towns and cities since its inception in 1987. Funding to support the MPLCP was included in the Mass Leads Act, an economic development bill which provides billions in critical investments to create jobs, support business growth, expand workforce development programs, and support rural and regional economic development initiatives. MPLCP projects are underway in the following communities: Amherst, Deerfield, Fitchburg, Gloucester, Sharon, Shutesbury, Swansea, and Westford. Fifteen more communities are beginning the planning and design phase. Learn more about the program on the MBLC website, the Building Literacy podcast, and the MPLCP Municipal Impact website.
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.