Building Literacy: Public Library Construction Wed, 04 Mar 2026 21:42:49 -0500 https://www.buzzsprout.com/995062 en-us © 2026 Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners yes f0afb3f0-dd6c-50d8-819c-e08decd96ce7 Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Construction Team episodic false Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Construction Team https://storage.buzzsprout.com/mif5u1tuzrr1ygy20p6b77jktl6f?.jpg Building Literacy: Public Library Construction Transformational Impact 7: Final Thoughts Transformational Impact 7: Final Thoughts In this seventh and last episode of the transformational impact series, we ask our panel of dedicated library administrators from across the Commonwealth, who represent urban, suburban, and rural libraries, to share any final thoughts about their experiences, leading to a short discussion about the elevation of the perception of the library and the cycle many libraries find themselves in prior to a building project. 



]]> In this seventh and last episode of the transformational impact series, we ask our panel of dedicated library administrators from across the Commonwealth, who represent urban, suburban, and rural libraries, to share any final thoughts about their experiences, leading to a short discussion about the elevation of the perception of the library and the cycle many libraries find themselves in prior to a building project. 



]]> Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Construction Team Buzzsprout-14147460 Thu, 14 Dec 2023 10:00:00 -0500 306 6 9 full false Transformational Impact 6: Community Response Transformational Impact 6: Community Response This sixth installment of seven bite-sized episodes on the transformational impact of new libraries focuses on the community’s response to the new building. While we may think it is about voicing awe at the architectural details and the aesthetic beauty, the loudest response is in the use. Our panel of dedicated library administrators from across the Commonwealth, who represent urban, suburban, and rural libraries share what they have noticed and heard the most since opening their doors.

]]> This sixth installment of seven bite-sized episodes on the transformational impact of new libraries focuses on the community’s response to the new building. While we may think it is about voicing awe at the architectural details and the aesthetic beauty, the loudest response is in the use. Our panel of dedicated library administrators from across the Commonwealth, who represent urban, suburban, and rural libraries share what they have noticed and heard the most since opening their doors.

]]> Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Construction Team Buzzsprout-14129637 Mon, 11 Dec 2023 18:00:00 -0500 874 6 8 full false Transformational Impact 5: Sustainability and Resilience Transformational Impact 5: Sustainability and Resilience The fifth of seven bite-sized episodes that capture the transformational impact of six new libraries, this episode focuses on sustainability and resilience measures. Hear library administrators from across the Commonwealth, who represent urban, suburban, and rural libraries discuss thermal comfort, healthy air, better energy bills or lack thereof, and the library serving as a teaching tool within their community. 





]]> The fifth of seven bite-sized episodes that capture the transformational impact of six new libraries, this episode focuses on sustainability and resilience measures. Hear library administrators from across the Commonwealth, who represent urban, suburban, and rural libraries discuss thermal comfort, healthy air, better energy bills or lack thereof, and the library serving as a teaching tool within their community. 





]]> Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Construction Team Buzzsprout-14086329 Mon, 04 Dec 2023 13:00:00 -0500 1063 6 7 full false Transformational Impact 4: Flexibility Transformational Impact 4: Flexibility The fourth in a series on transformational impact, this episode focuses on how flexibility of spaces has allowed the six new libraries to adapt to changing needs or circumstances. Hear library administrators from urban, suburban, and rural libraries discuss how they can reconfigure their library, utilize spaces in various ways, and be able to say yes to services and programming. 

]]> The fourth in a series on transformational impact, this episode focuses on how flexibility of spaces has allowed the six new libraries to adapt to changing needs or circumstances. Hear library administrators from urban, suburban, and rural libraries discuss how they can reconfigure their library, utilize spaces in various ways, and be able to say yes to services and programming. 

]]> Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Construction Team Buzzsprout-14044254 Mon, 27 Nov 2023 16:00:00 -0500 936 6 6 full false Transformational Impact 3: Changemaker Transformational Impact 3: Changemaker In this third episode in the seven-part series on the transformational impact of six new libraries throughout the Commonwealth, our panel of library administrators shares how the new facility has changed their communities, attitudes about the library, and the services they offer. 

]]> In this third episode in the seven-part series on the transformational impact of six new libraries throughout the Commonwealth, our panel of library administrators shares how the new facility has changed their communities, attitudes about the library, and the services they offer. 

]]> Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Construction Team Buzzsprout-14004375 Mon, 20 Nov 2023 11:00:00 -0500 862 6 5 full false Transformational Impact 2: New Visitors and Increased Statistics Transformational Impact 2: New Visitors and Increased Statistics In the second episode in the Transformational Impact series, the directors and assistant directors of six new libraries across the Commonwealth share stories of community members discovering or rediscovering their new library. Learn what has brought them into the library and how this has impacted visitor, circulation, and room reservation statistics.

