Foxborough, MA – Key leaders and representatives of Foxborough gathered in November to celebrate the rededication and official opening of Boyden Library. With a renovation and expansion designed by LLB Architects of Pawtucket, RI, the library resides just off the historic Foxborough Common.
In recent years, the mid-century structure, located on 0.87 acres, began to outgrow itself – signs that pointed to a necessary expansion and reconfiguration of its previous design.
“This is the day that makes it all worthwhile,” said lead Architect Drayton Fair of LLB Architects (formerly Lerner Ladds Bartels).
The library was originally built in 1967 by the architecture firm Kilham Hopkins Greeley and Brodie. The existing library held 95,000 items in 20,833sf, which left limited space for the library’s growing collection.
Renovations included, replacement of mechanical systems, roofing, windows, elevator, addressing all handicap accessibility issues, removal of all asbestos, underground parking, and a reorganization of the collections to make them more efficient and accessible to patrons.
In keeping with the original form, the new addition remained in concrete, glass, and monolithic limestone. The horizontal and vertical geometry of structural components and windows also remained intact as a complement to the original design. The additional 13, 800sf provides increased space for Boyden Library and its expanding collection of literary and media resources. More than 30 computers have been added for public use and an improved meeting room provides space for Foxborough community groups and organizations. The top floor is home to an inviting and sun-filled children’s department – that is now double the size of its previous square footage – and equipped with cozy furniture and colorful shelf paneling that change with images of the New England season.
