They Modernized a 150-Year-Old New England Library (And It Worked!)

Many people thought a renovation would ruin this architectural treasure of New England. Honestly, I had the same fear. Woburn Public Library has been admired for nearly 150 years. Could anyone actually modernize this 19th century masterpiece without losing its character? After the library reopened and seen in person, now I think they actually found the perfect balance. Today, we're in Woburn, Massachusetts to see what exactly they were trying to do. Hello my friends, I'm Cathy. Welcome to Library Hunter. Last time, we explored the beautiful Thomas Crane Library in Quincy, Massachusetts. Today, we're visiting another remarkable library designed by the same architect, Henry Hobson Richardson, one of the most influential architects of 19th century America. Located just 10 miles north of Boston, Woburn is a quiet city in New England with a history dating back to 1640. During the late 19th century, Woburn was a thriving industrial city, and its residents invested some of that prosperity into building a library that still impresses visitors almost 150 years later. Here at the Woburn Public Library, we get to explore this national historic landmark and see how it expanded perfectly for a new generation. Rather than adding a separate building outside of the original building, the expansion project placed the two eras right next to each other, only separated by a wall. I think that's really a beautiful joining of the old and the new. So it feels so seamless stepping between the old and new eras. One moment you're surrounded by heavy stone, dark wood, and 19th century craftsmanship, and the next you're stepping into a bright contemporary space designed for all your modern library needs. Local residents of Woburn, if you're watching this, I have to say, you are so lucky to have such a beautiful library. The Woburn Public Library, originally founded in 1856, moved to its current location in 1879. It was actually the very first library designed by the acclaimed architect H.H. Richardson, and later became a national historic landmark. If you had visited the library before the expansion, you would understand why so many people in the community were so concerned. I mean, that's totally understandable. When an architecture masterpiece has been admired for generations, any major change is bound to make people nervous. There's so much art on display now in a way that allows you to really enjoy it. The interior restoration process repainted the library rooms using the same colors and decorative paint designs that H.H. Richardson originally specified when the building was first built. After the extensive renovation and construction of a new addition, Woburn Public Library reopened in 2019. Apparently, it has been restored to its original grandeur because according to online reviews and what I saw during my visit, local patrons and visitors love it so much. The exterior of this majestic building can now be viewed up close from the new glass-composed courtyard in a way that simply was not possible before. It has a new bright entrance and a new handicap entrance that is easy to use. Inside the new addition, you can find program spaces and they also pay homage to the original building with a soaring atrium. The original display cases are now back in the Ogden Room where they belong and where many historic artifacts are now on display and accessible. There's even a small museum where the local history is put on display in a way that many more people can now enjoy it. If you're visiting, I highly recommend asking for access to the museum. You can see all those historical displays as well as finding the treasures hidden throughout the building. Places like Woburn are one of the reasons I enjoy exploring libraries. You never know when an ordinary-looking New England town might be hiding a library that's so remarkable like this. I hope you enjoy this video with me. See you in the next library. Bye!