Tilton Library expansion project moves forward in South Deerfield

The entryway to the renovated library will be where the existing building intersects with the addition.

The entryway to the renovated library will be where the existing building intersects with the addition. STAFF PHOTOs/PAUL FRANZ

Work continues on the Tilton Library expansion project in South Deerfield. The library’s rebuild project remains on schedule and on budget, officials say.

Work continues on the Tilton Library expansion project in South Deerfield. The library’s rebuild project remains on schedule and on budget, officials say.

The Tilton Library expansion project in South Deerfield.

The Tilton Library expansion project in South Deerfield. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

The second-floor addition of the Tilton Library expansion project in South Deerfield.

The second-floor addition of the Tilton Library expansion project in South Deerfield. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

The plans for the Tilton Library expansion project in South Deerfield.

The plans for the Tilton Library expansion project in South Deerfield. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

The first-floor addition of the Tilton Library expansion project in South Deerfield.

The first-floor addition of the Tilton Library expansion project in South Deerfield. STAFF PHOTO/PAUL FRANZ

By CHRIS LARABEE

Staff Writer

Published: 01-21-2025 12:59 PM

Modified: 01-21-2025 5:55 PM


SOUTH DEERFIELD — With construction on schedule and on budget, it’s almost time for a new chapter at Tilton Library.

Tilton Library’s extensive expansion project is making steady progress on North Main Street, as its addition has taken shape behind the original building and D.A. Sullivan contractors are preparing to make the new structure watertight and begin interior work.

Library Director Candace Bradbury-Carlin said her team is excited for the expansion, which is expected to be completed by early June or July, pending final construction inspections and other finishing touches.

“When they took the wrapping off the building and you could see the brick, that made it feel even more real,” Bradbury-Carlin said. “It’s no longer just a construction site — the building’s there, it’s the real deal.”

The library’s expansion will nearly triple the building’s square footage from 4,366 to 12,784 square feet. Key improvements include expanded teen and children’s rooms, meeting and co-working spaces on the second floor, and a “nighttime suite” that will be accessible after normal library hours and feature meeting spaces, a small kitchen and bathrooms. Northampton-based D.A. Sullivan & Sons Inc. is handling construction, having submitted a $10.99 million bid for what was presented to residents as a $12.3 million project.

D.A. Sullivan, she said, has been “wonderful to work with in all areas” of the project, as the company has been efficient in its work — including finding savings. Bradbury-Carlin said the contractor was also undertaking work at Smith College and was able to, through a donation from the school, bring some bookshelves to Tilton Library.

With exterior work nearing completion, the Tilton Library Building Committee is moving forward with selecting interior design aspects. Bradbury-Carlin said the committee has already selected flooring and carpets, while wall colors will be decided in a couple weeks. Following those choices, a working group will decide on furnishings.

Policy work is also being undertaken, with the library trustees developing rules for the new community room, which Bradbury-Carlin noted will “be a big draw for people,” as it will be available for meetings outside of typical library hours.

Fundraising continues

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As construction continues, so does Tilton Library’s capital campaign, which has raised $1.25 million in gifts and pledges from the community toward its ultimate goal of $2 million. The library provided $600,000 to Deerfield to offset the costs of the project in the fall.

While the library will keep seeking resident and business donors, it is also holding several fundraisers out in the community through the winter and early spring.

The first is the Library Brew Hop, where people can purchase a $35 punch card ticket to Berkshire Brewing Co., Element Brewing Co., The Brewery at Four Star Farms and Four Phantoms Brewing Co. to receive a pint glass and a free beer at the participating breweries.

Then, through Feb. 28, the library has partnered with Hillside Pizza to launch the Library Pizza Pass, which is a $25 gift card to the restaurant. Additionally, Bradbury-Carlin said library staff and volunteers will set up outside Hillside Pizza’s Yankee Candle location to sell gift cards on Jan. 31, from 4 to 7 p.m. and at noon on Feb. 1.

Finally, Tilton Library has partnered with Tree House Brewing Co. to present local musician Steven Santoro and his string quartet for a March 30 concert.

“We’re excited that these local businesses are helping out the library,” Bradbury-Carlin said, “and people are excited for pizza, beer and music.”

The library hopes to reach its fundraising target by October, although Bradbury-Carlin said they may be able to continue raising money past that deadline. This will depend on the town’s timeline and when it needs payments.

As Tilton Library moves toward its completion, Bradbury-Carlin said Deerfield’s municipal campus is finally coming to fruition, as the library will join the Leary Lot as the first two completed projects. The timing of Tilton Library’s completion will serve the town well, too, as the 1888 Building is expected to begin construction in summer 2025.

“It’s going to make the beginnings of the campus plan come to life,” she said. “It will be great to have these destinations, that were always destinations, just bigger and better.”

For more information about the library, its temporary space and the expansion project, visit its website at tiltonlibrary.org. Information on its building project as well as ongoing fundraisers can be found at tiltonlibrary.org/building-project.