The Fells Branch Reimagined Write a chapter in the history of the Fells Branch Library with a named gift. Gifts of the following amounts, which could be pledged over a three-year period, entitle the donors to name recognition for themselves or in memory or honor of a loved one.

$75,000 Literacy Center at the Fells Branch

Naming recognition will appear in the foyer of the Fells Branch above the original schoolhouse chalkboard as the DONOR NAME Early Literacy Center at the Fells Branch.

$25,000 Circulation Cart

The re-imagined circulation desk will take the shape of an ice cream or hot dog cart – lighted umbrella and all! Naming recognition would appear on the front of the cart as DONOR NAME Circulation Cart.

$10,000 Town Market, Shakespeare House, Train Station, Town Hall

Central and highly visible in the Our Town design, these Wellesley landmarks offer opportunities for creative play and literature for our youngest readers. Donor recognition will be integrated into the overall design of the building.

$5,000 Hardy School, Hills Branch

Both with cupolas in their design, the Hardy School will hold rotating manipulatives and Hills Branch bookshelves. Donor recognition will be integrated into the overall design of the building.

$2,500 Window Seat (3 available)

The new design will feature three cozy window seats for children to enjoy quiet reading activities. Donor recognition will be recognized with a plaque on the bench.

Hardy School Train Station Town Hall

Hills Branch Town Market Shakespeare House

Window Seat Circulation Cart

About the Fells BranchOriginally a one-room schoolhouse, the Fells Branch was converted to a library in 1923 and is the oldest municipal building in Wellesley, located on Weston Road. The Fells Branch currently operates 100% on privately raised funds.

Renovating and Reinvigorating the Fells BranchThe Fells Branch will return to its roots as a place for young learners. We will create a unique and intimate early learning library focused on young children and their caregivers. The new high impact literacy and learning environment will offer hands-on, interactive activities geared toward 0-6 year olds and will support and encourage caregiver and preschooler interactions.

“Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.” – Mr. Rogers

The Fells Branch ReimaginedWhy A Learning Library?In FY2016, a committee made up of WFL staff, trustees, and education experts analyzed the current usage of the Fells Branch, the demand for early learning opportunities like Book Babies and recommended reimagining the Fells Branch as an Early Childhood Library.

The new learning library will encourage play as a crucial method of learning. Play lays the foundation for subsequent academic achievement and lifelong success. Libraries across the country now provide exciting spaces to encourage interaction, imagination, and curiosity. We want Wellesley libraries to serve an increasingly essential role in the success of our youngest citizens as lifelong learners. Currently, there are about 1,570 children under the age of five living in Wellesley who would benefit from the learning library – and this population is growing.

“Certainly, there is no shortage of studies that demonstrate the benefits of play. Play aids the development of physical dexterity, teaches kids how to negotiate group dynamics, and, ultimately, helps them cultivate creative-thinking skills. The United Nations has gone so far as to declare free play a basic human right.”

Is Your Child Creative Enough? Parenting January 1, 2012

by Carolina Miranda, p.100