The Wilmington Memorial Library has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Cummings Foundation for the revitalization of the first floor of the library. In addition, funding for this project is also being provided by the Barbara Johnson Trust, the Friends of the Library, the Town of Wilmington and state aid grants.
The first floor of the library will be the focus of the makeover.
Project Goals
- Maximize the limited footprint
- Create a flexible space that can accommodate present and future needs
- Create a visually inviting space that allows patrons to easily find what they need and discover more.
- Improve staff service points to make operations more efficient and visually appealing.
Project Architect
The Town hired Oudens Ello Architecture (OEA) in October, 2022 to provide services for the redesign of the first floor of the Wilmington Memorial Library.
Project Committee
Library Director Tina Stewart, Assistant Library Director Danielle Masterson and retired Assistant Library Director Charlotte Wood have worked with OEA project architect Chris Genter over the past months on the redesign project.
Timeline for Implementation
Removal of old shelving, carpet installation and painting will take place in June and July. New shelving will be installed in late July. The project is expected to be completed by early August with a ribbon cutting ceremony sometime afterwards.
Service Impact during Implementation
The first floor of the library will need to be closed during some days in June and July for project implementation. The library will continue to be open for limited services during this time. Please check the library’s website and social media for up to date information during this period.
Cummings Grant Program
The Cummings $25 Million Grant Program supports Massachusetts nonprofits that are based in and primarily serve Middlesex, Essex, and Suffolk counties. Through this place-based initiative, Cummings Foundation aims to give back in the areas where it owns commercial property. Its buildings are all managed, at no cost to the Foundation, by its affiliate, Cummings Properties. This Woburn-based commercial real estate firm leases and manages 11 million square feet of debt-free space, the majority of which exclusively benefits the Foundation.
This year’s grant recipients represent a wide variety of causes, including food insecurity, immigrant and refugee services, social justice, education, and mental health services. The nonprofits are spread across 45 different cities and towns.
The complete list of 140 grant winners, plus more than 900 previous recipients, is available at www.CummingsFoundation.org.
Project Updates
The first floor of the library is back open to the public again! Stop by and check out the progress we’ve made so far.
Overview of Project Plan