]]> In the second episode in the Transformational Impact series, the directors and assistant directors of six new libraries across the Commonwealth share stories of community members discovering or rediscovering their new library. Learn what has brought them into the library and how this has impacted visitor, circulation, and room reservation statistics.

]]> Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Construction Team Buzzsprout-13984031 Thu, 16 Nov 2023 08:00:00 -0500 1151 6 4 full false Transformational Impact 1: One Story Transformational Impact 1: One Story From our daily work, we know that newly renovated, expanded, and constructed libraries are transformational for individuals, families,  community groups and the staff that serve them. It is time to celebrate the results of so many people working long hours, overcoming adversity, and investing millions of dollars all for a public good. Welcome to the first in a seven-part series of bite-sized episodes that capture the impact six new libraries have had in their communities via the words of their directors and assistant directors. This episode focuses on one story- one story of hope, one story of connection, one story of growth, one story of an about-face, and more.  

]]> From our daily work, we know that newly renovated, expanded, and constructed libraries are transformational for individuals, families,  community groups and the staff that serve them. It is time to celebrate the results of so many people working long hours, overcoming adversity, and investing millions of dollars all for a public good. Welcome to the first in a seven-part series of bite-sized episodes that capture the impact six new libraries have had in their communities via the words of their directors and assistant directors. This episode focuses on one story- one story of hope, one story of connection, one story of growth, one story of an about-face, and more.  

]]> Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Construction Team Buzzsprout-13971730 Tue, 14 Nov 2023 14:00:00 -0500 645 6 3 full false Curating Services in Intentional Spaces at New Canaan Library Curating Services in Intentional Spaces at New Canaan Library We are joined by Lisa Oldham, the President and CEO of New Canaan Library, and Miki Porta, the Environmental Social Governance (ESG) Coordinator for the New Canaan Library for this second episode of a two-part series focusing on their new library, which opened in February 2023. We discuss the impact of their decisions for both the building and the library’s service model as it relates to the community they serve. We will hear about everything from unexpected connections to a learning framework meant to enhance each part of the library experience for all ages.



]]> We are joined by Lisa Oldham, the President and CEO of New Canaan Library, and Miki Porta, the Environmental Social Governance (ESG) Coordinator for the New Canaan Library for this second episode of a two-part series focusing on their new library, which opened in February 2023. We discuss the impact of their decisions for both the building and the library’s service model as it relates to the community they serve. We will hear about everything from unexpected connections to a learning framework meant to enhance each part of the library experience for all ages.



]]> Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Construction Team Buzzsprout-13710778 Tue, 03 Oct 2023 16:00:00 -0400 3887 6 2 full false Holistic Sustainability in the New Canaan Library Project Holistic Sustainability in the New Canaan Library Project In this first episode of a two-part series, Lisa Oldham, the President and CEO of New Canaan Library, and Miki Porta, the Environmental Social Governance (ESG) Coordinator for the New Canaan Library, discuss the design and construction process for their new library, which opened in February 2023. From fundraising 75% of the total project cost to participating as a pilot with Grace Farms’ Design for Freedom initiative, their project involved some rare and unique circumstances and elements. Learn more about the intentional decisions made to foster a holistic approach to sustainability and the impact of the built environment on people. For photos of the library, visit the ALA Library Design Showcase, for which New Canaan Library was selected as an exemplary climate-conscious project.



]]> In this first episode of a two-part series, Lisa Oldham, the President and CEO of New Canaan Library, and Miki Porta, the Environmental Social Governance (ESG) Coordinator for the New Canaan Library, discuss the design and construction process for their new library, which opened in February 2023. From fundraising 75% of the total project cost to participating as a pilot with Grace Farms’ Design for Freedom initiative, their project involved some rare and unique circumstances and elements. Learn more about the intentional decisions made to foster a holistic approach to sustainability and the impact of the built environment on people. For photos of the library, visit the ALA Library Design Showcase, for which New Canaan Library was selected as an exemplary climate-conscious project.



]]> Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Construction Team Buzzsprout-13709682 Tue, 03 Oct 2023 14:00:00 -0400 3596 6 1 full false Goals for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: A Conversation with Meghan Costa from the SDO Goals for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: A Conversation with Meghan Costa from the SDO On this very Massachusetts-focused episode, learn more about the Supplier Diversity Office's (SDO) Municipal Construction Affirmative Marketing Program (MCAMP) from our guest, Meghan Costa. Any State-assisted vertical construction project above $150,000 must comply with project-specific goals for participation of women-owned business enterprises (WBEs) and minority-owned business enterprises (MBEs). We discuss how goals are set, what compliance entails, and the resources available for OPMs, municipalities, contractors, and small businesses seeking certification.

