Friend Memorial Public Library to break ground on expansion
The expansion includes the construction of the Anne and Maynard Bray Maritime Research Center
The library’s new wing was designed by Elliott Architects and will be built by Blue Ledge Carpentry. Rendering courtesy of Friend Memorial Library.
April 20, 2026
By staff
BROOKLIN—Friend Memorial Public Library will kick off construction of its much anticipated expansion at on April 29, according to a press release from the library.
The celebration will begin at 4:00 p.m. with light refreshments and music, followed by a groundbreaking ceremony led by students from the Brooklin School.
The $4 million project has been in the works since a patron survey in 2020 revealed the need for “more cozy reading nooks, dedicated rooms, and flexible event spaces,” the release said. Once completed, it will “more than double” the library’s footprint.
“Friend Memorial is really at Brooklin’s center – more than just geographically.” said library director Catherine Nevin in the release. “We are thrilled about the new services this expansion will allow us to provide, and we are deeply grateful for our patrons’ support of the project.”
In addition to increasing basic library services and space, the release said that the expansion includes the construction of the Anne and Maynard Bray Maritime Research Center. The center will allow direct public access to Jon Wilson's comprehensive marine research library and Benjamin Mendlowitz's award-winning maritime photography, making it “one of the nation's premiere private collections of materials focused on wooden boat design, construction, operation, and history.”
The library’s board approved Elliott Architects’ designs in August 2025. Rendering courtesy of Friend Memorial Public Library.
The library’s expansion was designed by Elliott Architects, a Blue Hill-based firm, and will be built by Brooklin’s own Blue Ledge Carpentry. “Not only are these two firms known for their quality work, they’re also deeply tied to our town and our library. We couldn’t ask for a better team,” said Steve Hindy, president of the library’s Board of Trustees.
The library’s Capital Campaign in support of expansion is still ongoing. Additional information about the project can be found on the library’s campaign website: https://campaign.friendml.org/.
