Merrimack Street Construction Projects

A new sidewalk and street project in front of the Library and City Hall on Merrimack Street is underway. The project timeline extends into October, as the contractor is working in localized phases to try and minimize impacts to City Hall employees and visitors and to keep on-street parking available where possible. Visitors should pay attention to posted parking restriction dates on Merrimack Street, Market Street and Cardinal O'Connell Parkway. At times, there may be some short-term traffic and pedestrian detours or closures. For the most up to date information, visit  City Hall Project 2026 | Lowell, MA

Elinor Lipman Award Winners

Pollard Memorial Library Foundation
Elinor Lipman Award for Writing

The Pollard Memorial Library Foundation is delighted to sponsor the annual Elinor Lipman Award for Writing.  This award honors Elinor Lipman, a distinguished, prolific and much-loved author born and raised in Lowell, by awarding a prize of $1,000 for a work of fiction or creative nonfiction written by a Lowell-based author.

Foundation Trustees with 2025 Lipman Award winner Julia Magee

Past Winners

2022
Lillian-Yvonne Bertram, winner of the 2022 Elinor Lipman Award for Writing
Stephen O’Connor, Distinguished Mention

2023
Ben Morrison, winner of the 2023 Elinor Lipman Award for Writing
Ashley Rose Rivera, Distinguished Mention

2024
Chance Lee, winner of the 2024 Elinor Lipman Award for Writing
Sally L. DeAngelis, Distinguished Mention

2025

Julia Magee, winner of the 2025 Elinor Lipman Award for Writing

Julia with former honorees Chance Lee (2024) and Stephen O’Connor (2022 – Distinguished Mention)

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