The J.V. Fletcher Library Building Project

Join Us As We Write A New Chapter In The Library’s History

About The Project

In 2022, the J.V. Fletcher Library was awarded a construction grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) and will receive – once certain construction grant milestones are met – more than $8.6 million for the expansion and renovation of the library. The renovated building will feature an expanded children’s area, a dedicated young adult area, more silent, tutorial, and collaborative study options, centralized circulation functions with better flow throughout, and an expanded, flexible community meeting room space with an after-hours egress. The renovated building will be ADA-compliant and fully handicapped accessible. In addition, the renovated library will adhere to new energy and sustainability codes. The J.V. Fletcher Library will continue to serve the community for generations to come.

FAQs

  • The new library design:

    • Doubles the space for children and triples the space for young adults

    • Will be fully handicapped accessible, with a larger elevator and level floors throughout the building

    • Increases the amount of public meeting spaces

    • Offers a large meeting room with a separate egress that can be locked off from the rest of the library

    • Centralizes circulation functions

    • Increases silent, tutorial, and collaborative study options

    • Has bathrooms on every floor, including a family bathroom on the ground floor

    • Will meet current fire, safety, and building codes, including a fire suppression system and stairs with turns and landings

    • Will use green building practices and adhere to the Westford Climate Roadmap

    • Includes a Library of Things, which patrons have requested

    • Offers a better flow throughout the building, with better sight lines on every floor

    • Features a Reading Patio directly outside the new children’s area

  • Yes. Given how extensive the renovation will be – and as mandated by the library grant language – the library will have to move to a different location for the duration of the construction project. Where the library is going is still being determined. The staff expects to be able to creatively offer the same services it always does, regardless of where the temporary library is located.

  • You can see floor plans and architectural renderings here.

    Please note that the historic façade on Main Street will remain unchanged.

  • The total projected cost of the expanded and renovated library is $32.5 million. Of that, the library will receive a construction grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) for $7,851,994. In addition, when the library project meets certain critical benchmarks during construction, the project is slated to receive an additional $829,263 in grant funding from the MBLC.

    The J.V. Fletcher Library Foundation is committed to raising $1.5 million of the total cost.

    The remaining funding – approximately $22 million – will be funded by the town through a debt exclusion approved in 2022.

    In addition, the library project may be eligible for Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds, which in part focus on historic preservation.

Our Organization

Fundraising for the expansion and renovation of the library – the portion that is not covered by the Town or by library construction grants – is being conducted by the J.V. Fletcher Library Friends’ Foundation. In 2017, when the library was placed on the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Project (MPLCP) waitlist, the Friends amended the organization’s bylaws to include the Foundation and Major Gifts Committee. Or, simply, the Foundation.

1,000 Homes Campaign

The Friends’ Foundation is asking 1,000 homes here in Westford to donate $1,000 – either all at once or over three years – to raise $1,000,000 to offset the overall cost of the renovated, expanded library.

The Friends of the J.V. Fletcher Library is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization #22-2675998. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. No goods or services will be exchanged for contributions.

The first 100 donors to the 1,000 Homes campaign will receive lawn signs designating their support. Get your sign while supplies last!

Stay in Touch

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