Lowell library opens to throng of visitors, local dignitaries

By JULIA WARNER/for The Herald

Bad libraries build collections, good libraries build services, great libraries build communities.
– R. David Lankes

On February 25, 2019, a major winter storm ravaged Lowell’s public library, rendering it unusable. Four years later to the day, dozens of community members gathered under clear blue skies to celebrate the grand opening of the city’s new Maggie Osgood Library.

A team effort in the rebuilding

The project is the culmination of a massive group effort. Hosting Saturday’s ceremony, Mayor Don Bennett recognized the many team members whose dedication, generosity, and vision made it possible.

“The best day in any community is the day the library opens,” remarked State Librarian Wendy Cornelisen during her time on stage. Jerry Valencia of Bridgeway Construction called the library building, a “keystone to this community.” Sharing his perspective on what the library means to Lowell, Mayor Bennett called it “a cornerstone to the community, an anchor… this is just the beginning of great things.”

A legacy to Lowell’s former librarian

Maggie Osgood, the library’s namesake, recognized a library’s potential for community building long ago. She was Lowell’s volunteer librarian from the early 2000s until she passed away in 2019. Her legacy lingered large amongst the crowd. Osgood was lovingly remembered for her dedication to the former library and the city, as well as her “firecracker” attitude and make-it-happen spirit. Several members of her extended family attended the opening, with daughter Lora West remarking, “My mom would be so over the moon with what you all have done.”

Cutting the ceremonial red ribbon, library director Peggy O’Kane proclaimed, “Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the Maggie Osgood Library!” The doors opened, and the gathered crowd shuffled inside to take in the results of years of hard work and planning. It was worth the wait: inside is a bright, welcoming space with a 10,000+ strong, well-organized collection of books.

Building of a community

Walking the aisles, it was fun to see what books people were drawn to, from political thrillers to current best sellers, romance novels, historical fiction, and even rock star biographies. Toddlers perched in laps as they were read to in the cozy children’s reading nook, while in the teen section, a young man sat absorbed in manga. Delicious opening day treats were enjoyed, conversation flowed, and all the fine people who made it happen received the many thanks and congratulations due their efforts. Community achieved, at least on Day 1.

The Maggie Osgood Library is located at 70 N. Pioneer St., Lowell. Current hours are 11a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays; 1p.m. to 7p.m. Wednesdays, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. In addition to books, the library also offers audiobooks, DVDs, free Wi-Fi, a low-vision reading machine, as well as a small computer lab. An onsite conference room is available to the entire community.