NEWS RELEASE

The community of Westford recently celebrated the groundbreaking of the J.V. Fletcher Library expansion and renovation project. To support the project, Westford was awarded a base grant totaling $7,851,994 from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) as part of its Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP).

MBLC Commissioner Jessica Vilas Novas congratulated the community, “I can assure you that what you are building here in Westford is more than bricks and mortar, more than books and shelves. Your efforts will build more human connections, provide a safe and inclusive space for all and renew our collective commitment to equal access for everyone.”

The J.V. Fletcher Library expansion and renovation project is designed to meet the growing and changing needs of the Westford community. Extensive planning and listening sessions were held with library staff, library users, and community members to gather input and suggestions. The project will renovate the original 1895 building and expand the library from 22,456 square feet to 35,159 square feet. Nearly all the additional space is devoted to patron usage with a multipurpose community room, new teen space, an expanded space for children, and more options for quiet or collaborative study. The new library will feature improved technology and will also be fully accessible. It also adheres to energy efficient practices and the Westford Climate Roadmap’s commitment to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions

Library Director Ellen Rainville was thanked by community members, local officials, and legislators. State Representative James Arciero credited Ms. Rainville’s commitment to the community as a key factor in moving the project forward, “The library is important to families, to education and as a meeting place for the entire community. Ellen understands that the library needs to change to meet the changes in the community,” he said. 

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. MPLCP projects are underway in the following communities: Amherst, Deerfield, Fitchburg, Gloucester, Shutesbury, and Swansea. Sharon 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.