New Tufts Library Building Project

Please send questions and comments to tuftslibraryproject@weymouth.ma.us.

Take a virtual tour of the new Tufts Library here!

In July 2017, the Town of Weymouth secured over $12 million in grant funds from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) for the design and construction of a new Tufts Library. Funding for this grant was awarded through the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP), which financed approximately 41% of the new library's eligible project cost. At the announcement of the 2016-2017 MPLCP grants, Weymouth was one of only nine communities to receive funding out of 33 library applicants.

In October 2017, the Town Council voted unanimously to accept the MPLCP grant and authorized borrowing of over $33 million for the total project cost. Between January 2019 and September 2020, the Tufts Library Building Project demolished the prior building and constructed a modern, 21st-century library on the same site. Find the most recent project budget and cost summary report here.

A ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Tufts Library was held September 28, 2020. The library formally opened to the public for services with COVID-19 restrictions on October 1, 2020.

For questions related to this project, please email tuftslibraryproject@weymouth.ma.us.

What is the MPLCP?

library The MPLCP (Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program) assists local libraries with financing major capital improvement projects, including the construction of new public libraries, the expansion and renovation of existing libraries, and the retrofitting of other buildings for reuse as public libraries. The average MPLCP grant covers 45% to 50% of a project’s total eligible construction cost, with the remaining balance paid by the municipality.

While most cities and towns plan for at least two years before submitting a MPLCP application, Weymouth had less than a year to prepare. Mayor Robert Hedlund quickly assembled a Library Construction Committee (LCC), initiated development of a library building program, and committed $100,000 to hiring an architect for the library's preliminary design. To be eligible for a MPLCP grant, applicant libraries must:

be a free public library located in Massachusetts;
be certified by the MBLC as meeting the minimum state standards for public library service;
have a current long-range plan and annual action plan on file at the MBLC;
have a written library building program approved by the MBLC;
have a schematic design consistent with the library's building program; and
comply with all requirements under MBLC regulations 605 CMR 6.00.

The MPLCP has been continuously funded through state bond authorizations since 1987 and has assisted more than 200 communities build new libraries or expand and renovate existing ones. Grants are offered on an irregular basis, typically every five to six years, based on the availability of funds.

Why invest in a new library?

library Even in the online age, more people visit their public library each year in Massachusetts than attend Patriots, Celtics, Bruins, and Red Sox games combined. People depend on their local library for access to technology and as a community space where persons of all ages can attend programs, learn new skills, and connect with neighbors.

According to the MBLC, attendance at public library programs increased 49% between 2006 and 2018, and every 5.5 seconds a Massachusetts resident accesses the internet through a public library. Between FY2010 and FY2016, the number of library programs in Weymouth increased by 23% and program attendance increased by 160%. Use of library meeting rooms also increased by 44% during this same period . The old Tufts Library had neither the space nor technology infrastructure to keep pace with this growing demand for services.

Mayor Hedlund and his staff recognized the need for investment in a new Tufts Library shortly after taking office. Apart from problems of basic accessibility, the old Tufts Library contained asbestos and had substantial repair and renovation needs, including a new roof, elevator, HVAC, electrical, and technology infrastructure. Replacement of the HVAC system alone would have cost upwards of $1 million, while fixing the remaining deficiencies would have cost millions more. Even with these repairs, the old Tufts Library would have been no better equipped to provide for the needs of the community.

For the past 30 years, every local library to receive a MPLCP grant has experienced significant growth following completion of its construction project. One study of libraries in Massachusetts that built new buildings or renovated existing ones between 1994 and 2004 found that the number of library visits increased 30% once construction was complete. That's 30% more people walking, driving, and taking public transportation to their local library, creating value for surrounding businesses and neighborhoods.

How was the library designed?

Find the Project Charter here.

