The Pembroke Public Library Foundation recently held an event at the library to dedicate two new study pods and announce an expansion plan for the library. The nonprofit Foundation was created many years ago to raise funds to support the library, which was built in 1998. The new study pods were added through the generous donations of six Pembroke families in memory of their loved ones. The Pike, Brown, Boyle, Cutler, Parks and O’Reilly families participated in the project. The study pods sit at the front of the library and provide a closed, quiet, private space in which one or two people can study. According to library staff, since installation the pods average approximately 60 uses per month.
Robert DeMarzo, president of the Foundation, provided some details of the library expansion project which is funded through a donation of $1.5 million from the Peterson family in addition to other private donations. The expansion project is expected to start in the spring 2027. A 2,700-square-foot addition will be built onto the rear of the existing Children's room. A large TV monitor will attach to a wall to be used for programming and presentations. Two new bathrooms will be added as well as a “wash sink” area for children’s activities. A new heating system for the larger space is also planned. The young adult area will be doubled by expanding it into an existing conference room. There will also be a new local history room and space for historical archive materials. As the library building will be 30 years old in 2028 the members of the Foundation felt that it was time to make these improvements ensuring the library will continue to provide adequate services to the Pembroke community well into the future. The Foundation said that additional private donations large or small are needed and welcomed. For more information or to make a donation, contact Robert DeMarzo through the Pembroke Public Library.
