2020 LIBRARY RENOVATION

The interior of the South End Branch Library recently enjoyed a significant renovation that included new flooring, fresh paint, a reconfiguration of existing space to offer more varied seating arrangements, additional electrical outlets and charging stations, new furnishings and upholstery, a ceiling-mounted projector and slide-down screen in the second floor community room, infant changing stations in the restrooms, upgraded staff facilities, and a charming mural depicting local landmarks and culturally recognizable popular pastimes. 

(Photographs courtesy of Juan Carlos Gonzalez)

The renovation, or “refresh,” which was completed in early 2020, was achieved through a unique public/private partnership between the BPL and FOSEL, each of which contributed to the cost of the project.  FOSEL’s contribution of $50,000 was raised via a successful capital campaign for the purpose conducted back in 2017, and BPL allocated $132,000 of City funds to the effort.        

Every member of FOSEL’s 2017 board contributed to the fundraising campaign, as did many generous South End residents.  Among other neighborhood associations, the Worcester Square Area neighborhood Association and the BPDA (formerly the BRA) wrote checks for the project.  Businesses such as Eversource Energy also chipped in. 

Although the refresh has provided the neighborhood with a substantially improved Library, planning has begun for a full-scale renovation, which will be carried out over the next few years.  The long-term schedule for the renovation remains uncertain due to the pandemic, but the first step in the planning process, a $100,000 Programming Study, has been funded and is in the FY 2020 City Capital Budget.   See Future Planning page for more.