Modern library design focuses on flexibility, with priority placed on elements such as an efficient and cost-effective floor plan, flexible spaces that can be reconfigured and repurposed for new uses, and an infrastructure that can expand and adapt with changes in needs and technology. The new Tuft Library incorporates all these elements. These include:

An expanded children's services department with programming spaces for multiple age groups.
A suite of community meeting rooms with some allowing for after-hours use.
Dedicated gathering spaces for tweens and young adults.
A digital media lab for self-directed learning, creative projects, and technology programming.
An expanded technology infrastructure of public computers, PACs, and wireless internet.
Open reading areas infused with comfortable seating and outdoor views.
Numerous study rooms equipped with smart technologies.
A local history center to display and preserve the library's nationally significant collection.
An amphitheater and other outdoor spaces for performance-based programs, active learning, and passive recreation.

Project Budget and Timeline

Find the latest Project Budget and Cost Summary Report here.

Project Milestones

Month & Year	Project Milestone
Oct 2020	The new Tufts Library opens for services on October 1, 2020, with restrictions due to COVID-19.
Sep 2020	The new Tufts Library is opened to the public for viewings on September 29-30, 2020, with restrictions due to COVID-19.
Sep 2020	On September 28, 2020, Mayor Hedlund, the LCC, the MBLC, and a small number of state and local officials join together for a formal ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Tufts Library.
Sep 2020	Town issues a Certificate of Substantial Completion for the Tufts Library Building Project and a Certificate of Occupancy for the new library.
Aug 2020	Plumbing systems are inspected and approved for occupancy.
Aug 2020	Fire suppression systems are substantially completed and tied in to the fire alarm system.
Aug 2020	Elevator is inspected and approved for occupancy.
Aug 2020	Rubber flooring, vinyl composite tile, wood flooring, and vinyl base installation are substantially completed.
Aug 2020	Acoustic ceiling work is substantially completed for entire building.
Aug 2020	Interior glass partitions are 100% completed.
Aug 2020	Roof-edge metal flashing is 100% completed.
Aug 2020	Miscellaneous metal work is 100% completed for the entire building.
Aug 2020	Site furnishings are 100% installed.
Aug 2020	Pavers are installed at terrace patio and Broad Street entrance.
Aug 2020	Paving is 100% completed for the site’s driveways, parking lots, and sidewalks.
Jul 2020	Carpet installation is substantially completed on all floors.
Jul 2020	Terrazzo flooring is substantially completed on all floors.
Jul 2020	Door work is substantially completed.
Jul 2020	Exterior metal panel installation are substantially completed.
Jul 2020	Exterior site-based concrete work are substantially completed.
Jun 2020	Landscape plantings and seeding are substantially completed.
Jun 2020	“Tufts Library” building letters are installed.
Jun 2020	Rain screen and exterior teak ceiling are substantially completed.
Jun 2020	Interior masonry work is substantially completed.
Jun 2020	Concrete door pads, ramps, stair landings, and sidewalks along Broad Street are substantially completed.
May 2020	Acoustic ceiling grid is installed on the first-floor eastside areas, and wood ceiling grid is installed throughout the first floor.
Apr 2020	Plumbing fixture installation is substantially completed.
Apr 2020	Ceramic tile walls and porcelain tile floors are substantially completed in toilet rooms.
Apr 2020	Steel curtain wall frames and curtain wall glazing are substantially completed.
Apr 2020	Roof construction transitions to perimeter metal flashing and walkpad installation.
Apr 2020	Mental cornice along the east and south elevations of the building are substantially completed.
Mar 2020	General Contractor CTA conducts Safety Stand Down day for all workers.
Mar 2020	Governor issues COVID-19 guidelines and procedures for all construction sites and workers on public projects on March 25, 2020. All construction sites are required to conduct a Safety Stand Down day to disseminate these guidelines to all employees and workers.
Mar 2020	Exterior masonry is substantially completed.
Feb 2020	Ceiling boarding and seam finishing are 80% completed for the entire building.
Feb 2020	Wall boarding is substantially completed for the entire building.
Feb 2020	Interior framing and wall insulation is substantially completed for the entire building.
Feb 2020	Aluminum curtain wall frames and curtain wall glazing are substantially completed for the entire building. Aluminum windows are substantially completed for the entire building.
