Boston Public Library’s $78 million central library renovation was recently awarded seven national and local awards, celebrating the project’s design excellence, preservation and outstanding collaboration. Among the honors are the 2017 AIA/ALA Library Building Awards from the joint American Institute of Architects (AIA) and American Library Association (ALA) program, as well as the Boston Preservation Alliance Preservation Achievement Award. The East Boston Branch of the Boston Public Library, which opened in 2013, was also recognized with a 2017 AIA/ALA Library Building Award. The Central Library Renovation celebrated its one-year anniversary of the grand reopening on July 9.

The project team includes architecture and design services by William Rawn Assoc. Architects Inc., construction manager Consigli Construction Co. Inc. and owner’s project manager, PMA Consultants LLC.

The Central Library project, completed in July 2016, features updates to the lower level, first and second floors, mezzanine and the building exterior of the Johnson building. Goals for the renovation included reconnecting the building to the street and providing a welcoming and 21st century urban library experience. Other features of the renovation include a state-of-the-art lecture hall, business library and innovation center, a new Children’s Library and Teen Central, a WGBH satellite news bureau and studio a café, a hi-tech community learning center and more.

“The Central Library Renovation has reinvented our building, reconnected us to the city and transformed our library services,” David Leonard, president of the Boston Public Library, said in a statement. “These awards are a reflection of the thoughtful planning and engagement work we did with a multitude of stakeholders and partners as we developed a vision for an inviting, dynamic, and modern space, responsive to 21st century urban civic life with a strong connection to the city.”

“We are grateful and excited that the mayor and people from all parts of the city have responded so enthusiastically to the civic transformation which took place one year ago at the Boston Public Library,” William Rawn, FAIA, of William Rawn Assoc. Architects Inc., said in a statement.

Complete details about each of the seven awards granted to BPL can be found here.