In the spring of 2017, library administration and trustees announced a space study and design project, “Reimagining Our Libraries,” with the goal of creating a vision for the future. A working group was assembled of trustees, representatives from library support groups (the Arlington Libraries Foundation, the Friends of the Robbins Library, the Friends of Fox Library), library staff, and Facilities Department staff. Hundreds of residents contributed ideas at two public meetings and through an online survey, and the culmination of this process was a proposal to renovate the Robbins Library and rebuild the Fox Branch Library.
At the Robbins Library, the proposed renovations will provide much needed programmatic changes along with an addition to the rear of the building that includes a lounge on the upper level and ramp accessibly to the community room on the lower level.
At the Fox Branch Library, the proposed new building includes a renovated main level to accommodate dedicated spaces for children, teens and adults, and elevator access to the lower level outfitted with additional new meeting and community rooms.
The libraries share an incredible history and pride of place in the Commonwealth, in the Minuteman Library Network, and within Arlington. We rank among the top ten statewide teen print circulation. Arlington residents expect a high level of service from the Town, from great schools to efficient public works and thoughtful community planning. The libraries are a key part of the social infrastructure that make Arlington such an attractive place to live and work, and these two projects will improve the experience for current library users and future generations.
