Mayor Scott Galvin, the City Council and the Trustees of the Woburn Public Library proudly announce the grand re-opening of the newly renovated and expanded library on Pleasant Street in Woburn Center. The $31.5 million City-bonded project restores the 19th century National Historic Landmark, designed by celebrated architect Henry Hobson Richardson, while adding a new wing to meet the needs of Woburn’s 21st century community.
On March 16, from 2-5:30 pm, the public is invited to spend the afternoon with us, explore the new spaces, rediscover majestic historic spaces, and experience the library’s new state-of-the-art technology, featured in almost every department. From a laptop vending machine to the new Maker Space’s powerful laser cutter and 3D printer, there’s a lot to check out.
A never-ending story time will be held in the Children’s Room throughout the afternoon, where you can also see the new robot themed check out kiosk. And, if you don’t already have one, librarians will be on hand to help you sign up for a library card, so you can access everything the library has to offer.
“This library project has been an outstanding example of the citizens of Woburn coming together to restore the crown jewel of our community, which will now also provide the space for its rich resources to serve as a true cultural center for all of Woburn’s residents,” said Woburn Mayor Scott Galvin.
The original 1879 building, H.H. Richardson’s first commission after Trinity Church in Copley Square, Boston, reflects the architect’s unique blend of Romanesque structure with his admiration for local flora and fauna (integrated into the architecture in, for example, the botanical carvings on the pilasters in the Frizzell Study Hall). The glass wall of the new addition provides a spectacular view while new openings in the sandstone façade provide easy access between the original historic and the new spaces. The major addition and renovation were designed by CBT Architects, who drew on their experience renovating the Thomas Crane Public Library in Quincy, also designed by H.H. Richardson, restoring the Senate Chamber at the Massachusetts State House and creating the new wing at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, blending the beauty of the original building with the needs of the 21st century Woburn community.
“We are so proud to celebrate the completion of this extraordinary project,” said Richard Mahoney, President of the Woburn Public Library Trustees. “This dream has come true thanks to the support of our staff, patrons, the Friends, the Foundation, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, Mayor Galvin and the City Council.”
The opening celebration will include performances by the Woburn Memorial High School Band, and a performance by the Woburn Memorial High School Acapella Choir, as well as a ribbon-cutting and a reading of an original poem written by Woburn resident and local author Morgan Crooks to mark the occasion.
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