Resource Guides: MPLCP Library Building Programs: Background

Library Space Planning Guide

Library Space: A Planning Resource For Librarians
This resource, developed by the MBLC in partnership with Sasaki, was released in 2020. It creates a formal set of best practices for designing library space that may be applied to libraries across the nation. The guide empowers librarians, administrators, space planners, and architects with tools for the planning and design of public library buildings. It takes the user through the step by step process of determining what to consider when designing a new library for their community, and includes illustrations of different room types, adjacencies, shelving, and seating that can be considered for a building project. A 4-page Pandemic Addendum is also available for download.

Patience says:

Done by a librarian in consultation with the library staff and the trustees, the library building program is a powerful planning document. It is the distillation of all that has been learned through community surveys, the library's planning process, the experience of the staff throughout their careers and the insights of the trustees. It defines the developing vision of what the library ought to be or might become, both in terms of public services and as a public facility.

Massachusetts Library Construction video

This video, produced in 2014, is a little outdated but still has great information and is inspirational.

The Basics

The Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program (MPLCP) provides financial and technical assistance to municipalities for planning, design, improvement and expansion of their public library facilities. State regulations 605 CMR 6.00 govern the program. The MPLCP has been continuously funded through state bond authorizations since 1987.

Established in 1890, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) is a state agency that supports, improves and promotes library services throughout the Commonwealth.

For information about the full range of Board activities, please see their website at https://mblc.state.ma.us.

Contact Us

Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program

Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
90 Canal Street, Suite 500
Boston, Massachusetts 02114
617-725-1860
800-952-7403 (in MA)
617-725-0140 (fax)

Need more information or help along the way?

Heather Backman, Library Building Specialist
617-725-1860, x245
857-283-5668 (Mobile)
heather.backman@mass.gov

Andrea Bono-Bunker, Library Building Consultant
617-725-1860, x246
857-488-6264 (Mobile)
andrea.bunker@mass.gov