Resources:
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/supplier-diversity-office-sdo    SDO Homepage

https://www.mass.gov/forms/take-the-certification-self-assessment SDO certification self-assessment

https://www.mass.gov/resource/resources-for-diverse-and-small-businesses Resources for Diverse and Small businesses

]]> On this very Massachusetts-focused episode, learn more about the Supplier Diversity Office's (SDO) Municipal Construction Affirmative Marketing Program (MCAMP) from our guest, Meghan Costa. Any State-assisted vertical construction project above $150,000 must comply with project-specific goals for participation of women-owned business enterprises (WBEs) and minority-owned business enterprises (MBEs). We discuss how goals are set, what compliance entails, and the resources available for OPMs, municipalities, contractors, and small businesses seeking certification.

Resources:
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/supplier-diversity-office-sdo    SDO Homepage

https://www.mass.gov/forms/take-the-certification-self-assessment SDO certification self-assessment

https://www.mass.gov/resource/resources-for-diverse-and-small-businesses Resources for Diverse and Small businesses

]]> Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Construction Team Buzzsprout-11430291 Mon, 03 Oct 2022 14:00:00 -0400 1531 5 5 full false The Role of the OPM: A Conversation with John Sayre-Scibona of Design Technique The Role of the OPM: A Conversation with John Sayre-Scibona of Design Technique This episode focuses on a very special role: part therapist, part mediator, part wrangler of budget and schedule. It is none other than the role of the Owners' Project Manager. This is a required role on any public project in Massachusetts that is worth over $1.5 million. We were lucky enough to sit down on zoom with John Sayre-Scibona of Design Technique, before he starts a new chapter as a gentleman of leisure and closes the doors to his boutique OPM firm, to discuss the role and responsibilities of an OPM on public library building projects.

]]> This episode focuses on a very special role: part therapist, part mediator, part wrangler of budget and schedule. It is none other than the role of the Owners' Project Manager. This is a required role on any public project in Massachusetts that is worth over $1.5 million. We were lucky enough to sit down on zoom with John Sayre-Scibona of Design Technique, before he starts a new chapter as a gentleman of leisure and closes the doors to his boutique OPM firm, to discuss the role and responsibilities of an OPM on public library building projects.

]]> Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Construction Team Buzzsprout-10173660 Wed, 02 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0500 5207 5 4 full false The Library Building Program The Library Building Program Essentially a letter to the architect, the Library Building Program is a document that is the basis of design for any library building project at any scale. It provides context, includes community input, and details the areas and adjacencies that need to be incorporated in any design work, all with a focus on function. Learn the components that comprise this document, and hear from not only the MBLC's library building specialists but also from library directors who have been through the process as they share how they have used their Library Building Programs throughout their building projects. 

Resources:

Library Building Program Lib Guide
https://guides.mblc.state.ma.us/c.php?g=43537&p=276303

Library Space: A Planning Resource for Librarians
https://mblc.state.ma.us/programs-and-support/construction/libraryspace.php

Building Blocks for Planning Functional Library Space
https://rowman.com/ISBN/9780810841369/Building-Blocks-for-Planning-Functional-Library-Space

The Practical Handbook of Library Architecture
https://www.alastore.ala.org/content/practical-handbook-library-architecture-creating-building-spaces-work


]]> Essentially a letter to the architect, the Library Building Program is a document that is the basis of design for any library building project at any scale. It provides context, includes community input, and details the areas and adjacencies that need to be incorporated in any design work, all with a focus on function. Learn the components that comprise this document, and hear from not only the MBLC's library building specialists but also from library directors who have been through the process as they share how they have used their Library Building Programs throughout their building projects. 

Resources:

Library Building Program Lib Guide
https://guides.mblc.state.ma.us/c.php?g=43537&p=276303

Library Space: A Planning Resource for Librarians
https://mblc.state.ma.us/programs-and-support/construction/libraryspace.php

Building Blocks for Planning Functional Library Space
https://rowman.com/ISBN/9780810841369/Building-Blocks-for-Planning-Functional-Library-Space

The Practical Handbook of Library Architecture
https://www.alastore.ala.org/content/practical-handbook-library-architecture-creating-building-spaces-work


]]> Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Construction Team Buzzsprout-9206193 Thu, 16 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0400 5586 5 3 full false Green Communities Grants and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Conversation with Joanne Bissetta and Catie Snyder Green Communities Grants and Energy Efficiency Incentives: A Conversation with Joanne Bissetta and Catie Snyder In our last episode we learned about the broad goals of the Commonwealth’s Climate Act and Executive Order 594’s implications for the State’s portfolio of buildings. In this episode, we dig a little deeper into what resources, incentives, and grants are available to the Commonwealth’s municipalities, and, in turn, libraries, to better position our local governments in meeting our ambitious energy goals outlined in the aforementioned legislation. We are fortunate to have wonderful State colleagues working toward these efforts. We are joined by Joanne Bissetta, the Acting Director of the Green Communities Division, and Catie Snyder, the Deputy Director of the Leading by Example Program, both of whom are affiliated with the Department of Energy Resources.