Feb 2020	Exterior sheathing is substantially completed for the entire building.
Jan 2020	The Town opens Response Proposals for Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E) on January 31, 2020.
Jan 2020	The Town releases a Request for Proposals (RPF) for Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E) on January 10, 2020.
Jan 2020	Aluminum curtain wall frames and curtain wall glazing is over 90% completed for the entire building.
Jan 2020	Structural steel work is 100% completed.
Jan 2020	Exterior masonry is 90% completed for the entire building.
Dec 2019	Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E) Program is 100% completed.
Dec 2019	Aluminum curtain wall frames are 75% completed. Curtain wall glazing is 100% completed at west section of building.
Dec 2019	Interior wall framing is 95% completed.
Dec 2019	Field roofing assemblies are 100% completed.
Dec 2019	Exterior masonry is 95% completed along the building’s east elevation and 80% completed along the north elevation.
Dec 2019	New gas service main and meter installed.
Nov 2019	Exterior masonry is 100% completed along the building's west elevation and 80% completed along its south elevation.
Nov 2019	Exterior sheathing is completed for the east section of the building. Air vapor barrier is 90% completed for all sections of the building.
Oct 2019	Exterior sheathing and air vapor barrier are completed for the west section of the building.
Oct 2019	All interior partitions in the west section of the building are framed.
Oct 2019	Installation of Weymouth Granite begins along the foundations.
Oct 2019	Ground-floor slabs are completed for the center and east sections of the building. Second-floor slabs are completed for the center and east sections of the building. All building slaps are 100% completed.
Sep 2019	Steel erection is substantially completed.
Sep 2019	Ground-floor slab is completed for the west section of the building.
Aug 2019	Second-floor slab is completed for the west section of the building.
Aug 2019	Local and state officials celebrate the topping off of the new Tufts Library.
Jul 2019	Foundation is 100% completed.
Jul 2019	Third of three infiltration systems is completed. Drainage is 95% completed.
Jul 2019	First delivery of structural steel arrives, and steel work begins.
Jun 2019	Foundation footings and walls are 85% completed.
Jun 2019	Second of three infiltration systems is completed.
May 2019	Domestic water main, fire protection main, and sewer main are installed and connected to Town utilities.
May 2019	First of three infiltration systems is completed.
Apr 2019	Precast panels of Weymouth Granite are removed from the old Tufts Library and stored for later use at the new Tufts Library's amphitheater.
Apr 2019	Demolition of the old Tufts Library is 100% completed.
Apr 2019	Abatement of the old Tufts Library is 100% completed.
Mar 2019	Mayor Hedlund, the LCC, the MBLC, and numerous state and local officials join residents to celebrate the groundbreaking for the new Tufts Library.
Jan 2019	Abatement of the old Tufts Library begins.
Jan 2019	Contractor mobilization begins.
Dec 2018	The Town awards a $24.2 million general construction contract to CTA Construction Managers of Waltham. The contract is awarded on schedule and within budget.
Dec 2018	General bids are opened on December 19, 2018. The LCC recommends, and Mayor Hedlund approves, a contract award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder whose bid price is at or below the construction budget ($24,901,599).
Dec 2018	The branch libraries reopen on schedule with new extended hours and expanded collections from the old Tufts Library.
Nov 2018	The LCC presents the new Tufts Library's final design and project schedule to the Town Council.
Nov 2018	The old Tufts Library closes to the public on November 5, 2018. Staff and collections are temporarily moved and dispursed among the Town's three branch libraries. All branch libraries are closed during the move.
Nov 2018	The Town releases an Invitation for Bids (IFB) on November 1, 2018. Only prequalified general contractors and subcontractors are eligible to submit bids and filed sub-bids in response to the IFB.
Oct 2018	The LCC approves 95% construction documents (CDs) for the Tufts Library Building Project and approves the scheduled release of 100% bid documents on November 1, 2018. The project advances to the Bid Phase .
Oct 2018	The LCC approves the Prequalification Committee's list of prequalified general contractors and subcontractors.
Sep 2018	The LCC approves 60% construction documents (CDs) for the Tufts Library Building Project. The project advances to 100% CDs.
Sep 2018	The LCC hosts a public forum to present the New Tufts Library's final design, prepared by Tappé Architects.
