Melrose Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony For Library Renovation Project

MELROSE, MA — Melrose’s library renovation project is continuing to move forward following a groundbreaking ceremony last week, officials announced.

Local, state and construction leaders were in town on Wednesday of last week to mark the occasion. Crews with construction company Castagna Construction are now set to begin demolition work this month on the 1960’s-era addition attached to the library’s historic original facade, according to an announcement this week.

Melrose Mayor Paul Brodeur recently said the library project is, “an investment in our community.” Such an investment, he said, “will benefit every single Melrose resident for generations to come.”

“As a life-long reader, the daughter of journalists, a former public school teacher, and the mother to two school-aged sons, I submit there is no more important — and American—institution in a community than its public library,” State Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian said.

Lipper-Garabedian further discussed the value of libraries, saying they “serve an ongoing mission of empowering learning and inspiration.”

“This groundbreaking is a testament to our collective recognition of the Melrose Public Library’s foundational significance in our community,” Lipper-Garabedian said.

Melrose’s library renovations will preserve the historic front facade of the building while replacing the aging addition. The project was originally set to combine $8.1 million in funding from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners with $2.2 million from the Melrose Board of Library Trustees and a $10.8 million city bond to foot a total $21 million bill.

Officials braced over the summer, though, with city Planning Director and Library Building Committee Co-Chair Denise Gaffey telling city councilors in a letter in August that project personnel were worried about cost increases due to factors ranging from inflation to supply chain issues.

Melrose’s eventual contract with Castagna exceeded initial estimates by 12%, prompting the city to draw on a $500,000 state grant, $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding and $200,000 in additional Board of Library Trustees support in an updated funding plan.

Brodeur acknowledged the increase in an announcement of the Castagna contract.

He thanked the community for its support though, adding that he was “truly grateful” that the project was financially viable and on track “despite the volatile economic climate.”

Construction fencing has been in place around the library since November. Officials this week said crews are working to remove hazardous materials within the library structure to make way for demolition work.

The project is scheduled to proceed after demolition with an estimated completion date in the spring of 2024.

The Melrose Public Library is currently operating in a temporary space at the former Beebe School at 263 West Foster St.