List of resources: 

Green Communities web site – will link to current and past grant opportunities for reference: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/green-communities-division

Decarbonization Roadmap https://www.mass.gov/info-details/ma-decarbonization-roadmap

Net -Zero new construction webinar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNBNm-AGI9c

MAPC Net Zero info: https://www.mapc.org/net-zero/what-is-net-zero/

MassSave website https://www.masssave.com/en/saving/business-rebates

MAFMA training and tutorials - https://www.mass.gov/service-details/mafma-training-and-tutorials

MassCEC preferred installer lists: 

Air-source heat pumps (https://goclean.masscec.com/installers/)

Ground-source heat pumps (https://www.masscec.com/ground-source-heat-pump-installers)

Solar hot water (https://www.masscec.com/solar-hot-water-installers)

Automated wood heating (https://www.masscec.com/automated-wood-heating-installers)

EJ Communities in Massachusetts - https://www.mass.gov/info-details/environmental-justice-populations-in-massachusetts

PowerOptions program for public entity solar PPAs- https://poweroptions.org/programs/solar/

MassEVIP incentives for public, workplace, and other electric vehicle charging - https://www.mass.gov/doc/matrix-of-massevip-grant-programs/download

Utility make ready programs for electric vehicle charging (Eversource and National Grid) - https://www.mass.gov/info-details/electric-vehicle-charging

]]> In our last episode we learned about the broad goals of the Commonwealth’s Climate Act and Executive Order 594’s implications for the State’s portfolio of buildings. In this episode, we dig a little deeper into what resources, incentives, and grants are available to the Commonwealth’s municipalities, and, in turn, libraries, to better position our local governments in meeting our ambitious energy goals outlined in the aforementioned legislation. We are fortunate to have wonderful State colleagues working toward these efforts. We are joined by Joanne Bissetta, the Acting Director of the Green Communities Division, and Catie Snyder, the Deputy Director of the Leading by Example Program, both of whom are affiliated with the Department of Energy Resources.

List of resources: 

Green Communities web site – will link to current and past grant opportunities for reference: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/green-communities-division

Decarbonization Roadmap https://www.mass.gov/info-details/ma-decarbonization-roadmap

Net -Zero new construction webinar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNBNm-AGI9c

MAPC Net Zero info: https://www.mapc.org/net-zero/what-is-net-zero/

MassSave website https://www.masssave.com/en/saving/business-rebates

MAFMA training and tutorials - https://www.mass.gov/service-details/mafma-training-and-tutorials

MassCEC preferred installer lists: 

Air-source heat pumps (https://goclean.masscec.com/installers/)

Ground-source heat pumps (https://www.masscec.com/ground-source-heat-pump-installers)

Solar hot water (https://www.masscec.com/solar-hot-water-installers)

Automated wood heating (https://www.masscec.com/automated-wood-heating-installers)

EJ Communities in Massachusetts - https://www.mass.gov/info-details/environmental-justice-populations-in-massachusetts

PowerOptions program for public entity solar PPAs- https://poweroptions.org/programs/solar/

MassEVIP incentives for public, workplace, and other electric vehicle charging - https://www.mass.gov/doc/matrix-of-massevip-grant-programs/download

Utility make ready programs for electric vehicle charging (Eversource and National Grid) - https://www.mass.gov/info-details/electric-vehicle-charging

]]> Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Construction Team Buzzsprout-9024751 Fri, 13 Aug 2021 12:00:00 -0400 4129 5 2 full false Construction and Climate Change Legislation: A Conversation with Eric Friedman Construction and Climate Change Legislation: A Conversation with Eric Friedman In this episode, we discuss the Commonwealth’s new Act Creating a Next Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy and Executive Order 594 with Eric Friedman, the Director of the Leading by Example Program, which is a division of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources. From a higher level perspective, we explore what this new legislation means for our municipal libraries and how to reduce carbon emissions and plan for a clean energy future. 

]]> In this episode, we discuss the Commonwealth’s new Act Creating a Next Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy and Executive Order 594 with Eric Friedman, the Director of the Leading by Example Program, which is a division of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources. From a higher level perspective, we explore what this new legislation means for our municipal libraries and how to reduce carbon emissions and plan for a clean energy future. 

