Fitchburg Public Library, Fitchburg, Massachusetts
While enjoying libraries in North Central Massachusetts, we saw a lot of variation. From the modern one in Gardner, to the fantastic library in Westminster, to finally, the temporary Fitchburg Public Library. Despite it only being temporary, it’s still a full-service library. That isn’t always the case when libraries are under construction.
The Fitchburg Public Library serves a diverse community of more than 42,000 people. It’s currently located in an industrial building not far from where the permanent library will be opened (hopefully by October). They have been in this current space since 2024 and have seemingly adapted quite well. During our visit, this library was hopping!
We shan’t do our usual gushing about the architecture or interior design because there’s not really much to say. It feels like a warehouse. The upside to this kind of space is its flexibility - and the fact that there’s plenty of free parking.
We hoped to visit with Deb, the library’s director, but we learned she was not in that day ☹️. All of the staff we spoke to were approachable, helpful, and friendly. They told us about the time in this space: that while all the sections were represented, about half of the collection is in storage.
Walking through the library, we saw plenty of public computers, TWO microfilm readers, dedicated spaces for adults, kids, and teens, programming spaces, etc. In short, everything you’d expect to find at a well-organized library. The other thing we couldn’t help but notice was the avalanche of owls. It seemed like everywhere we turned, bam, there was another owl.
Owls are a common motif at public libraries. Why? Well, owls are the official bird pal of the Goddess Athena. You may recall that she is the goddess of knowledge and wisdom. Our word Antheneum is rooted in her name. Fitchburg has incorporated the owl into its logo and has sprinkled them, like a spice, throughout the library. We can’t wait to see how it is reflected in the new building!
Although this might be a temporary location, it’s frankly nicer than some established libraries we’ve visited. We could judge by the number of people we saw, the fact that the programming room was in use and crowded, the flow of people in the various sections, and the tone and interactions of staff and patrons, that this is a good library serving its community.
We’re looking forward to the new library opening in the fall. It’s going to be amazing!