By Jess Ommen

The Holliston Library is entering a period of transformation under the leadership of its newly appointed Director, Jeff Smith, who has brought a fresh vision and a renewed energy to the community’s longtime institution. 

 Since stepping into the role in July, Smith has focused on expanding library services while preserving the charming atmosphere residents have come to expect. One of the most visible changes has been the launch of a redesigned website, making it easier for patrons to search the catalog, register for programs, and access digital resources from home.

Inside the building, new and expanded programming reflects a broader vision for the library’s role in the community. Expanded offerings include notary services, printing, and a brand-new Library of Things. Story times and family activities remain a cornerstone of library services, while new workshops and events encourage a love of lifelong learning for patrons of all ages.  

Another area of focus has been placed on engaging teens, with the creation of a dedicated teen space designed for studying, collaborating, and relaxing. Enclosed by a glass wall and tucked between two bookshelves on the mezzanine level, the space offers teens a place to collaborate while minimizing disruptions to other parts of the library. 

The newly designed Teen Zone reflects Smith’s innovative approach and optimistic vision for the library’s future—qualities that will serve the institution well as programming expands and physical space remains limited within the library walls. 

Programs are currently operating out of the Gilman Room, which doubles as a children’s play area that must be closed when programs are in session. Conference, meeting, and study rooms are extremely limited—one of each. And with nearly 200,000 items circulated this year, there isn’t much room to compromise on shelf space. 

“That’s significant,” says Smith, “We’re not Wellesley or Newton, but we’re not a small library.” That, according to Smith, is the “sweet spot,” allowing him to manage a diverse range of programming without compromising on the warmth that is characteristic to smaller libraries.  

“Holliston is definitely a friendly town, and the library is part of that. You feel that when you walk in,” he says. 

As community needs evolve, the library has become more than books. “It is a place to bring the community together,” Smith says. Programs that encourage learning new skills, finding support, and connecting with one another will be essential in maintaining the library’s role as a vital community hub in an increasingly digital world.

Holliston’s library programming is funded largely by the Friends of the Library, along with grants, and in collaboration with groups like the Holliston Cultural Council, Holliston Youth and Family Services, and the Holliston Fire Department. 

Recent programs have included a Local Author Night, featuring a panel of seven Massachusetts-based authors sharing their insights, sources of inspiration, and writing processes. Other popular programs have included a Memoir Writing Workshop and Roots of American Popular Music. 

Upcoming programs include: 

• New England Ghost Stories, January 20, 6:30-7:30 p.m.*

• Wine Glass Paint Night, January 26, 6-7:30 p.m.*

• Hip-Hop Popular Culture, February 4, 6-7:30 p.m.*

• Edgar Allen Poe Impersonator, February 6, 3:30-4:30 p.m.*

*Registration required.

Smith plans to issue a survey to the community in the coming weeks—responses will help guide him to build the library’s latest Strategic Plan and address the issues that are most pressing to the community. To access the survey and to sign up for the latest programs, visit the Holliston Library website (www.hollistonlibrary.org) and follow Holliston Public Library on Facebook. 

To support library programs, consider a Friends of Holliston membership for $25 or you can donate directly by visiting the Holliston Library website and clicking on “Support HPL” in the top navigation bar.