]]> Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Construction Team Buzzsprout-8864394 Wed, 14 Jul 2021 14:00:00 -0400 3636 5 1 full false Campaign Finance Law and Advocacy: A Conversation with Jason Tait from OCPF Campaign Finance Law and Advocacy: A Conversation with Jason Tait from OCPF On this episode of Building Literacy, we talk campaign finance law with the Office of Campaign and Political Finance's Communications and Education Director Jason Tait. In previous episodes of our advocacy stories series, we have mentioned both the Office of Campaign and Political Finance  (https://www.ocpf.us/) and the State Ethics Commission (https://www.mass.gov/orgs/state-ethics-commission) as offices to consult with any questions about advocacy or fundraising. Jason describes in detail the work of OCPF, but it is important to note that the State Ethics Commission in Massachusetts may have differing opinions on the activities we discuss with Jason. For assistance with specific questions or scenarios, please do contact both of these agencies or the equivalent in your state if you reside or work outside of Massachusetts. 

]]> On this episode of Building Literacy, we talk campaign finance law with the Office of Campaign and Political Finance's Communications and Education Director Jason Tait. In previous episodes of our advocacy stories series, we have mentioned both the Office of Campaign and Political Finance  (https://www.ocpf.us/) and the State Ethics Commission (https://www.mass.gov/orgs/state-ethics-commission) as offices to consult with any questions about advocacy or fundraising. Jason describes in detail the work of OCPF, but it is important to note that the State Ethics Commission in Massachusetts may have differing opinions on the activities we discuss with Jason. For assistance with specific questions or scenarios, please do contact both of these agencies or the equivalent in your state if you reside or work outside of Massachusetts. 

]]> Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Construction Team Buzzsprout-8305547 Fri, 09 Apr 2021 16:00:00 -0400 2551 4 4 full false Advocacy Stories: Marketing and Communications Plans Advocacy Stories: Marketing and Communications Plans In this episode in our series entitled Advocacy Stories, we discuss messaging, communications plans, and marketing for libraries with the MBLC's Communications Team: Celeste Bruno and Matthew Perry. While we touch upon issues related to library building projects, the tips and tricks our in-house experts share are scalable to any subject pertaining to libraries. It is important to note that when we use the term library in this episode, we mean it as a sum of parts, including the Administration, Staff, Trustees, Friends, and Foundation.  It is equally important to know in which advocacy efforts and activities each entity can be involved and to what capacity. If you have questions about advocacy activities and what is allowed and forbidden by the law, we suggest you reach out to the State Ethics Commission and/or the Office of Campaign and Political Finance. If you are outside of Massachusetts, contact your equivalent State agencies. 

]]> In this episode in our series entitled Advocacy Stories, we discuss messaging, communications plans, and marketing for libraries with the MBLC's Communications Team: Celeste Bruno and Matthew Perry. While we touch upon issues related to library building projects, the tips and tricks our in-house experts share are scalable to any subject pertaining to libraries. It is important to note that when we use the term library in this episode, we mean it as a sum of parts, including the Administration, Staff, Trustees, Friends, and Foundation.  It is equally important to know in which advocacy efforts and activities each entity can be involved and to what capacity. If you have questions about advocacy activities and what is allowed and forbidden by the law, we suggest you reach out to the State Ethics Commission and/or the Office of Campaign and Political Finance. If you are outside of Massachusetts, contact your equivalent State agencies. 

]]> Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Construction Team Buzzsprout-8008457 Mon, 22 Feb 2021 15:00:00 -0500 3682 4 3 full false Taxes and Capital Projects: A Conversation with the Division of Local Services Taxes and Capital Projects: A Conversation with the Division of Local Services In this episode, we are taking a mini detour from the nuts and bolts of Advocacy to focus on the financial component of public library building projects. While many projects like these have a combination of funding sources- municipal funding, grants, private fundraising, etc., most of the conversation revolves around the impact on taxes. In order to understand the landscape of local taxes in Massachusetts, we reached out to the Division of Local Services (DLS).  Sean Cronin, the Senior Deputy Commissioner of DLS, provides a primer on this topic and discusses the resources and tools available on the DLS website, which can be found@www.mass.gov/DLS. Additional links include:

Municipal Finance Training and Resource Center: https://www.mass.gov/resource/municipal-finance-training-and-resource-center

Municipal Finance Training and Resource Center – Capital Planning, Forecasting:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/municipal-financial-management-training-and-resources#capital-planning-

Municipal Finance Training and Resource Center – Debt and Borrowing: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/municipal-debt-and-borrowing-training-and-resources

Municipal Finance Trend Dashboard: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/municipal-finance-trend-dashboard

Municipal Finance Snapshot Dashboard: https://www.mass.gov/news/dls-introduces-new-municipal-finance-snapshot-dashboard

State House Notes and Other Borrowing Guidelines: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/state-house-note-program-and-other-borrowing-guidelines

