Updated:The ribbon cutting ceremony at the Somerville Public Library West Branch planned for Monday, July 12, has been postponed. A new date will be announced as soon as possible. The Central and East branches will open for in-person visits July 12, and the West will continue to offer curbside services until further notice. We look forward to celebrating with you soon!

Built in 1909, the West Branch Library is a historic landmark, an architectural exemplar, and a local civic and cultural institution that has served the Somerville community for more than a century. Constructed with funds provided by Andrew Carnegie, the library is one of approximately 2,500 Carnegie libraries worldwide and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places; however, the building was in dire need of repairs, accessibility improvements, and updated facilities to make it a responsive and inviting space for all. 

Partially funded through Community Preservation Act funds, the restored and expanded West Branch is a fully accessible building that preserves the library’s historic character while offering new amenities to enhance library programs and services. A new addition built on the north and east side of the original building provides a universally accessible entrance, an elevator, restrooms, and seating with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open directly to a beautifully landscaped multi-purpose space. All-new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems were also installed, and exterior landscaping was updated to maximize green and open space onsite. 

The renovated portion of the building now features a multi-purpose community room and conference space on the lower level, plus new browsing and circulation areas on the first floor. The children’s area, formerly in the basement, now occupies the upper level, with child-sized reading nooks, activity areas, and a restored skylight overhead. The entire exterior of the original building was restored, as were the front entry and staircase, all windows, and architectural details like stone masonry and ornamental woodwork. 

The reopening of the West Branch coincides with the reopening of all Somerville Library locations. While visits, browsing, and transactions will be restored within the buildings starting July 12, library programs will continue to be held either outside or virtually until further notice. Public access to library meeting, conference, and programming spaces is also limited until further notice. For more information, please contact the library directly at 617-623-5000 or visit somervillepubliclibrary.org.