A New Chapter for Tufts Library: Celebrating the Newly Refurbished Children's Wing
Rich Pellegrino, Amy Rosa, Mayor Mike Molisse, Matt Tallon (L to R)
On March 12th, we gathered with the Weymouth community to cut the ribbon on something truly special — a newly refurbished Children's Wing at Tufts Library, made possible entirely through private philanthropy.
The turnout said it all. Local business leaders, generous sponsors, library patrons, and families packed the room, filling the new space with exactly the kind of energy it was built for. It was a celebration not just of a renovation, but of what a community can accomplish when it chooses to invest in the places that matter most.
Remarks That Resonated
Foundation President Matt Tallon opened the program with a reflection on the power of private giving to create lasting impact in public spaces. Library Director Amy Rosa spoke to the specifics of what was built (and more importantly, why) sharing her vision for a Children's Wing that would spark curiosity, encourage creativity, and give every child who walks through those doors a reason to stay a little longer. Mayor Mike Molisse offered remarks that captured the spirit of the day, that Weymouth is a town that shows up for its community.
The Mural That Stopped Everyone in Their Tracks
The centerpiece of the renovation is a floor-to-ceiling mural by Rich Pellegrino, an award-winning South Shore illustrator and Assistant Professor at New England College whose commercial work spans the NFL, New England Patriots, Warner Bros., and filmmaker Wes Anderson. Rich was onsite with his family, and the moment attendees saw the large scale mural for the first time was one of the highlights of the afternoon.
The piece takes children on a visual journey through three passages of time, from safari grasslands and volcanic tundra to the deep ocean, and was designed in Rich's own words, as "a giant storybook environment for kids to explore." What made it even more meaningful is that Rich lives just minutes from Tufts Library and is a Weymouth parent himself. This was personal.
A Space Built for Imagination
Beyond the mural, the new wing features custom children's furniture designed to invite discovery, including a nature-view greenhouse table, a playhouse reading nook, soft seating throughout, and more. Every element was funded privately through the Foundation, a testament to what's possible when community partners and donors come together around a shared vision.
Thank You
None of this happens without the sponsors, donors, board members, and community partners who believe in this endeavor to invest in Weymouth’s libraries. Your generosity is written into every wall of this room — and it will be felt by every child who explores it for years to come.
The Children's Wing at Tufts Library is bustling per usual, we hope you'll come see these exciting updates for yourself!
The Weymouth Libraries Foundation supports Weymouth's public libraries through private philanthropy. Reach out to get involved and/or apply to join our Board of Directors here.
