Canton residents will get their first chance to question library trustees about the ongoing renovation when the Board of Library Trustees meets Tuesday, July 21, at 7:30 p.m. in the Salah Meeting Room at Town Hall, 801 Washington St.

The meeting is the board's first since the Canton Public Library closed Monday, June 29, for the third phase of its multi-year "The Next Chapter" repair and restoration project. The agenda, posted Wednesday, July 16, opens with a public comment period.

Trustees will also hear committee updates on both the interior renovation and capital projects, according to the posted agenda. A director's report, financial report, and director evaluation round out the business.

The main floor of the library at 786 Washington St. will remain closed to the public until early fall 2027. General contractor Seaver Company is handling the work, which was designed by TSKP Studio, the architectural firm selected in September 2024.

After an initial full closure of several weeks, the library plans to partially reopen with access on the ground floor and second floor. Patrons will enter through the Junior Room entrance. The main floor will remain off-limits throughout the renovation.

The project aims to address noise issues through reconfiguration, create a dedicated teen space in the current reference area, add quiet study rooms on both floors, and build additional meeting room space with glass and moveable walls. Three additional private study rooms are also planned.

Canton Town Meeting approved $2,818,000 for the renovation on Monday, May 12, 2025, combining $2,168,000 from free cash, $200,000 in Community Preservation Act funds for restoring the three original 1902 rooms, and $450,000 in turnback funds from the earlier roof and HVAC project. Town Meeting approved additional final funding on Monday, May 11, 2026, though the specific dollar amount of that appropriation has not been published.

The CPA funds will go toward repairing historic molding and walls damaged by water leaks in the original 1902 building.

During the closure, patrons can reserve materials online and pick them up at any library in the Old Colony Library Network. Digital services Hoopla and Libby remain available. A book drop in the library parking lot accepts returns.

"The staff and I are so excited to begin this phase of renovation for our library," Assistant Director Rosie Moore said in a June 26 press release announcing the closure. "This work will bring much-needed upgrades and a greatly improved library experience for all of our patrons."

The July 21 meeting is open to the public. Residents who want to speak can do so during the open comment period at the start of the agenda.