Renovated and Expanded Fitchburg Public Library to Open in June 2027

FITCHBURG, Mass.—The renovated and expanded Fitchburg Public Library will open its doors at 610 Main St. in June 2027.

The new date represents a delay from the original completion schedule, but the additional time will ensure the delivery of a truly transformative project. The new library will be a state-of-the-art destination for the community, offering expanded technology, improved accessibility, and vibrant programming and learning spaces designed to serve the residents of Fitchburg and the surrounding region for decades to come.

“We are profoundly grateful to the city, state, and federal leaders for their vital investments and ongoing partnership throughout this project,” said Fitchburg Public Library Board of Trustees Chairman Matt Bruun. “Their leadership and financial commitments have been instrumental in turning this vision into reality, preserving a historic landmark while creating a dynamic hub for lifelong learning, technology, and community connection.”

While work on the Main Street building is completed, the library’s temporary quarters at 166 Boulder Drive will remain open to patrons.

The funding mix for the building project includes a grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC), an allocation from the City of Fitchburg’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, city appropriations, and the $3.5 million Offering a World of Learning (OWL) Capital Campaign.

Since the renovation and expansion began, a number of factors have led to increased costs for the Fitchburg Public Library project, as well as others supported by the MBLC grant program. In response, the MBLC authorized additional funding to bring these previously approved projects to completion. As a result, in addition to the $12.5M originally granted, a further $1.4 million was awarded for the Fitchburg Public Library effort. Those escalation funds, and interest generated on the prior allocations for the project, will cover the remaining costs to bring the project to completion.

Following substantial completion of construction this winter, crews will work on furniture, fixtures and equipment to prepare the building for the general public. The OWL Capital Campaign was launched to cover those expenses, with a goal of $3.5 million. The campaign team is proud to announce the $3.5 million target has been met.

“We are grateful to the individual, corporate, and foundation donors who have recognized the impact and promise of the Fitchburg Public Library building project and thank them for investing in the future of our community,” said OWL Capital Campaign Co-Chair Sharon Bernard. “Our gratitude extends to the capital campaign committee members who have joined me in leading this effort by showing the transformative impact this project will have on the city of Fitchburg and the population we serve.”

The OWL Campaign was also supported by a $1 million gift from the Fitchburg Public Library Board of Trustees. The donation comes from the Wallace Trust Fund, created to support future capital needs when the Library’s Wallace Building was opened in 1967.

There are still opportunities for donors to make an impact on the project and support future building needs. The Legacy of Learning campaign provides donors an opportunity to be recognized for their gift with a personalized book spine that will appear on a custom bookshelf installation–created by students at Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School–in the library lobby.

Additional information on the Legacy of Learning project can be found on the Library’s website at fitchburgpubliclibrary.org and clicking on the “Building Project.”