]]> In this episode, we are taking a mini detour from the nuts and bolts of Advocacy to focus on the financial component of public library building projects. While many projects like these have a combination of funding sources- municipal funding, grants, private fundraising, etc., most of the conversation revolves around the impact on taxes. In order to understand the landscape of local taxes in Massachusetts, we reached out to the Division of Local Services (DLS).  Sean Cronin, the Senior Deputy Commissioner of DLS, provides a primer on this topic and discusses the resources and tools available on the DLS website, which can be found@www.mass.gov/DLS. Additional links include:

Municipal Finance Training and Resource Center: https://www.mass.gov/resource/municipal-finance-training-and-resource-center

Municipal Finance Training and Resource Center – Capital Planning, Forecasting:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/municipal-financial-management-training-and-resources#capital-planning-

Municipal Finance Training and Resource Center – Debt and Borrowing: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/municipal-debt-and-borrowing-training-and-resources

Municipal Finance Trend Dashboard: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/municipal-finance-trend-dashboard

Municipal Finance Snapshot Dashboard: https://www.mass.gov/news/dls-introduces-new-municipal-finance-snapshot-dashboard

State House Notes and Other Borrowing Guidelines: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/state-house-note-program-and-other-borrowing-guidelines

]]> Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Construction Team Buzzsprout-7952548 Thu, 18 Feb 2021 17:00:00 -0500 3857 4 2 full false HVAC and COVID-19 HVAC and COVID-19 On this episode of Building Literacy: Public Library Construction, we delve into the ducts of HVAC systems. HVAC, as you may know, stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and does include dehumidification as well. Reopening libraries during a pandemic has brought the topic of HVAC out from behind the walls and into the proverbial light. We have read the ASHRAE guidance materials and we don't fully understand them either, so we enlisted the help of two knowledgeable MEP engineers-MEP stands for mechanical, electrical and plumbing- who have worked on a number of libraries in the Commonwealth. Carlos DeSousa and Dominick Puniello from Garcia Galuska DeSousa. While there's more information in the episode, Carlos has graciously shared his answers to our initial questions in written form. And Dom has shared a spreadsheet for determining the amount of cubic feet of a room and therefore the appropriate size of a portable HEPA filter for that room. If you have follow-up questions, send them to andrea.bunker@mass.gov, and we will try to include them in a follow up podcast with Carlos and Dom early next year.

]]> On this episode of Building Literacy: Public Library Construction, we delve into the ducts of HVAC systems. HVAC, as you may know, stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning, and does include dehumidification as well. Reopening libraries during a pandemic has brought the topic of HVAC out from behind the walls and into the proverbial light. We have read the ASHRAE guidance materials and we don't fully understand them either, so we enlisted the help of two knowledgeable MEP engineers-MEP stands for mechanical, electrical and plumbing- who have worked on a number of libraries in the Commonwealth. Carlos DeSousa and Dominick Puniello from Garcia Galuska DeSousa. While there's more information in the episode, Carlos has graciously shared his answers to our initial questions in written form. And Dom has shared a spreadsheet for determining the amount of cubic feet of a room and therefore the appropriate size of a portable HEPA filter for that room. If you have follow-up questions, send them to andrea.bunker@mass.gov, and we will try to include them in a follow up podcast with Carlos and Dom early next year.

]]> Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Construction Team Buzzsprout-6362011 Fri, 13 Nov 2020 15:00:00 -0500 3739 3 2 full false Advocacy Stories: Opponents Advocacy Stories: Opponents In this series of Advocacy Stories, we will examine the nuts and bolts of advocacy through the experiences of Directors, Trustees, and Consultants involved in the MBLC’s Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program. A basic rule of advocacy is to focus on your supporters and mobilize and energize them. However, this episode focuses on the experiences of librarians and trustees who faced significant opposition. 

Library employees must be very careful not to cross the line between providing non-partisan information and advocating for their library. If you have questions about advocacy activities and what is allowed and forbidden by the law, we suggest you reach out to the State Ethics Commission and/or the Office of Campaign and Political Finance. If you are outside Massachusetts, contact your equivalent state agencies.





]]> In this series of Advocacy Stories, we will examine the nuts and bolts of advocacy through the experiences of Directors, Trustees, and Consultants involved in the MBLC’s Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program. A basic rule of advocacy is to focus on your supporters and mobilize and energize them. However, this episode focuses on the experiences of librarians and trustees who faced significant opposition. 

Library employees must be very careful not to cross the line between providing non-partisan information and advocating for their library. If you have questions about advocacy activities and what is allowed and forbidden by the law, we suggest you reach out to the State Ethics Commission and/or the Office of Campaign and Political Finance. If you are outside Massachusetts, contact your equivalent state agencies.





