Library Building Project

Old and new architecture

Harmony

Upgrades to windows and ventilation systems

Efficiency

Glass emphasizes openness

Light

Romanesque architecture restored

Preservation

New addition houses what was formerly upstairs

Workflow

Project uses sandstone mined from same Ohio quarry as in 1879

Aesthetic

Our Progress

100%

Timeline

Construction Grant Submitted

2010
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The Woburn Public Library wrote an extensive grant with architectural drawings by CBT and guidance provided by Design Technique, Inc. in 2010.

Once the Staff of the Woburn Public Library completed the grant writing process and CBT completed all accompanying architectural drawings, City Officials voted to approve the City’s submittal of the grant package to the MBLC. The Woburn Public Library was awarded a spot on the MBLC’s waiting list. It would be four years until the MBLC offered a provisional grant in 2014.

Bond Passed

September 2015
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On September 14, 2015, City Council approved the $31.5 million bond.

With funding from the MBLC, the Trustees, and the City, the bond for the project was secured a year after the MBLC offered the provisional grant. The project is also being financed in part by a Grant that has been provided by the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund, a program of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, administered through a collaborative arrangement between MassDevelopment
and the Mass Cultural Council.
The Woburn Public Library Foundation began fundraising for all furniture, fixtures, and equipment, which are not included in the bond.

Temporary Location

April 2017

Through the generosity of Cummings Properties, the Library secured and moved into 36 Cummings Park, opening on April 18, 2017.

The move to temporary space at 36 Cummings Park and three storage facilities was executed in two phases. During February of 2017, the Archives, historical objects, and artwork were carefully packed and transported to a climate-controlled storage facility run by preservationists. During this time, our staff identified which items in our collection would go to 36 Cummings Park and which items would go to storage. During late March and April of 2017, movers packed and transported our collections and equipment to the three respective locations. Our collections were placed on shelving generously donated by the Reading Public Library.

Construction Began

May 2017

The Groundbreaking Ceremony was held on May 25, 2017.

After approval of the project’s gross maximum price (GMP) and awarding of the building permit to Consigli Construction in Winter 2017, enabling work began onsite in Spring 2017. The anticipated completion of construction is mid-January 2019, with the Library hopefully welcoming patrons by the beginning of March 2019.

Opening

March 2019

Post Pandemic Re-opening

August 2020