For over 125 years, the Kensington Library has stood as a beacon of learning, imagination, and community. From its origins in 1895 when Joseph Hilliard generously gifted the original library building—to the 1976 expansion that brought a children’s reading room and additional space, the library has grown with our town and evolved with the times.

Today, it is more than just a building filled with books. It’s a welcoming, vibrant hub where stories come to life, neighbors gather, and a love for lifelong learning flourishes.

See the whole story on our website: here!

The Vision for Expansion

Since our last expansion (1976), Kensington's population has more than doubled.

Demand is surging—but our space can’t keep up.

Children’s programs fill up quickly, often with waiting lists
Teens have no dedicated space of their own
Quiet study areas are too limited
Community groups face a shortage of accessible meeting rooms
The Sawyer Room and restrooms are not ADA-compliant, creating barriers for:
- Young parents with strollers and Seniors who want to attend programs but can’t
  access the upper level

By the Numbers – 2024 Statistics

65 new families joined as patrons
7,600 visits, a 16% increase
- An average of 600 visits per month
- 1,000+ visits were for events
Nearly 11,000 physical books checked out, a 6% increase
- A large percentage are children’s titles
- 3,700 audiobooks and e-books downloaded

We’re planning a thoughtful and exciting 4,406-square-foot expansion that includes:

Fully accessible ADA-compliant design, including an elevator, so every member of our community can fully enjoy the library
A dedicated teen area to foster independence, exploration, and creativity
Quiet study and reading rooms for focused work and peaceful reflection
Expanded space for children’s materials and programming to meet soaring demand
Upgraded staff workspaces and storage to allow for staff to continue to provide excellent service, maintain a collection of diverse materials, and plan engaging programs for the community.

This $5.5 million project is a once-in-a-generation investment in our town’s heart and future.

Strategic Planning and Vision

This project stems from the 2019 Strategic Plan, which was developed with community input, including surveys and public sessions. The vision is to make the library a center for education, information, and cultural enrichment.

Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future

MAKE A DIFFERENCE TODAY