Back Entrance of Brooks Memorial Library to Close Starting April 13
The back entrance of Brooks Memorial Library, which connects to the Municipal Center parking lot, will be closed to the public due to construction starting April 13, 2026. The entrance will remain inaccessible throughout construction, which is anticipated to continue through early July 2026. Library patrons should plan to use the front entrance along Main Street.
During this phase of construction, visitors to the library and Municipal Center should note the following:
• There will be limited parking in the back of the library throughout construction.
• Library patrons may park along the Municipal Center parking lot exit that leads to Main Street. Signage will note where library parking is available.
• Foot traffic from the Municipal Center parking lot to the Main Street entrance of the Municipal Center will be routed to the North side of the building. Visitors to the Municipal Center may continue to use the back entrance or approach the Main Street door from the North side.
• The Field to Fork Tool Shed will remain open throughout construction.
The construction starting this spring is part of a larger project that aims to expand the usable space throughout the exterior of the building and update the ADA approach to meet current standards. The scope of work includes safety and accessibility improvements, including asbestos containment, bringing the windows in the Children’s Room to code, the installation of a security door to allow for meetings after hours, as well as various, longstanding maintenance needs. The walkway from the Municipal Center parking lot will be overhauled and incorporate a covered, outdoor seating area for reading, computer use, and conversation.
The first phase of the project, taking place between April 13 and early July, will address the library’s upper floor. The second phase, which is expected to occur between early July and November, will see renovations to the front entrance facing Main Street.
The project is funded through a competitive grant administered through the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The Vermont Department of Libraries selected 14 libraries to receive a total of $16.4 million toward capital improvements. Brooks was awarded $1.4 million through the program.
“We apologize for the disruption, but these long-overdue improvements will expand access to our library so that all can benefit to the greatest extent possible,” said Library Director Starr LaTronica. “I’m so grateful to the library staff, trustees, and community members who helped secure this grant, to the Town of Brattleboro Planning Services for their input and guidance and to the Department of Public Works for their expertise and ensuring that library patrons will have places to park throughout construction.”
“We encourage patrons to take this opportunity to check out our online and downloadable resources and our home delivery service,” she added.
For more updates, visit Brookslibraryvt.org or call the library at 802-254-5290.
This project is supported by the American Rescue Plan Act Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund (CPF) administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury as part of an award totaling $16.4 million for capital improvements to Vermont’s public libraries. It is one of 14 CPF projects overseen by the Vermont Department of Libraries. Learn more about these projects.