]]> Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Construction Team Buzzsprout-5998597 Wed, 21 Oct 2020 11:00:00 -0400 1310 4 1 full false Designing Libraries for a Pandemic Designing Libraries for a Pandemic In this episode, we convened a roundtable of architects from several of the firms who design buildings for libraries that partake in the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program. Each firm tackled a topic related to designing libraries amidst a pandemic, including circulation patterns, furniture design, small vs. large rooms, exterior spaces, flexibility vs, separation, safety and security, bathrooms, HVAC, and longterm impacts. We ask this esteemed and knowledgeable group to discuss changes they are considering given the most up-to-date information available. It is important to note that information about COVID-19 and its transmission and behavior is ever-evolving. The discussion of safety measures in this episode are based on research and guidance up until August 4, 2020. We cannot know what further pertinent information will arise in subsequent weeks, months, or years, but we do hope to do an updated episode on this topic in the late Fall or Winter.

As always, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for other episode topics, please do not hesitate to contact me at andrea.bunker@state.ma.us.

]]> In this episode, we convened a roundtable of architects from several of the firms who design buildings for libraries that partake in the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program. Each firm tackled a topic related to designing libraries amidst a pandemic, including circulation patterns, furniture design, small vs. large rooms, exterior spaces, flexibility vs, separation, safety and security, bathrooms, HVAC, and longterm impacts. We ask this esteemed and knowledgeable group to discuss changes they are considering given the most up-to-date information available. It is important to note that information about COVID-19 and its transmission and behavior is ever-evolving. The discussion of safety measures in this episode are based on research and guidance up until August 4, 2020. We cannot know what further pertinent information will arise in subsequent weeks, months, or years, but we do hope to do an updated episode on this topic in the late Fall or Winter.

As always, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for other episode topics, please do not hesitate to contact me at andrea.bunker@state.ma.us.

]]> Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Construction Team Buzzsprout-5082347 Thu, 20 Aug 2020 16:00:00 -0400 6087 3 1 full false Some Things Never Change Some Things Never Change When recording recent episodes with former library building specialist Patience Jackson, she called our attention to a speech from 1915 that exists in our files. The writer and speaker was Alice Chandler, who made advisory visits to libraries across the Commonwealth, critiquing everything from their buildings to their cataloging systems. In her speech, which our colleague Liz Babbitt reads in its entirety at the end of this episode, Ms. Chandler relays the numerous faults of recently constructed library buildings throughout Massachusetts. As library building specialists, we were taken aback by how relevant and true her statements remain. Therefore, we decided to discuss the similarities between our common comments today and those made 105 years ago by Ms. Chandler. We don't cover every aspect of planning, design, and construction, but we hope you find some useful information for your own project.

The tome to which Lauren alludes, The Practical Handbook of Library Architecture by Fred Schlipf and John A. Moorman, can be found in the ALA store.

If you have questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at andrea.bunker@state.ma.us.

]]> When recording recent episodes with former library building specialist Patience Jackson, she called our attention to a speech from 1915 that exists in our files. The writer and speaker was Alice Chandler, who made advisory visits to libraries across the Commonwealth, critiquing everything from their buildings to their cataloging systems. In her speech, which our colleague Liz Babbitt reads in its entirety at the end of this episode, Ms. Chandler relays the numerous faults of recently constructed library buildings throughout Massachusetts. As library building specialists, we were taken aback by how relevant and true her statements remain. Therefore, we decided to discuss the similarities between our common comments today and those made 105 years ago by Ms. Chandler. We don't cover every aspect of planning, design, and construction, but we hope you find some useful information for your own project.

The tome to which Lauren alludes, The Practical Handbook of Library Architecture by Fred Schlipf and John A. Moorman, can be found in the ALA store.

If you have questions, comments, or suggestions for future episodes, please email me at andrea.bunker@state.ma.us.

]]> Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Construction Team Buzzsprout-4868939 Wed, 05 Aug 2020 16:00:00 -0400 7153 2 3 full false History of the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program with Patience and Roe History of the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program with Patience and Roe On this episode of Building Literacy: Public Library Construction, we delve into the history of the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program, which has been in existence since 1987. Founding Library Building Specialist, Patience Jackson, and former Library Building Specialist, Rosemary Waltos, join Lauren and me to discuss both the impetus and evolution of our unique and robust program.

]]> On this episode of Building Literacy: Public Library Construction, we delve into the history of the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program, which has been in existence since 1987. Founding Library Building Specialist, Patience Jackson, and former Library Building Specialist, Rosemary Waltos, join Lauren and me to discuss both the impetus and evolution of our unique and robust program.

