If you ask any SHS student about the old town library, most will have fond memories of childhood activities they did with their family: picking out books, fostering a love for reading at a young age, and, if they were lucky enough, jamming out with Mama Steph in the children’s section. On the other hand, many would also remember the library as outdated and unmodernized, with slow computers, dusty books, and a relatively depressing interior.

Built in 1978, the original building had been looking for a fresh start for the past several years. The Scituate Town Library eagerly submitted an application for the Public Library Construction Grant in January of 2011. After over a year of waiting, it received a five-million dollar Construction Provisional Grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners to cover the costs of construction and renovation. Construction officially began on September 1, 2015 and continues today. Reports say it is close to 80% finished. Since then, the library has been temporarily relocated to 44 Jericho Road, surrounded by a beautiful ocean front and impeccable views.

Even though SHS principal Mr. Wargo has no direct affiliation with the new library, he spoke of his excitement for the future of the new space. He believes the building will add  new and advantageous resources to a wide range of members throughout the community. Wargo said, “New buildings come with a cost, but it can also come with an invigorating approach to learning.”

Jessi Finnie, Scituate Library Director, also shared some of the anticipated modifications for the new building. She went into further detail about the improved student spaces that will be placed throughout the library. She told The Scituation that the library’s renovation plan will be “about 7000 square feet more.” The original layout did not allow all the space to be utilized to its full potential, so the “usable space is actually doubling.” Finnie prefaced that there would be a dedicated room for teens, an abundance of computers with adequate WiFi availability, comfortable seating, quiet areas for independent studies, and an outdoor hangout space equipped with tables and seating to enjoy the surrounding landscape. These student-focused areas include three independent study sections on the upper level for students to have a space to work on their academics.

The new library will be equipped with more modern technology and an up-to-date structure. The old library, which did not meet current building standards, needed more work than originally expected. When the library opens, students will have a new place to study and do work. In addition, there will be areas to foster group camaraderie and collaboration. There is also a separate room for teenagers and large meeting rooms for community activity. Much like the old library, this building will have an extensive selection of books, magazines, and movies. Subsequently, the excitement for the library is rapidly increasing as people will begin to utilize this space in the coming months.

Finnie excitedly announced that the library is expected to open in March of 2017. Originally anticipated for winter 2016 into early 2017, the library was forced to be pushed off to late spring due to the backtrack from weather on the construction and opening plans. However, Scituate Town Library will be prepared to provide a valuable resource for the South Shore Community, and especially for the benefit of SHS students.