The Swellesley Report

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Sneak peek: Fells Branch Library gets an overhaul

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The reimagined Fells Branch library is about to take its final leap from fantasy into reality with a Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, November 17, 10am – 2pm, at the new space’s 508 Weston Road location. The branch, located in Wellesley’s oldest public building, was built in 1858 as a one-room school house for 30 students and teacher Caroline Almeda Hartwell. Students were educated there for 65 years until Hardy School opened in 1922.

It’s always been about education

From there the building, now no stranger to being repurposed, opened in 1923 as a library, with the fundraising help of the Fells Improvement Society. This time around, the building’s help came from the Wellesley Free Library Foundation; grants from the Fund for Wellesley; grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services; and private donors. These groups and individuals kicked in the approximately $80k it took to create a space geared toward children 0 – 6 and their caretakers. This increased focus on a young clientele came about as a result of the library’s usage statistics. “All the programs for the young children were off the charts, such as Book Babies,” WFL Assistant Director Elise MacLennan said. “We wanted to make it even more welcoming for caretakers and parents. That’s the age group the books are geared toward. It’s not the place to look for books for older kids, but the older siblings are most definitely welcome, of course.”

In addition to books and materials for young children, there are best sellers and other popular adult books, and any holds can be sent to Fells for pickup.

Heck yes, I want to come by

When MacLennan offered me the chance to take a sneak peek at the library, I jumped at the chance. Here’s are some pics of the colorful, child-centered space:

Wellesley Fells Library
Here’s a “before” shot of the exterior. The Fells branch temporarily closed in July 2017 and will host a Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, November 17, 10am – 2pm
Wellesley Fells Library
WFL Assistant Director Elise MacLennan says that the dramatic change in color came about as they were researching the original color of the structure. “We got through three layers of paint, and it appears likely that the original building wasn’t painted at all. We ended up going with a color that was historically appropriate for the time period.”
Wellesley Fells Library
The newly decorated and painted interior features murals of several of Wellesley’s landmark buildings by artist Jason Sawtelle of BlackBeak Studios as well as hands-on, interactive activities geared toward 0-6 year-olds. Some of the buildings featured are Hardy Elementary School, Wellesley Town Hall, Wellesley Hills Branch Library, and the Shakespeare Society House at Wellesley College.
Wellesley Fells Library
There was talk among the librarians of the last minute things to be done including discussion about whether the balls that are part of the Rube Goldberg-inspired play area (above) were too hard and if they should be replaced before opening.
Wellesley Fells Library
Lisa Arm (left), Acquisitions and Cataloging Services Supervisor and Assistant Library Director Elise MacLennan; both work primarily at the main branch, but their work includes involvement at the Fells branch.
Wellesley Fells Branch
It’s all in the details on this mousie chair. The new learning library will encourage play as a crucial method of learning and the foundation for subsequent academic achievement and lifelong success.
Wellesley Fells Library
The carpentry work was done by Sean Reardon, and the painting was done by Doug Johnson.
Wellesley Fells Library
My tour over, I walked out of the cheerfulness of the Fells Branch into the grey autumn day. But wait, future cheerfulness work was in progress. The DPW guys were out in the cherry picker, stringing holiday lights. The trees will be aglow after Thanksgiving.

Library hours:

Tuesday – Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Closed Sunday and Monday

Email wflfoundation@minlib.net for more information, or go to www.WFL-Foundation/donate to make a gift to this project.

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