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Trustees approve up to $33,800 in State Aid for Hills Branch renovation; branch to close June 1
Summary
The Wellesley Free Library Board approved using State Aid to fund book bins, painting restoration and new furniture for the Hills Branch during a planned June–September renovation, authorizing up to $33,800 in spending and scheduling a planned September 2026 reopening.
The Wellesley Free Library Board of Trustees voted unanimously May 13 to authorize State Aid spending to support the Hills Branch interior renovation while the branch is closed beginning June 1.
Library Director Jamie Jurgensen asked the trustees to approve spending “up to $16,300” for new book bins, “up to $2,500” to clean and restore an oil painting above the branch fireplace, and “up to $15,000” for computer tables and chairs for the first floor and loft. The equipment and restoration work will accompany a temporary closure while books are moved into storage and required maintenance is completed.
Trustee Maura Murphy moved the request and Trustee Aunoy Banerjee seconded; the motion passed unanimously. The trustees said the branch is intended to reopen in September 2026 and acknowledged support from an anonymous donor and the Wellesley Free Library Foundation for the enhancements.
The board discussed the plan as part of broader building maintenance and accessibility work the Library has pursued this year. The renovation is being described as designed to highlight the Hills Branch’s historical significance while improving patron experience.
The decision authorizes staff to spend the specified State Aid amounts; trustees did not set additional project details or an exact reopening date beyond the September target. Any further project changes or additional funding requests would be brought back to the Board for approval.
