The Canton Public Library received a $100,000 donation from Bank of Canton to build a teen and tween space with a podcast studio, the bank announced Tuesday, Sept. 8.

The gift funds the Bank of Canton Learning Pavilion, a tiered structure planned for the library's new young adult room. The pavilion will include collaborative gathering space, a ground-level meeting room and a podcast studio, Patch reported.

The money goes toward the library's Next Chapter Capital Campaign, which supports the third and final phase of a multi-year renovation at 786 Washington St. The young adult room will replace the current reference room and is expected to feature study pods, a large video screen and sound-absorbing materials.

Between 30 and 50 teens and tweens use the library every day after school, during half-days and over school vacations, according to the library's project page.

Peg Mead, chair of the Board of Library Trustees, said the donation will help the library adapt its space and programming to meet changing patron needs.

The interior renovation also includes repairs to water-damaged areas, additional quiet study rooms, flexible meeting spaces and a redesigned circulation desk. Seaver Company is the general contractor.

Construction is already underway. The library temporarily closed its main floor June 29 to allow work to begin. Patrons can still access books and materials on the ground and second floors through the Junior Room entrance, according to the library's closure FAQ page.

The broader Next Chapter project has unfolded in stages. A $4.5 million roof and HVAC replacement, approved at Town Meeting in 2023, came in under budget. Town Meeting voters also directed $450,000 in turnback funds from that project toward the interior work.

Final funding for the interior renovation came at Town Meeting on May 11, 2026, when voters approved $2,168,000 from free cash. The capital campaign had raised more than $100,000 through grants and private donations before the Bank of Canton gift, according to the library's funding page.

The project is scheduled for completion in fall 2027.