Libraries

As the services provided by public libraries continue to shift and expand, our team has evolved, renovating historic buildings and designing libraries that implement new technologies and help create modern, multi-functional and thriving community centers.

SPRINGFIELD Central LIBRARY
SPRINGFIELD, MA

The Springfield Preservation Trust recognized the Restoration and Renovation project on the Springfield Central Library with a 2020 Preservation Award. CBA is proud to have played a part in preserving Springfield’s unique architectural heritage.

CBA led a major renovation at the Springfield Central Library, making the landmark facility more accessible and welcoming for its 400,000+ yearly visitors. The library, constructed in 1912, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and continues to serve as one of the city’s most historically and culturally significant buildings.

Molded plaster fittings take the place of deteriorating and missing terracotta cornices and lion head ornaments and now crown the library. The roof tiles, also terracotta, were removed and individually cleaned or replaced, contributing to a sharp and clean façade, restored to its original intentions. Sweeping infrastructural reconstruction, as well as a new flat roof, and gutter and drainage system allow for a safer and more cost-effective facility.

The entryways and plazas on both sides of the library were significantly improved. The front stairway was torn down — a new infrastructure replaced its crumbling and unsound predecessor — and fully restored in marble and granite. A new, landscaped granite plaza welcomes library patrons to the Quadrangle entrance, where a new granite stairway and handicap ramp provide greatly-improved accessibility. New light fixtures and railings enhance the feeling of entering a safe and welcoming library, while the expanded and inviting new plazas provide comfortable outdoor spaces for quiet time or socializing. 

WEST SPRINGFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY
WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA

A renovation and expansion of the historic century-old Carnegie Library, the project included plaster repair, effective laylight in place of the original skylight, new standing seam roof and a revisioned front entry that reflects the classic style of the building.  

After demolition of the two existing additions to the original library, a two-story addition was built, housing most of the new library and library services.  A striking lobby with high ceilings joins the Carnegie Room to the new addition, housing the children’s room and young adult room, a 150-seat community meeting room, computer lab, local history room, and a variety of reading nooks and spots for quiet study. The library now features large arrays of heat-rejecting glass, infusing the space with natural light. 

Designed to meet LEED standards, the historic building has been awarded LEED Silver certification. 

Lilly LIBRARY
Florence, MA

Renovation of the existing 4,180 square foot library and construction of a 5,324 square foot addition designed to compliment the historic integrity of the original structure, built in 1890. In addition to bringing the library into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Lilly Library now includes an enlarged Children’s Room, a public meeting facility, and more accessible space for the growing volume of materials and technologies available for public use.

Additional parking, utility upgrades and landscaping were designed to accommodate the expanded facility.

Springfield Central LIBRARY
Springfield, MA

The CBA team carried out interior and exterior renovations at the historic Springfield Central Library. Expanding library services within the existing structure contributed to more open and accessible space for visitors to browse and access comfortable spaces for reading and research.

Extensive historic restoration and renovation in the main rotunda room and surrounding spaces restored details in the building to their classic and dynamic original look.

Upgrades to the building’s plumbing, HVAC, fire protection and electrical systems created a safe and efficient library infrastructure.

YOUNG MEN’S LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
WARE, MA

One of the Commonwealth’s first free libraries, the Young Men’s Library Association has been in existence since 1872. The library’s design represents a combination of Ruskinian Gothic and Old English styles of architecture. Its red brick exterior is trimmed with imported and local stone. CBA Associates performed a Feasibility Study for renovations, improvements and expansion of the existing 7,510 sq. ft. three-level library and an adjacent 6,353 sq. ft. church to create a single, accessible library facility of 18,000 sq. ft. in the town center.

INDIAN ORCHARD BRANCH LIBRARY
SPRINGFIELD, MA

Built by local craftsmen in the Classical Revival Style and opened in 1909, the Indian Orchard Branch was the first fully-staffed suburban branch library in Springfield and has long served as a vital community center. CBA provided a historic renovation of the original 6,800 sq. ft. Andrew Carnegie library building and designed and built a congruous 3,500 sq. ft. addition, while completely upgrading the infrastructure and making the library fully ADA-compliant.

The project was designed and constructed in compliance with the Grant Eligibility Guidelines of the Massachusetts Historic Commission.