Library Land Project

05/31/2026

Thank you libraries!

The reading crisis is real, but the solution does not require new inventions.

05/25/2026

Our recent visit to the Gilbertville Public Library in Hardwick was an unexpected treat. The exterior is nice, but that’s nothing compared to the interior. Beautiful woodwork is everywhere, the ceiling is absolutely stunning. You wouldn’t have guess that this small town library was such a treasure box inside. Not only is the building something else, but Laura - the interim director - takes it to the next level. Her life-sized soft sculpture of a shoebill left us agog!

Sadly, this library - like a growing number of small town libraries - is under fiscal duress. It’s served the community faithfully for more than 100 years. Hopefully, the people of Hardwick will come out to support the library and keep it open.

You can read more about this visit on our website!
https://librarylandproject.org/stories-blog/2026/5/23/gilbertville-public-library-hardwick-massachusetts

05/20/2026

Eight years after our first visit, we were able to witness for ourselves the Belmont Public Library’s glow up 😍 The sunlight-filled spaces, the reading porch, the community spaces, and the children’s area caught our eye. It was lovely to see how the stained glass and granite slabs from the previous building were incorporated into this one. The outdoor patio and accessible nature trail were especially impressive. Inside or out, patrons will have access to everything they need and more at the Belmont Public Library!

05/18/2026

Eight years after our first visit, the new Belmont Public Library really knocks it out of the park. It’s one of the most wonderful libraries in the area, and that’s saying something!

Designed by Oudens Ello Architecture and paid for by the community, the library has some amazing features. Active sound dampening, a reading porch, a great teen space, lots of room for children, impressive accessibility features, great lighting, and outdoor spaces that really wowed us.

We love seeing libraries working with other community groups. With spaces dedicated to Belmont Media, the Belmont Historical Society, and the Belmont Land Trust, this library shows it knows how to play well with others.

All of the pieces hang together so well that the library is greater than the sum of its parts. We came away impressed and so happy for the community that will enjoy this library for decades to come.

You can read more about this visit on our website!
https://librarylandproject.org/stories-blog/2026/5/16/belmont-public-library-belmont-massachusetts

05/15/2026

A certain famous frog says “it’s not easy being green”, but Greg makes it look like a cake walk! He’s wearing a fun, green plaid shirt with frog patches on the shoulders, green floral pants, and green shoes. There is also a peek a boo touch of pink with his choice of socks. His ensemble is an inspiration for any amphibian.

Want to be featured in a Library Land Looks post? Send us a photo of you in your favorite outfit to [email protected]

05/14/2026

The Fitchburg Public Library may be currently in a transitional space, but it certainly didn’t feel like it! There were loads of materials to browse through, programming, public computers, and stellar staff. The building was in heavy use when we visited too. The decor is also something that could not be missed. Owls, the library’s mascot, were everywhere! This temporary space is impressive, so we can’t help but be excited for what it’ll look like in the future when their renovations are complete!

05/11/2026

We ended the day’s tour of the north central area of Massachusetts at the temporary home of the Fitchburg Public Library. Despite its current warehouse-like setting, the library still offers everything you’d expect; public computers, spaces for all ages, programming, and a welcoming & friendly staff. The library is well used and thriving! A little nod that we couldn’t help but notice, they were indeed everywhere, are the owls. It was a lot of fun spotting them in various places of the library. The owl is the library’s mascot and we are curious to see how this carries into the renovated building when it eventually opens. We were impressed by this library, even at its current temporary status. We can’t wait to see what the future has in store for the Fitchburg Public Library!

You can read more about this visit on our website!
https://librarylandproject.org/stories-blog/2026/5/8/fitchburg-public-library-fitchburg-massachusettsnbsp

05/06/2026

We were so fortunate to have a tour by the library’s assistant director, Catt! Catt showed us everything Forbush Memorial Library had to offer in this cozy space. The collection had plenty of variety for all ages; including an art collection, a museum, and a local history room. The “Name that Cart” competition especially brought us a lot of joy! Whether inside or outside of it, this small town library makes a big community impact.

05/04/2026

From the front, the Forbush Memorial Library appears to be a smallish and unassuming place. Step inside, however, and you will find yourself is a fun and lively library. From Children’s on the ground floor to the museum on the top, the Forbush held many delightful surprises. The depth and breadth of the library’s artistic holdings was outstanding. So were the clever and funny names for their library carts. Catt, the assistant director and youth services librarian, was kind enough to show us so much of what this library has to offer!

You can read more about this visit on our website!
https://librarylandproject.org/stories-blog/2026/5/3/forbush-library-westminster-massachusetts

04/27/2026

The Warren Public Library, a 1890 Richardsonian Romanesque building, is absolutely beautiful. From the stonework on the outside, the woodwork within, a substantial collection relative to the size of the town (fewer than 3000 people), and a staircase that blew us away. It also features one of the sweetest memorials to a librarian we have ever seen. After speaking with the staff, we concluded that the Warren Public Library is the kind of place that reminds you libraries are more than just buildings, they are living pieces of a community’s story. And what a wonderful experience it is to now be a part of that story!

You can read more about this visit on our website!
https://librarylandproject.org/stories-blog/2026/4/26/warren-public-library-warren-massachusetts