Library News

July 2025 Newsletter

Happy July, Montague!

I’m very excited to announce that the Library Building Steering Committee has finalized a contract with architectural firm Schwarz/Silver. Our Principal in Charge for the project, Angela Ward Hyatt, has decades of experience working on library projects and in 2023 was awarded an American Institute of Architects fellowship, an honor awarded to architects who have made significant contributions to the profession, for her library work.

During their interview, Angela and her team emphasized that none of their library projects look alike because they are committed to designing buildings based on the needs, wants, and architectural context of the different communities they’re building for. You can find examples of their library work here.

Over the next month, Angela and her team will review the Carnegie Library, its grounds, and adjacent properties as well as 38 Avenue A. Working with an estimator, they will then develop designs and estimate the costs of both building an addition onto the Carnegie Library and constructing a new library up the road.

Back at the libraries, we’ve hit the ground running to celebrate summer reading. If you haven’t had a chance to grab a reading packet for your child or teen, you can do so at any Montague Public Libraries location. This month we’ll be celebrating the theme “Dog Days of Summer” with several animal programs. Check out our calendar for events involving turtles, pups, whales, and wildlife of all kinds.

We’re also launching a new technology series, Library Learning Lab, which will help patrons learn how to use and explore the libraries’ digital offerings. This month’s programs will focus on using the Libby app to listen to e-audiobooks and read e-books on your tablet or phone. Sessions will be held in the Carnegie’s Local History Room.

 

Happy reading!

Caitlin