The MBLC Awards $29 Million in Library Construction

At its March 5, 2026 board meeting, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) awarded provisional construction grants totaling $29,11,051 to municipalities participating in the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP). Clinton was awarded $11,316,281 for the Clinton Public Library Project, Montague received $10,957,709 for the new Main Library, and Springfield was awarded $6,837,061 for the East Springfield Branch.

"Public libraries are needed now more than ever," said MBLC Chair Vicky Biancolo. "These libraries stand for community, for education for all at any age, for reliable accurate information, for access to stories and ideas that represent the diverse world and experiences around us. We congratulate these communities as they move ahead with projects that will improve their communities and the lives of the people they serve."

In Springfield, the new East Springfield Branch Library will be built on the existing lot of the current branch. The new energy-efficient facility will feature separate spaces for children, teens, and adults, with a children's activity room and a community meeting room that can be used after hours."

The new Montague Main Library will offer a separate teen room, a sizeable children's room with its own program space, quiet study rooms, and a local history room. A large and fully accessible multipurpose room will be available for library and community events. The new library will also incorporate multiple spaces for art, reflecting Montague's thriving arts community.

With a new 21,775 square foot facility, the project in Clinton will remedy the issues found in the current 1903 building. The new library will be universally accessible, with modern technology and ample interior spaces dedicated to children, teens, and adult patrons. The library will feature quiet study rooms, a local history room, a makerspace, a community room, and accessible restrooms on every floor.

Provisional construction grants for these projects are between 45 to 50% of their estimated total project costs. Libraries have until June 30, 2026 to confirm local funding to support the project. Commissioners also approved Green Library Incentives for Montague and Springfield in accordance with their intent to pursue net-zero library building projects. Montague will receive $328,731 and Springfield will get an additional $205,112 when they demonstrate compliance with one of the pathways to receive the incentive.

These projects were among the 13 approved for Planning and Design grants by the MBLC in January 2025 and recently completed the MPLCP Level of Design independent review, which ensures that each project is meeting MPLCP design guidelines. It is anticipated that five projects will be considered for provisional grants at the April 2026 board meeting. Blandford received its provisional construction award in December. Six projects that were waitlisted will receive provisional awards as funding becomes available.

The Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program has benefitted more than 250 towns and cities since its inception in 1987. Funding to support the MPLCP's 2023-2024 grant round was included in the Mass Leads Act. MPLCP projects are underway in the following communities: Amherst, Blandford, Deerfield, Fitchburg, and Westford. Swansea Free Public Library, Sawyer Free Library in Gloucester, and Shutesbury Library recently celebrated the completion of library projects. Learn more about the program on the MBLC website, the Building Literacy podcast, and the MPLCP Municipal Impact website.