Thanks to our generous donors, through our Writing the Next Chapter Capital Campaign, we were able to raise over $4.2 million for renovations to the Worcester Public Library’s Main Branch. We hope you will visit us soon to experience the updates for yourself.

As you walk through the new Franklin Street front door, you will discover a bright, wide open learning commons area, flanked by new study and quiet reading rooms., a new Digital Studio and updated Computer Lab. Proceed down the main hallway past the updated New Americans Corner, Audiovisual Room, the Fletcher Family Innovation Center, the Hanover Teen Space, a new Friends Bookstore, and updated Talking Books space.

The stairwell to our new Arthur M. and Arthur R. Pappas Children’s Center features an amazing brightly painted mural by Ryan Gardell of Artifakt Studios. The new Children’s Center, which honors two philanthropic leaders in the Worcester community, is a state of the art space that features updated technology, interactive walls and flooring, Worcester-themed elements, and several unique learning experiences for children of all ages. See below for more details and pictures of our new spaces.

We would like to thank our Campaign Steering Committee for their support throughout the campaign: City Manager Edward M. Augustus Jr., Warner S. Fletcher, Paul Belsito, Sherri Pitcher, Dr. Robert Sorrenti, Stephanie Pasha, Tina Sullivan, Sarah Sanders, Patty Eppinger, Anne Lang, Timothy Loew, Jeff Burk, Gail Randall, Vaughn Calhoun and Dr. Richard E. Greene

Fletcher Family Innovation Center

The Fletcher Family Innovation Center is a creative flexible space where patrons of all ages can come explore and learn different STEAM skills. Thanks to the support from MassDevelopment, this makerspace offers hands-on learning approach to using sewing machines, screen printing, virtual reality for gaming or entertainment, DIY crafts and vinyl cutting, among other STEAM activities. There’s even a 3D printer!

Hanover Teen Space

The new Hanover Teen Space offers a safe and enclosed area where teens can be teens! Whether they want to relax and read a book in the comfortable new swivel chairs, socialize with friends, do homework from a borrowed laptop from the new laptop vending machine, or participate in a popular teen-themed program, this new updated space is a welcoming environment for patrons aged 12-17. And, as teens constitute 13% of library card holders at WPL, these teens need a place of their own where they can feel welcomed, feel valued and can thrive!

Arthur M. and Martha R. Pappas Children’s Center

The new Arthur M. and Martha R. Pappas Children’s Center fosters independence as well as group engagement with a variety of spaces and activities for children of all ages. The move to the third floor provides a more secure location, with its own restroom facilities and controlled points of entry. This amazing space will inspire generations of children in and around Worcester for years to come! The Pappas Children’s Center was made possible thanks to a generous donation from the Arthur M. and Martha R. Pappas Foundation, the City of Worcester, and our many supporters.