Clasping a book from the popular “Warriors” series by Erin Hunter, fourth-grader Katarina Pajovic smiled as she stood in the children’s room Jan. 17 during the grand opening of the new, $39.5 million Belmont Public Library.
“It’s really beautiful,” said the 9-year-old as she looked around. “There’s a lot of nice spots to read.”
Some of those spaces include cushioned, house-shaped and arched nooks within the bookshelves themselves. Visitors will also find comfortable chairs and cozy window seats scattered about the library. In addition to expanded reading areas, the crowd of parents and kids explored many other amenities in the well-lit, comfortable section of the new, 41,000-square-foot building designed by Oudens Ello Architecture.
“We’re definitely planning to be here a lot,” especially on cold winter days, said Anna Chatillon, who brought her 2-year-old son.
Sitting next to one of several large stuffed animals, she added that although they enjoyed the library’s temporary home at the Beech Street Center, her son was particularly taken with the new play area, complete with trains, available in the new Concord Avenue facility.
Ahead of the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, Board of Library Trustees Chair Kathy Keohane estimated the children’s section is more than double the size of the space at the old library.
“I’m really happy to see the community come together for this,” said Deborah Borsuk, coordinator of children’s services, who praised the increase in reading spaces.
Welcome And A Look Back
Standing atop the first landing of the main staircase, speakers Keohane, State Rep. Dave Rogers, Select Board Chair Matt Taylor, State Sen. Will Brownsberger, Library Director Peter Struzziero, and Chair of the Library Building Committee Clair Colburn greeted the large crowd.
Looking back on the years of hard work it took to make the dream of a new library a reality, the officials thanked Belmont voters for approving a debt exclusion of $34.5 million, as well as for the additional community donations that accounted for nearly $6 million of the $39.5 million project, as The Voice previously reported.
“It took all of us to do this,” said Struzziero.
The building was “designed by the community, for the community,” said Colburn. “It has something for everyone.”
In fact, the new facility at 336 Concord Ave. is nearly 11,000 square feet larger than the former library and about half of this expansion is attributable to accessibility code requirements to make it Americans with Disabilities Act compliant, said Keohane.
The library “is a safe place that is welcoming for all,” said Taylor.
On Monday, Keohane sent an email to say 5,200 people attended on one or both weekend days.
“The enthusiasm, appreciation and joy from all that came was truly extraordinary,” Keohane wrote.
Exploring History And The Future
Once at the top of the wooden stairway leading to the second floor, patrons explored the many available offerings, including spaces that honor Belmont’s past and the technological possibilities for the future.
Fragile, rare books locked in cabinets can be viewed in the Underwood History Room, while irreplaceable town artifacts are on display in the Claflin Room next door.
Under a colorful 1859 wall map of Belmont sit relics from bygone days, including a large key to the former jail cell located in the Town Hall basement, arrowheads and a powder horn. The Belmont Historical Society plans to staff the room a few days a week for those wishing to learn more about the town’s past.
Near the two history rooms are the teen space and a community classroom – both featuring the latest technology, including two 3D printers.
For patrons who are browsing or simply want a place to sit and relax or work, “bar” seating rings the second-floor hallway, while cushioned chairs and plentiful tables are located on both floors.
Outdoor Possibilities
Although the landscape surrounding the new building is muted in winter, there are clear signs of possibilities in the other three seasons.
“We know how powerful the connection to nature can be,” said Colburn during the opening ceremony. She pointed out the seamless transition from indoor to outdoor spaces, including an event terrace, a stone amphitheater, a walking path and woodland gardens.
By spring, she said the town’s first “green roof” will be installed.
Helen Bakeman and Judie Feins, two longtime patrons, chatted on the first floor “library commons,” after picking up a few titles.
Praising the “openness and accessibility” of the new facility, Feins borrowed two fiction titles after browsing, while Bakeman said she decided to take out “a trash novel.”
Looking up at the soaring ceiling and striking lighting fixture, Bakeman also complimented the choice of materials and the spaciousness of the interior.
Like several other visitors, she was happy with the “brilliant design” and promised to be a frequent return visitor.
