Needham Library Welcomes Next Chapter for Teens

April 17, 2026
• Several months of construction and years of planning later, the Needham Free Public Library reopened its expanded teen space.

After school, as many as 100 Needham High School students descend the hill and walk across the street into the Needham Free Public Library to study, work on group projects and check out books.

This Thursday, dozens of teens carried backpacks and books into a new space, one dedicated solely to them.

A celebratory ribbon cutting, led by Library Director Rob MacLean, ushered in local youth to the building’s renovated teen room, a 4,000-square-foot space outfitted for working, quiet study and socialization. Town leadership, library trustees and patrons flooded through the enclosed space to admire it themselves.

MacLean thanked library staff, both for their support and flexibility during construction, which began in the fall. The library remained open during that time.

Erin Bassett, the young adult librarian, said teens offered feedback throughout the process by testing out seats and contributing to focus groups and studies.

“We’ve got all kinds of stuff, all kinds of options, space for everybody,” Bassett said in her remarks. “This is what we aimed to do.”

The space has quintupled in size and expanded into areas previously occupied by young adult books and several desks. Then, just about 12 students could use the space at a time, but now, more than 90 students can.

There are two areas for video games — the space holds two PlayStation 5s, a Switch 2 and an Xbox, one staffer said — as well as booths and tables for working, a craft area and an enclosed quiet study space in the back corner.

The space caters to a variety of interests and needs, Needham High School Principal Aaron Sicotte said. As he walked through the quiet study space, he expressed excitement for students to tend to schoolwork, spend time with friends, tutor and decompress after a six-and-a-half-hour school day.

“We have a tremendous number of students who really appreciate the opportunities the library provides, and to now have this space is remarkable,” Sicotte said. “Even just the actual size of it, the square footage, it’s a huge investment in teenagers. That’s remarkable for the community. I love that.”

Town Meeting approved nearly $2.4 million in funding for the teen room renovation back in May 2025, the culmination of several years of work. The project, much to MacLean’s contentment, came in under budget. That means there are now plans to possibly add additional furniture and resources outside the teen room, Library Trustees Chair Michael O’Neal said.

It’s in that corner of the library where local fifth grader Sivan Miller currently enjoys reading — a quiet nook where she can sit her pile of checked-out selections and settle in.

As Sivan wandered the book shelves in the teen room, she said she was trying to “limit myself to five.” She said she’s excited to use the space — maybe now, or maybe when she’s officially a teen.

“I hope they let me in,” Sivan joked.

NHS freshmen Saoirse Olson, Sammy Zeylikman and Lily Skinner met with classmates nearby, tucking into a cushioned booth and laying out schoolwork. Before the renovation, Olson said she couldn’t always get a study spot.

“There was always a hard time finding tables out there, because a lot of other people had a table of their own,” Olson said. “But obviously, here’s an abundance of tables. And since there’s the quiet area, I don’t feel as bad about being loud or anything, because I see people here are willing to endure that.”

The students also mentioned access to textbooks possibly coming to the space soon.

Town Manager Katie King reminded students that “this space is built for you.”

“So for me, I’m so excited to see how you bring it to life. My hope, our hope, is you come here to gather, to learn, but also just to take a break from life in a space that’s meant for you,” King said. “I’m very excited to see that come to fruition.”

O’Neal uses the library daily, often taking a seat in Reference near the teen room. He addressed the gathered kids in the crowd, emphasizing that the library is a safe space and one where staff, including Bassett, support them.

“I wanted to say that what was really important is you have somebody who’s an advocate, who is tireless and looking for ways to make things better,” O’Neal said of Bassett. “Now you have a space and a place for yourselves to thrive and grow… This is where you build your dreams. This is where your dreams are supported.”

MacLean was joined by his two predecessors: Kim Hewitt, now the director of the Watertown Public Library, and Ann MacFate, who, prior to Hewitt, worked at the Needham library for 65 years before her retirement in 2021.

Now a library volunteer, MacFate said she was “delighted” by the renovation, which has been several years in the making. She oversaw the 2006 library renovation and how library usage has evolved over the years, transforming even more into a community hub.

MacFate, who lives in Needham, said the space is in “a wonderful spot.”

“It’s a long time coming, and it’s here, and I’m so glad for the kids,” she said. “Boy, if I was in seventh grade, I would love this.”