Big News about the Renovation Project!
During the annual friends meeting on April 9, 2015, City Councilor Tim McCarthy announced that Mayor Walsh has included $6.7 million for Roslindale Branch renovations in his proposed capital budget. The amount in the budget is based on Option C from the programming study already done, which is the most extensive renovation. The city council would need to approve this budget before July 1, 2015. Once approved, construction could start sometime during or after 2017 and it could take 18 months to complete.
Councilor McCarthy has been an advocate for the renovation project since he was elected last year. He said during the meeting that parks and the library were his top priorities. Adams Park completed renovations last year, while the reconstruction process just begun in Healy Field.
Roslindale is family-oriented and very diverse,” said McCarthy after the meeting. “Roslindale is a walking district, and the Library can be the epicenter.”
Once the city council approves the budget, BPL president Amy Ryan will again review the design plans with the architects and begin planning the best strategy for making a renovated library better for all users with the support of the Friends of the Roslindale Library and other Roslindale residents. Ryan said she is very interested in adding more computers and making more digitized materials available to all users.
“We are excited about the $6.7 million in the Mayor’s proposed budget targeted towards renovations of the Roslindale Branch Library,” said Friends president Sarah Singer. “This is recognition of the valuable role that the branch plays in the lives of Roslindale residents. The renovation will ensure our branch is user-friendly, welcoming and accessible to all. This couldn’t have happened without the strong advocacy of our past president Laura Gang, the FORL renovation committee and our City Councilor, Tim McCarthy. We look forward to working with BPL president Amy Ryan, Tim McCarthy and the Roslindale community on the next steps in the process.”
Thanks to everyone who supported our efforts through our petition and other advocacy!
To learn more about the proposed design plans, read the programming study here.
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