The Concord Free Public Library, one of the town’s iconic treasures, is on the cusp of a transformational expansion and renovation. Connecting Our Community is a $10 million project designed to create new, vibrant and collaborative spaces while preserving the Library’s cherished historic rooms and alcoves.

The Library Corporation, staff, town, and other constituencies have worked hard over the past five years to create a viable plan for connecting the main Library building to the adjacent Benjamin Heywood House (c. 1797), which was acquired in 2013. The resulting plan creates new indoor and outdoor spaces that address the needs of our diverse, 21st century community. Critical elements include The Forum, a meeting space designed to accommodate up to 140 seats, and The Children’s Library, which will be 50% larger than its current dimensions. An exciting new social space dubbed The Commons will promote an open, naturally-lit environment for conversation and relaxation, while a Teen Space will offer an age appropriate haven for study and dialogue. The Hub will highlight the Library’s programs and feature new books and media while the new Workshop space will facilitate do-it-yourself projects and additional collaboration. Last but not least, the Library’s Special Collections, a core component of the institution’s mission, will be housed in an enhanced and upgraded space.

We encourage everyone to learn more about the Library’s exciting plans for the future by attending its next public forum on March 20th at 11 a.m. There is also a comprehensive description of the project on the Library’s website. This online resource will enable you to “Fly through the Design” and gain a deeper understanding of the planned programming. Take a look! If you are impressed as we are please consider attending Town Meeting to support two articles that will provide some of the project’s necessary funding.

Gibbs and Sue Roddy
101 Barnes Hill Road