Framingham To Open 'Pop-Up' Library at Former School

The Framingham Public Library will open a small, temporary “Pop-up Library” at the former McAuliffe Charter School and St. Stephen School at 25 Clinton St., in downtown Framingham.

The Framingham Pop-up Library will operate for the duration of the Main Library’s closure. An electrical explosion closed the library in mid-October. Two contractors suffered second and third degree burns. The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.

Main library staff will operate the Pop-up Library Monday-Friday, starting Monday, Nov. 9 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“The Library is a vital part of downtown life and we wanted to offer some access to patrons as we make our repairs,” says Library Director Mark Contois. “We hope this fills at least some of the void the library’s closure has left.”
The library will be offering public internet access, printing services, and a small circulating collection of select materials. Library patrons are welcome to borrow and return library materials at the Pop-up Library.

“We thank St. Stephen’s Parish for their wonderful support in this effort,” said Assistant Director Lena Kilburn, “they have been so flexible and accommodating and we are very grateful to have such good neighbors and friends.”

Board of Trustees Chair Eric Doherty said, “The word ‘flexible’ also applies to the Library staff. The Board certainly appreciates all of their efforts to maintain operations and provide services while the Main Library is closed.”

The McAuliffe Branch will continue to be open 7 days a week. Materials can be returned to the Main Library book drops, as well as any library in the Minuteman Library Network.