“Now when we look up Main Street coming from the harbor, we see a stunning new feature for our Town. In a tangible way, it completes us. Starting with the expansive Marine Park as a base and now the library as a crown, we’re sending a message to all that live and visit here that Rockport is an inviting, public place. We’re all welcome here.”

—Ben Blackmon, Library Director

“As we walk up the beautiful steps and open the oversized double doors to the main entrance on Limerock Street, we wander across the compass rose embossed in the floor to the welcoming staff at the Circulation Desk. There are inviting benches off to one side with our newest books to create a blend of community and literature that sets the tone. It’s a friendly, welcoming environment with staff readily available to guide us.

“Yet what really defines the space is the quality of the light...warm and diffuse... and designed to be well-lit year-round. A truly cozy feeling.

“As you leave the Circulation Desk and turn toward Main Street, stacks of books lead our eyes toward the end of the building and the inviting reading chairs arranged before the tall windows. There’s an almost irresistible urge to sit and relax... as well as to simply enjoy the towering view of the Village below.

“If you’ll turn toward Russell Avenue, the tall mahogany doors of the Marine Room are beckoning us inward. The elegance of the space is readily apparent. Curved windows wrap around one end with a custom mahogany bench as its sill. It’s no accident if you feel transported to the Captain’s Quarters of an seafaring ship of yesteryear.

“Coming out of the Marine Room, flashes of bright color call you over to the Children’s Room. It’s on the other side of the Technology space and Teen Room. Just beyond a smaller custom-built Circulation Desk, the space is bright and cheerful, carefully designed to foster laughter and play along with learning. The shelving is deliberately low for access. And the high walls are lined with oversized windows, so there’s LOTS of light. You can feel this space overflowing with energy even before the children arrive!

“Coming back now, you go down the stairs (the elevator is available, of course), painted a bright orange to lift your spirits as you wend your way downstairs. You emerge to a well-lit, long hallway with a curved wall on one side designed to showcase local artwork and artisans in the years ahead. It ends with another view looking down Main Street as you turn into the Rockport Room. Even with such expansive space, the layout, colors, and atmosphere make you feel welcome. This is clearly a room designed for gatherings of all sizes, either one large group or multiple small groups. The technology for presentations and learning is clearly evident, and there’s a kitchen on the far end for food and beverages as well. Just what you’d expect if you wanted to create ‘Everyone’s Living Room.’

“Back upstairs, let’s take a stroll around the outside starting with the balcony overlooking Main Street. As you step outside, you’ll feel a warm breeze coming off the ocean. And it would be an understatement to say that the view is, well, simply amazing! Looking down onto the patio below, you’ll notice the neatly arranged pattern of bricks filled with names and sentiments from some of the many donors that made all this possible. It’s a powerful reminder of how it truly takes a village to build something this special.

“As we gaze off to the side of Union and Limerock Streets, you can already see the trees lined with greenery, a soft mix of trees, shrubs and gardens. There are still the familiar monuments, just as they’ve always been there, poignant symbols of our heritage and of those that gave their lives for us.”

Our New Library Is All About Learning

Knowledge rocks with “Benny & The Bookmarks,” Rockport’s newest band. Click on your favorite and sing along. And don’t forget to make a donation so we can keep the good vibes rolling!