(APRIL 8, 2004—Ashland, MA) The Town of Ashland today signed a $3.7million contract with New England Design Associates of Worcester for the expansion and renovation of the town’s library. The signing of the contract allows the town to receive the second phase of the building grant awarded by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Construction of the 22,000 square foot library begins in April and is scheduled to open in September, 2005. The building will be handicapped accessible and will feature a children’s department, young adult room, reference department, quiet study areas, additional public access computers, and an expanded large print area. The project architect is Burt Hill Kosar Rittelmann Associates of Boston.

“This is just the first step in the exciting future of the library,” said Louise Holzman, chair or the Library Trustees. “We are excited about the new facility and what it means for the residents of Ashland.”

The town library is currently being housed in a temporary location at 466 Chestnut Street. Groundbreaking for the new building will be held in late April

For more information on the Ashland Library, visit www.ashlandmass.com.

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