Belmont’s New Library Was Built for Everyone

When the Town of Belmont, Massachusetts, decided it was time to replace its aging Belmont Public Library, the goal was about more than creating a new building. It was about creating a place for the community to come together.

Working with Oudens Ello Architecture and Selbert Perkins Design, Belmont imagined a library where everyone could feel at home – a student looking for a quiet place to study, a family spending an afternoon together, a senior meeting a friend, or an entrepreneur finding a place to work and connect.

The result is a 41,000-square-foot library designed around the many ways people come together. Quiet study rooms sit alongside lively gathering spaces. Children’s areas connect to community rooms, while co-working spaces open onto outdoor terraces. There is room to focus, explore, meet, create, and simply be.

That sense of belonging extends to the library’s new identity. SPD created a bluebird logo inspired by Belmont’s trees, sky, and Woodland Garden, capturing the welcoming spirit of the new library.

“We’re thrilled to introduce our Blue Bird – the official new logo of the Belmont Public Library – and the symbol that will carry us into this next chapter,” said Peter Struzziero, Library Director. “It feels calm, natural, and unmistakably Belmont. The design also reflects our values: inclusivity, balance, and community.”

The same idea inspired “A Wall for All,” a donor installation featuring more than 1,000 names etched into translucent stone. Every donor is given an equal place, creating a lasting reminder that this library belongs to the entire community.

“The ‘Wall for All’ donor recognition piece was a particular point of pride,” said Sheri Bates, Principal at Selbert Perkins Design. “Designing an egalitarian, flowing display that celebrated each contributor equally was a meaningful challenge. The end result is a stunning, dynamic work of art that reflects the library’s inclusive spirit.”

Belmont created a place where people can meet, connect, and feel part of something bigger – a shared space for the community today and for generations to come.

“Selbert Perkins Design is a fantastic team player - responsive, reliable, and loyal. They strive for the best and consistently deliver unique solution-based designs that work within budget. Their creativity and innovation have helped distinguish our mixed-use development, City Creek Center, as a landmark destination”

“Rebranding is a real process - it’s not going to happen overnight – and Selbert Perkins Design has been with us every step of the way. Although we work with a bi-coastal team, it feels like we are their only client and that they are right around the corner. They have completely immersed themselves in our culture. Here in Lancaster, we wanted to make a statement and create a more positive perception. We went through an extensive community outreach process - stakeholders were informed, aware, and interviewed – and because of that, they feel a sense of ownership that has really made the brand take hold. The team at Selbert Perkins (Cliff, Sheri, and Cory) listened and led us through that creative decision-making process with ease.”

“We have worked with Selbert Perkins design on several projects over the last decade, including an interior and exterior wayfinding master plan for our entire campus. They are flexible and adaptable, able to listen to our needs and respond with creative solutions. SPD’s project management, understanding of best practices, and knowledge of materials, and install methods has kept us on track and on budget. They have become a true partner we can trust with large and small projects of all kinds.”

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Selbert Perkins Design is an international design firm specializing in the integration of Branding, Wayfinding, and Placemaking that drives economic success for our clients.

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