Finegold Alexander Architects celebrates at beam signing ceremony for J.V. Fletcher Library project

Westford, MA Boston-based Finegold Alexander Architects reached a major milestone on January 23 celebrating the beam signing for the renovation and expansion of the J.V. Fletcher Library project. The ceremony symbolizing the structural steel framing rising included speeches from state representative James Arciero, library trustee Debbie Teal, building committee vice chair Scott Hazelton, Noelle Donovan, Westford selectboard member, Mary Anne Seraphin and Mary Cacciatore, Friends of the Library, and library director Ellen Rainville. 

“Today is a wonderful milestone,” said Rainville. “The steel beam really does represent the building coming together and it also represents a two-decade journey toward what’s really been a dedicated vision from a number of people in town. And it has also brought us a beautiful design.”

Originally opened in 1895, the town hired Finegold Alexander Architects to renovate the J.V. Fletcher Library to meet the needs of today’s community while preserving the library’s historic character. The new addition to the rear of the building encompasses three stories while the renovation addresses system updates, programmatic changes, access and ADA compliance linking to the new addition. The design incorporates the creation of new landscape, improved vehicular movement and parking plans. 

The project also integrates green building practices aligned with the Westford Climate Roadmap, including energy-efficient systems, low-emission materials, and a design that maximizes natural light.

“The expansion isn’t just about more space, it’s about investing in our community’s future,” said Donovan. “I’m excited for the future generations of our town to find a place where they can open up their imaginations and their mind and they can go into a book and be transported anywhere in the world.” 

The JV Fletcher Library renovation and expansion project is expected to be completed by end of 2026. 

Finegold Alexander has a longstanding history of creating award-winning designs for new, renovated, and historic libraries across Massachusetts, having designed more than 30 libraries over 55 years. Finegold Alexander completed the public libraries for the cities of Holyoke and Stoughton, MA, and the Jones Library addition and renovation in Amherst, MA is also under construction.