]]> Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Construction Team Buzzsprout-4385126 Tue, 30 Jun 2020 17:00:00 -0400 2925 2 2 full false Words of Wisdom from Patience Jackson and Rosemary Waltos Words of Wisdom from Patience Jackson and Rosemary Waltos On this episode of Building Literacy: Public Library Construction, two former Library Building Specialists with our program, Patience Jackson and Rosemary Waltos, offer their words of wisdom from a collective 50 years of experience working on library building projects through both the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program and independent consulting services. From their top three, or twelve, pieces of advice for library directors and designers to their favorite design mistakes, Patience and Roe share what they wish everyone knew before embarking on a building project.

]]> On this episode of Building Literacy: Public Library Construction, two former Library Building Specialists with our program, Patience Jackson and Rosemary Waltos, offer their words of wisdom from a collective 50 years of experience working on library building projects through both the Massachusetts Public Library Construction Program and independent consulting services. From their top three, or twelve, pieces of advice for library directors and designers to their favorite design mistakes, Patience and Roe share what they wish everyone knew before embarking on a building project.

]]> Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Construction Team Buzzsprout-4243418 Fri, 19 Jun 2020 16:00:00 -0400 2368 2 1 full false Designing for Sustainability: An Interview with Finegold Alexander Architects Designing for Sustainability: An Interview with Finegold Alexander Architects Continuing our series on sustainability in public library construction, we interview Finegold Alexander Architects’ Ellen Anselone, Rebecca Berry, Josephine Penta, and Beth Pearcy in this episode. Learn how architects approach the integration of sustainable, energy reducing measures in public projects, even when project budgets may be limited or historic structures may be involved. We encourage anyone thinking of undertaking any building project of any scale to take a listen, as sustainability goals must be identified early and remain a priority throughout the process.

In this podcast, companies and firms are and will be featured, sharing their expertise and knowledge with library building project stakeholders in an effort to create a better, more informed experience. In no way does the featuring of these companies or firms on this podcast constitute an endorsement or a promotion of those companies or firms by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. These interviews are meant to serve as an educational resource only.

]]> Continuing our series on sustainability in public library construction, we interview Finegold Alexander Architects’ Ellen Anselone, Rebecca Berry, Josephine Penta, and Beth Pearcy in this episode. Learn how architects approach the integration of sustainable, energy reducing measures in public projects, even when project budgets may be limited or historic structures may be involved. We encourage anyone thinking of undertaking any building project of any scale to take a listen, as sustainability goals must be identified early and remain a priority throughout the process.

In this podcast, companies and firms are and will be featured, sharing their expertise and knowledge with library building project stakeholders in an effort to create a better, more informed experience. In no way does the featuring of these companies or firms on this podcast constitute an endorsement or a promotion of those companies or firms by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. These interviews are meant to serve as an educational resource only.

]]> Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners Construction Team Buzzsprout-3569335 Thu, 30 Apr 2020 16:00:00 -0400 2542 1 2 full false Sustainability and Building Performance: An Interview with Building Evolution Corporation Sustainability and Building Performance: An Interview with Building Evolution Corporation Whether undertaking a renovation, renovation/expansion, new construction, or capital upgrade project, library administration, trustees, and the municipalities they serve are increasingly approaching these projects with sustainability in mind, especially as more municipalities enter into compacts for energy reductions in public buildings by a targeted year. On this episode, we talk with Building Evolution Corporation's (BEC) Wesley Stanhope, BEC's Founder and CEO, and Ken Neuhauser, BEC's President, about practical steps you can take to plan for and implement partial and whole-building projects that achieve energy goals while not compromising on other aspects of building performance.

In this podcast, various companies and firms are featured, sharing their expertise and knowledge with library building project stakeholders in an effort to create a better, more informed experience. In no way does the featuring of these companies or firms on this podcast constitute an endorsement or a promotion of those companies or firms by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. These interviews are meant to serve as an educational resource only.

]]> Whether undertaking a renovation, renovation/expansion, new construction, or capital upgrade project, library administration, trustees, and the municipalities they serve are increasingly approaching these projects with sustainability in mind, especially as more municipalities enter into compacts for energy reductions in public buildings by a targeted year. On this episode, we talk with Building Evolution Corporation's (BEC) Wesley Stanhope, BEC's Founder and CEO, and Ken Neuhauser, BEC's President, about practical steps you can take to plan for and implement partial and whole-building projects that achieve energy goals while not compromising on other aspects of building performance.

In this podcast, various companies and firms are featured, sharing their expertise and knowledge with library building project stakeholders in an effort to create a better, more informed experience. In no way does the featuring of these companies or firms on this podcast constitute an endorsement or a promotion of those companies or firms by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. These interviews are meant to serve as an educational resource only.

]]> Wesley Stanhope and Ken Neuhauser from Building Evolution Corporation Buzzsprout-3465412 Wed, 22 Apr 2020 15:00:00 -0400 5472 building performance, sustainability, energy efficiency, libraries 1 1 full false