Arlington Library Children's Room Closing For Renovations

ARLINGTON, MA — Robbins Library at 700 Massachusetts Ave. announced that a heavily-used area will undergo a temporary closure to allow for “much-needed” improvements.

The carpeting in the children’s room of the library is slated to be replaced after 20 years of use. The room will not be open to the public between Friday, May 1 and Sunday, May 10 to allow for the installation to take place. According to the library, the area will also be repainted.

Town Meeting voters approved the project that includes carpet replacement on the library’s entire lower level as part of the town’s operating budget of more than $226 million in 2025.

“Using the closure period to paint the Children’s Room gives us the opportunity to welcome visitors to a fresh, bright, and clean Children’s Room when the space re-opens on May 11,” . Library Director Anna Litten said.

The Robbins Library dates back to the early 19th century when it was first known as the West Cambridge Social Library. It became the first continuous and free children’s library in the country. It moved into its current location in 1892 which was funded through a grant of $150,000 gift from Maria C. Robbins. Robbins died before the building was completed and before her intention of creating an endowment could be carried out. A brother of hers used $50,000 from his share of her estate to create the Elbridge Farmer fund to further support the library and complete his sister’s wishes. The library’s collection has nearly quadrupled since it was first built.

The Fox Library Branch will remain fully operational during the Robbins closure. Robbins is open seven days a week with children’s services that include multiple storytime reading sessions for children of various ages, Lego building sessions, therapy dog visits, and art lessons.

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