The Roslindale Branch Library could see a $6 million renovation as soon as 2016, according to the Boston Public Library.
“Authorization for a renovation of the Roslindale Branch has been placed in the outwears of FY17-FY20, which means the project could start at any time in those years, pending budget approval,” BPL spokesperson Rosemary Lavery told the Gazette last week.
A 2013 programming study estimated the costs of renovating the 1961 branch between $4.4 million and $6.6 million, with a one-year construction period.
The least expensive proposed renovation would address accessibility issues; create an efficient circulation station with self-checkout and pick-up areas; create or update adult, teen and children’s areas; create a multipurpose room; update furniture and fixtures; create new restrooms; and review and update as necessary mechanical and plumbing systems. All of that would be within the existing 15,971-square-foot building footprint.
More expensive options would also include new partitions, bathrooms, and an adult study area.
The semi-circular building at 4246 Washington St. was built on the foundations of a previous firehouse. It was designed by Isidor Richmond and Carny Goldberg and has seen several renovations in the 1980s, 1993 and 2013.