A New Chapter for the Concord Free Public Library

BY MARCY ECKEL, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT, CFPL CORPORATION

By early next year, the renovation and expansion of the Concord Free Public Library will be complete. This transformative project, eight years in the making, broke ground during the pandemic, but remained on-time and on-budget in spite of the challenges. Showcasing the designs of architects from Johnson Roberts and Associates, the newly renovated Library has something to offer everyone in our community, and as always, it’s free and open to all.

©Pierre Chiha Photographers

Sherry Litwack, President of the Concord Free Public Library Corporation remarks, “The Library is a place for civic engagement and dialogue; a repository of Concord’s heritage; a center of creativity and exploration; and a comfortable retreat to work, read, write, or meet. We are so proud that our Library continues to evolve and grow to meet community needs and look forward to welcoming you all into these new and updated spaces.”

In a typical day, over 900 people visit the Main Library. These visitors come for books, programs, to do research, find a quiet space, or a chance to connect. People from all walks of life find common connection here. The Library’s role in Concord is diverse and dynamic. It is a gathering place, a center of discovery and innovation, and an internationally recognized archive of colonial, revolutionary, and literary history.

©Pierre Chiha Photographers

When William Munroe founded the Library in 1873, he had a vision for a larger Library that showcased art in addition to lending books to the townspeople (a new concept since previously people came to the Library to read but could not check out books). Throughout the almost 150-year history of the building, seven significant additions and renovations have altered the original design to bring forth this vision: in 1889 (when a school building from Sudbury Road was annexed to the back); in 1917 (when the tower came down to permit the construction of stacks); in the early 1930s (a renovation by Frohman, Robb & Little that enlarged the building and radically changed the style of its exterior from Victorian Gothic to Georgian); in 1938; in 1968; in 1990 (a renovation designed by Perry, Dean, Stahl, and Rogers); and in 2005 (a systems-driven renovation by Johnson Roberts & Associates that modernized and restored elegance to the Main Street Library).

Before meeting with the architects for this newest renovation and expansion, a yearlong study took place to allow community members and the Town of Concord to weigh in on the community’s current and future needs and how best the Library could adapt to serve our patrons.

©Pierre Chiha Photographers

The Library has evolved yet again to meet the diverse needs of our community. Project highlights include: • A staggering 37% increase in size • A new entrance on Main Street • A children’s library with more space and a separate room for activities • A reimagined space specifically for teens • A commons area for coffee and conversation • A 140-seat forum for daytime and evening programming • A new makerspace for hands-on exploration for all ages • A unique garden space designed to connect people with nature and offer outdoor activities • Improved facilities including family bathrooms and accessible parking spaces • An enlarged workspace and expanded vault in Special Collections • Re-organization of spaces to allow patrons to more easily access books and find a cherished spot to sit and read or work.

©Pierre Chiha Phtographers

The changes to the Library are evident even before stepping through its doors, as the new entrance on Main Street now includes two customized accessible parking spaces, a wide walkway, and a ramp just inside the door. The building features include an additional elevator; modern and accessible bathrooms; more space for the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library to display books for sale; a large-print book area; more comfortable seating; community meeting rooms; and enclosed outdoor space. The new rooms are bright and vibrant, full of natural light. State-of-the-art technology and movable furniture make many of the spaces flexible for collaborative work.

The non-profit Concord Free Public Library Corporation owns the buildings and grounds of both the Main Library and the Fowler Branch. The Library Corporation contributes over $650,000 per year to maintain, improve and enhance the Library. Renovation projects are the sole responsibility of this organization and are largely funded through private donations.

As part of the project, an extensive sustainability study was conducted to not only make sure the project was meeting environmental goals, but to understand how to best align with the Town of Concord’s Climate Action and Resilience Plan.

The Library project was made possible through generous donations from over 1,100 donors in our community. We are humbled by this generosity and proud of the outstanding efforts to adapt our already thriving library into a more efficient and enhanced space for everyone.

John Boynton, Trustee and Chair of the Capital Campaign says, “The project allows us to offer a more welcoming and accessible Library space that will be easier to safely navigate. There will be noisy, active spaces and quiet spaces, reading nooks and study areas. There will be a space that allows for food and drinks and spaces to learn and innovate. This will become an even more amazing resource for everyone in our community — from babies to seniors, and I am so proud to have led the charge to accomplish this renovation and expansion.”

Learn more about the Library’s hours of operation to plan your visit: concordlibrary.org.