February Newsletter
Each month, we'll provide library updates, program information, and highlight new materials and services.

Happy February, Montague!
We have two very exciting pieces of news to share with you:
First, Montague was one of seven libraries in the Commonwealth to receive immediate funding and inclusion in the state’s public library construction program. This means that we’ll have the opportunity to pursue one of the following construction options: build an addition onto the Carnegie Library, build a completely new library on 38 Avenue A, or pick up the Carnegie Library, move it to 38 Avenue A, and then build an addition onto it there.
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A new or improved library space would be fully accessible and include:
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A large community room for programs that community groups can book
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A children's room with space for play and collections for children of all ages
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A children's program room for early literacy programming and activities
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A separate teen area
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Quiet study rooms for solo or small group work
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A reading room
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A local history room that can also serve as a meeting or program space.
Over the next year, the Library Building Steering Committee and I will hire an architect, host several public design meetings, and finalize which of the three building options would best suit the community. We’ll send a design to the state for approval in December 2025 and, once approved, town meeting members will vote on a ballot measure in May of 2026. Should the measure pass, then residents will have the opportunity to vote for or against the project in early summer 2026.
Want to help support the building project? Please consider joining the Friends of the Montague Public Libraries! The Friends meet on the second Monday of each month at the Carnegie Library at 5:30 p.m..
Our second exciting bit of news is that, after being used as an office for almost a decade, the Local History Room at the Carnegie Library will re-open to the public this month! We’re still working out guidance for collection use but look forward to welcoming local historians and researchers soon! Once our new website is up and running, this space will also be bookable by community groups.
All the best!
Caitlin
MONTAGUE PUBLIC LIBRARIES FEBRUARY 2025 HAPPENINGS
All month: Grab & Go Craft Bags. Heart Buddy. At all branches while supplies last.
Every Tuesday: Imagination Station. Drop-in craft for ages 6 to 12. Millers Falls, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, February 4: Join members of the Millers Falls Community Improvement Association for Valentine card making! All ages welcome. Materials provided.
Every Wednesday: LEGO. Carnegie, 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 5: Knitting Club. All ages. Montague Center, 4:30 p.m.
Every Thursday: Bilingual Music & Movement with Tom & Laurie. Montague Center, 10 to 11 a.m.
Every Saturday: Drop-in Community Puzzle. All ages. Carnegie 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. .
Saturday, February 1: Used Book Sale. Fiction, paperbacks, kids’ books, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks. Carnegie, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Saturday, February 1: Valentine Card-Making. For children and their caregivers. Carnegie Library, Drop-In 1 to 4 p.m.
Monday, February 10: Friends of MPL Meeting. Email kristopherlangston@gmail.com. Carnegie, 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, February 12: Needle-Felted Hearts. Registration required. Please email kmartineau@cwmars.org. Adults and ages 12+ Two sessions: 4:30-5:30 p.m. and 5:45-6:45 p.m. Montague Center.
Thursday, February 13: Book Club. We will discuss Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder. Millers Falls, 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, February 18: Meet and Greet with Montague Villages. Millers Falls, 3 to 4 p.m.
Saturday, February 22: Local Children’s Author Reading. Astrid Sheckels will read Hector Fox and the Map of Mystery. Scavenger Hunt to follow. All ages. Discovery Center, 3 to 4 p.m.
Monday, February 24: Craft Club. All ages. Montague Center, 4 p.m.
Friday, February 28: Meet and Greet with Montague Villages. Montague Center, 10 to 11 a.m.
Thursday, February 27: Book Club. We will discuss Beautyland by Marie-Helene Bertino. Montague Center, 7 p.m.
The Montague Public Libraries will be closed on Monday, February 17 for Presidents’ Day.
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Posted: to Monthly Newsletter on Thu, Jan 30, 2025
Updated: Thu, Jan 30, 2025