Library renovation design work moving forward, director reports

Isabella Lapriore

The Waltham Public Library’s proposed renovations are moving forward, according to an update that library director Kelly Linehan gave to WPL’s Board of Trustees at its Nov. 13 meeting.

The project, Linehan said, is now in its planning and design phase. The project is still undergoing schematic design work, specifically surrounding moving the proposed location of a large meeting room. 

According to Linehan, one proposed design leaves the children’s room short on space for 18,000 books – a deficit that she said is too big. “We need more room there, it’s 40% of our circulation and to shortchange them in that frame is a no-go,” Linehan said.

Linehan told the trustees that in collaboration with the MBLC she provided design change feedback to members of the project team.

Linehan and board members are set to attend the Nov. 24 City Council meeting to further discuss the progress of the project with council members.  

Trustees Chair Alan Humbert closed the meeting expressing his support for the project, saying, “It’s a perfect compliment to the new high school. We’re investing in our kids.”

WPL had received a $100,000 grant in January from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners as part of its Public Library Construction Program to fund the renovation’s second phase.

UPDATE: The language in this story has been updated to clarify that what is moving forward is the design, not the construction of the proposed renovation.