Welcome to the Hanson Public Library Project site. Here you’ll find factual, up-to-date information about the project—options under review, meeting dates, and ways to sign up for updates.
Where are we now?
Hanson received a Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) planning & design grant through the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP) and is developing schematic designs for a renovated and expanded library building. The target date to complete schematic designs is December 31, 2025.
Next Milestones
Identify which library service areas will be adjacent to one another; finalize building's layout
Create elevation drawings showing building's exterior from ground level to the top; develop options for construction
By the numbers
Current Grant Phase
Planning & Design
Target Date
December 31, 2025
Planning Scope
30 years' growth
Estimated Size
22,000 square feet
Timeline & Milestones
Latest updates
Library building committee publishes newspaper article
Read the full article from the Library Building Committee and the abbreviated version published in the South Shore Times.
Library Gives Presentation At October Town Meeting
View the presentation given at October Town Meeting by the Library’s architectural firm Oudens Ello.
CURRENT CHALLENGES
What are some of the challenges of the current library building?
During our planning process in 2024, impediments to the delivery of library services were identified through staff and patron input, guidance from a Library Building Consultant, and a Facility Conditions Assessment conducted by an architect.
The 35-year-old library building does not meet current community needs for library services.
- Children's Room excessively small
- Lack of library & community meeting/program space
- Electrical/data access inconvenient, dates from 1990
- Wifi weak and unstable
- Building not ADA compliant
- Ongoing roof leaks
- HVAC insufficient, outdated, constantly needs repair
- Dark, poor ventilation, few windows
- No sound control or quiet areas
- Bookcases too tall, light doesn't reach lower shelves
- Poor sight lines & staff visibility into children's areas
- Furnishings 35 years old and fixed in place
- Inadequate storage space
You asked, We answered
What are the priorities of Hanson’s residents for library services and the library facility?
Community input serves as the foundation for this project. We learned about residents’ hopes and aspirations for Hanson as a community and how the Library could support the community in achieving those hopes and aspirations. One of the goals of the architect will be to incorporate many of the community’s wants and needs into the building’s design.
Hanson residents want a library that:
"Is the centralized community hub - for gathering residents together, making community connections, supporting local economic development..."
"Provides expanded public programming areas and public meeting spaces, with secure use of meeting rooms after hours"
"Marries the indoors and the outdoors, maximizing the flow of exterior green/creative play areas with interior space"
"Prepares the community for the future; provides green leadership to the community with sustainable and energy-efficient systems"
"Is welcoming and attractive; continues to feel 'cozy' yet open; offers a place of excitement, vibrancy, and imagination"
"Has flexible spaces and furnishings and contemporary and adaptable technology infrastructure; is easy to navigate"
Document Center
Key documents
All Documents
Library Building Committee
The Library Building Committee (formerly the Library Design & Planning Committee) was established at the May 2025 Town Meeting, and the Select Board appointed its members, which include Library and Town officials and residents. The Committee has hired an Owner’s Project Manager and an architect and will work with them throughout the project.
- Corinne Cafardo, Chair (Library Trustee)
- Pat Faiella, Vice Chair (Resident)
- Karen Stolfer, Clerk (Library Director; non-voting)
- Teresa Santalucia (Library Trustee)
- Linda Wall (Library Trustee)
- Pam French (Library Trustee)
- Tom Hickey (Resident)
- Melissa Valachovic (Resident)
- Tony DeFrias (Town Planner; non-voting)
FAQ
MBLC stands for Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. The MBLC is the agency of state government with the statutory authority and responsibility to organize, develop, coordinate, and improve library services throughout the Commonwealth.
The MBLC oversees the MPLCP, the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program. The MPLCP is funded by a state bond authorization to help communities improve their public library facilities through funding and technical assistance for planning & design and construction projects.
Learn more about the MPLCP and the current grant round at the links below.
The Hanson Public Library was built in 1990. In an attempt to assist with construction costs, the Town submitted an application for the MPLCP grant round that was being offered at that time. The grant required municipalities to plan for 20 years’ worth of growth when considering future needs for library services. However, MBLC grant reviewers determined that the building was undersized and didn’t meet this requirement. As a result, no state grant money was used to fund the project.
The state’s determination means the current facility would not be able to meet residents’ needs for library service by 2010. We are now another 15 years on, and the building’s shortcomings are even more evident. Many of these deficiencies are listed above in the “Current Challenges” section.
A renovated and expanded library facility, partially funded through the MPLCP, will ensure that the community’s needs for library service are met for at least another 30 years.
Libraries remain essential today because they provide free, equitable access to knowledge, technology, and community space. Here are some key reasons for ensuring that Hanson has a modern Library for its residents.
1. Equal access to information
Not everyone can afford books, digital subscriptions, or reliable internet. Libraries offer free access to books, databases, e-books, and Wi-Fi.
2. Digital inclusion
In an increasingly digital society, libraries provide computers, high-speed internet, and training in essential skills such as job searching and using new technology.
3. Lifelong learning
Libraries support people of all ages—from early literacy programs for children to skill-building workshops for adults and seniors. They encourage curiosity and continuous education outside of school.
4. Community hubs
Libraries are safe, welcoming spaces for everyone, regardless of background. They host educational, recreational, and cultural events that strengthen social connections.
5. Support for students and job seekers
Libraries offer study spaces as well as test prep and career resources—helping people succeed academically and professionally.
6. Preservation of culture and history
Libraries safeguard local history, archives, and cultural heritage, ensuring that community stories and knowledge are not lost.
7. Trusted information
Libraries provide access to reliable, vetted sources to help people navigate information critically.
In short, libraries are not just about books—they are equalizers, educators, innovators, and connectors that adapt to society’s needs while remaining free and open to all.
At the beginning of the project, the Building Committee, in collaboration with the OPM and architect, explored both options of renovation/expansion and new construction. After discussions with Town officials, the Committee concluded that a renovation/expansion project was the best option for the Town. Consequently, the architect will be focusing on creating drawings and plans for an expansion of the current library building into a portion of the former Maquan School property.
It’s important to note that the Library’s grant will not cover any costs that are not directly related to library services. Any costs associated with Senior Center space will not be eligible. At this time, the Committee is assuming no additional expansion of the Senior Center.
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