Sharon Celebrates New Library with Ribbon Cutting
May 21, 2025
June Thammasnong
Communications Specialist
1-800-952-7403 x208
june.thammasnong@mass.gov
On Monday, May 19, enthusiastic Sharon residents and public officials gathered at Sharon Public Library to celebrate the opening of the new library with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The construction project was partially funded with a $7.5 million grant through the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP) from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC).
“This is a moment of library joy,” said MBLC Commissioner Vicky Biancolo. “In the act of building a new library, you have chosen to support intellectual freedom, you have chosen to build bridges in your community, and you have chosen to uphold the democratic ideals that have defined our country for 250 years.”
Relocated to 1 School Street, the library's new location provides onsite parking, a feature absent from its previous location. The library also doubled in size to make room for a dedicated teen room, media lab, quiet study spaces and a larger community room that can be separated into two smaller rooms. The design of the new library’s building features improved security and accessibility that fully comply with ADA standards and new and improved HVAC systems that enhance sustainability.
The new Sharon Public Library construction project may qualify for a Green Library Incentive Grant if official LEED certification from the US Green Building Council is attained. The Green Library Incentive for the 2016-2017 grant round encourages recipients of MPLCP grants to incorporate sustainable building design by awarding an additional 2% to 3.5% of the MPLCP construction grant, depending on the level of LEED certification the project receives.
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, Shutesbury, Swansea, and Westford. Melrose Public Library recently celebrated their ribbon cutting, and fifteen more communities are beginning the planning and design phase as part of the 2023-2024 grant round. 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.