Jun 2018	The LCC establishes a Prequalification Committee to prequalify general contractors and subcontractors to submit bids and filed sub-bids for the Tufts Library Building Project.
May 2018	The LCC approves design development (DD) plans for the Tufts Library Building Project. The project advances to the Construction Documents (CD) Phase.
Apr 2018	The LCC selects a building scheme for detailed design development. The Tufts Library Building Project advances to the Design Development (DD) Phase.
Mar 2018	The LCC hosts a public forum to present design schemes for the new Tufts Library, prepared by Tappé Architects.
Mar 2018	The LCC recommends, and Mayor Hedlund approves, Tappé Architects of Boston as Project Designer for the Tufts Library Building Project. The project advances to the Schematic Design (SD) Phase.
Feb 2018	The LCC adopts 14 factors of project success to form the Project Charter.
Jan 2018	The LCC recommends, and Mayor Hedlund approves, Hill International of Boston as Owner's Project Manager (OPM) of the Tufts Library Building Project.
Dec 2017	Mayor Hedlund expands and reestablishes the LCC as an advisory board to assist the Office of the Mayor in design and construction of the new Tufts Library.
Oct 2017	The Town Council votes unanimously to authorize borrowing of the total project cost for the Tufts Library Building Project.
Jul 2017	The MBLC awards the Town a $12,085,184 Provisional Construction Grant for the new Tufts Library.
Jan 2017	The Town submits its MPLCP grant application for design and construction of the new Tufts Library.
Jan 2017	The LCC and Johnson Roberts Associates present the final version of the preliminary design to the Town Council. The Town Council votes unanimously to accept the design and authorizes the Council President to sign the MPLCP grant application and provide a letter of support.
Dec 2016	The LCC hosts a public forum with Johnson Roberts Associates to present a draft of the preliminary design for the new Tufts Library.
Dec 2016	The Town Council votes unanimously to authorize the Mayor and the Board of Library Trustees to apply for, accept, and expend any state grants for public library construction, and to commit all project land to the care, custody, management, and control of the Weymouth Public Libraries for construction of a public library and associated parking.
Oct 2016	The Director of Library Services and Johnson Roberts Associates present a draft version of the preliminary design to the Board of Library Trustees.
Oct 2016	The LCC organizes a Youth Library Design Challenge for children and teens to model or design their own library or library space. Submissions are unveiled at a reception on October 26, 2016.
Aug 2016	The LCC hires Johnson Roberts Associates of Somerville to prepare the preliminary design for a new Tufts Library.
Jun 2016	The Town Council votes unanimously to appropriate $100,000 for development of a preliminary design for the new Tufts Library.
Jun 2016	The LCC approves the Library Building Program for submission to the MBLC. The MBLC approves the program one week later.
May 2016	The Director of Library Services and Heritage Planning & Design present a draft version of the Library Building Program to the Town Council.
May 2016	The LCC hosts the second of two public forums with Heritage Planning & Design to gather public input for the Library Building Program. This second public forum focuses on children's library services.
May 2016	The 2016-2017 MPLCP Grant round officially opens on May 5, 2016. Letters of intent are due October 7, 2016. Applications are due January 26, 2017.
May 2016	The LCC hosts the first of two public forums with Heritage Planning & Design to gather public input for the Library Building Program. This first public forum focuses on general library building and service needs.
Apr 2016	1,391 people participate in the Library Building Program survey developed by the LCC and Heritage Planning & Design. The survey is sent electronically to all cardholders of the Weymouth Public Libraries and to all students and parents of the Weymouth Public Schools. The survey is further made available at all library branches and is shared electronically through social media.
Mar 2016	The LCC hires Heritage Planning & Design of Cambridge to prepare a Library Building Program for the new Tufts Library.
Feb 2016	Mayor Hedlund appoints a Library Construction Committee (LCC) to prepare a MPLCP grant application. The LLC is composed of the Director of Library Services, Director of Planning & Community Development, Director of Asset & Facilities Management, Administrative Services Coordinator, Chair of the Board of Library Trustees, and a resident of the community with 38 years of experience as a public library director.

Departments

Boards & Committees