MELROSE — The Melrose Public Library renovation project is approaching completion, Mayor Jen Grigoraitis and Library Director Linda Gardener announced this week.
The library’s operations are expected to resume on West Emerson Street in early 2025. The Melrose Public Library renovation project will ensure an accessible, modern and energy-efficient library for future generations. The project involved extensive restoration and preservation of the historic structure as well as a new addition to the building to meet community and library programming needs and objectives.
In July 2021, the city of Melrose received $8.1 million in grants from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners to fund the renovation of the historic Melrose Public Library building and the construction of a modern addition to replace the outdated 1960s-era addition. That same month, the Melrose Board of Library Trustees committed $2 million toward the project, and in October 2021 the Melrose City Council unanimously approved a bond authorization to provide the remaining $10.8 million needed to fund the city’s share of the project costs.
The recent work on the project included making plumbing and electrical improvements as well as installing an HVAC system. The Lake Avenue parking lot and rear delivery ramp have also been completed. The library’s historic windows has been restored and reinstalled.
Additionally, the library’s new roof has been completed that includes the installation of copper gutters and downspouts. The library’s historic fireplace has also been restored.
Since major construction began on the West Emerson Street library facility in 2023, the Melrose Public Library has operated out of the former Beebe School on West Foster Street.
Once the library construction is completed, shelving, furniture and technology will be installed in the building. The Melrose Public Library is expected to close for three to five weeks following final completion in order to transfer operations back to West Emerson Street.
More information about the Melrose Public Library renovation project is available at cityofmelrose.org/library-renovation-project. The website also includes a link to view photographs of the project. As the Melrose Public Library nears completion, the city will share more opportunities for the public to visit the facility and celebrate its opening in early 2025.
