Why Give?

Since its founding in 1856, the Woburn Public Library has been a strong thread in the economic, educational, and cultural fabric of Woburn, free and open to every member of our community.

On a daily basis, more than 400 students, teachers, genealogical researchers, job-seekers, language-learners, businesses, nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and visitors use our library, and many more access our online offerings, all to learn from the past, connect in the present, and build their futures.

Whether it be to use a computer, read a book, learn about current events, search for employment, build a business, research one’s roots, or immerse oneself in local history, each of these patrons sees our library as their portal to what they seek.

Promoting literacy, a love of reading and lifelong learning, and encouraging success for all remains our mission as we provide a multitude of free resources and services including:

  • diverse reading materials in both physical and electronic formats, plus audiovisual materials
  • programs from BabySongs and Storytime to author talks and book clubs for children, teens, and adults, that encourage reading and language as the keys to a sharp intelligence, an insightful understanding of our world, and a skill in engaging with others
  • public computers, access to Wi-Fi, and use of for-pay online databases
  • Interlibrary loan of obscure or hard-to-find materials.
  • educational, creative, and cultural programs for all ages
  • individualized assistance from our highly professional and knowledgeable staff

We continue to serve the people of Woburn, evolving to meet changing needs. An expansion and renovation will allow us to bring together our community, embrace common interests, share new experiences, and help to weave a stronger future for ourselves and for generations to come.

More specifically, the expansion and renovation will:

  • remove physical barriers and make the building accessible to everyone
  • create dedicated areas for different collections (e.g. children’s, young adult, archives, etc.), collaboration and quiet study
  • add meeting space for educational, creative and community activities
  • provide enough computers and technology for a population of 38,000 children, teens, and adults
  • facilitate greater public access to a climate controlled archives and museum rich with local writings dated back to the 17th century while preserving local artifacts
  • return ease of movement, browsing and exploration to previously inaccessible collections
  • restore the architectural integrity, beauty and grandeur of the National Historic Landmark designed by Henry Hobson Richardson, while offering space and infrastructure to support contemporary and future library services