West Branch Library Renovation Groundbreaking

The historic West Branch of the Somerville Public Library is located at 40 College Avenue in Somerville, Massachusetts. The Library is in close proximity to the MBTA’s Davis Square T stop as well as many cafes, restaurants, theaters, clothing shops, office space, and Tufts University.  The area hosts a widely diverse and growing population with a variety of services and needs. 

The West Branch Library building is more than one-hundred years old, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is classified as a Carnegie Library. The Somerville Public Libraries were constructed with the assistance of funds from Andrew Carnegie. The West Branch, completed in 1909, was designed by Maclean and Wright. It is a fine example of the Neoclassical architecture of the early 20th century and a civic landmark in the Davis Square area. Constructed of limestone and buff brick, the richly detailed cornice, entry gable with acroteria, corner quoins, and lamps flanking the entrance underscore the high social purpose of the library.

In its current condition, the West Branch Library is unable to meet the needs and expectations of the community and staff. The staff and patrons face daily challenges given the age of the building, ongoing maintenance issues, and lack of overall mobility in the space. Due to the various challenges, the Library is facing, the following goals and improvements to the property have been identified, below. These goals and improvements outlined below were developed over the course of the past several years, via meetings with numerous stakeholders within the community, including library staff, Trustees and Friends, members of the community, the Historic Preservation Commission, elected officials, and City administration.

Learn more at www.somervillema.gov/WestBranchLibrary