Special Meeting Held to Discuss Status of the South End Library

A FOSEL-initiated meeting was held on October 17, 2022 to engage BPL and City leaders in a discussion about the short and long term plans for the South End Library. 

Among those present were Boston City Council President Ed Flynn, BPL President David Leonard, BPL Director of Neighborhood Services Priscilla Foley, Ben and Jane Siegel from South End Seniors, South End Forum leader Steve Fox, Chief of Boston City Operations Dion Irish, State Representative Jon Santiago, FOSEL board members Yvette Jarreau and Joe Rondinelli, and FOSEL founder Marleen Nienhuis. 

Leonard provided an update on the current state of the Library, which requires a complete systems redesign, following last April’s flooding , according to the engineering firm that evaluated the situation.  It is estimated that the repairs are likely to cost roughly $1 million and take 18 to 20 months to complete. 

Leonard pointed out that the South End Library has been in line for a major renovation for several years and that the City’s capital budget already includes funding for a programming study as the initial phase of the renovation.  Given this context and the cost and complexity of making the short-term repairs, Leonard recommended skipping the repairs and instead accelerating the renovation process.   

The FOSEL representatives presented their concerns about losses suffered by the South End community as a result of the Library’s closure (whether for repairs or renovation). They requested implementation of well-publicized and reliable temporary services and programs for the South End Branch specifically, and recommended more generally that the BPL implement a system-wide policy of providing temporary services and programs during all significant branch closures.  In addition, FOSEL requested regular monthly meetings with BPL and City leaders to keep the community up to date on the Library’s status until it reopens, as well as the posting of regular and visible communications/notifications on the street-facing side of the Library and online about the status of repairs.

Siegel shared key points from the South End Seniors’ meeting with Mayor Wu, indicating that this group also favors moving forward with a full renovation while offering temporary services.  He put forth a variety of suggestions for operating during the closure, such as utilizing space at the Mel King technical center, deploying a bookmobile, providing transportation for seniors to the Central Library, and partnering with the community in other ways.

Leonard stated that although it would be impossible to provide a full panoply of temporary services, the BPL might be able to locate alternative spaces to make up for some of what has been lost.  He is interested in a detailed accounting of which programs and services are most urgently needed by various South End cohorts.  Flynn stated that the needs of residents of Castle Square, Villa Victoria, children in general, and immigrant families, should be examined, for a start.  Additional insight may be gained through regularly scheduled community meetings.

Leonard acknowledged that although online programs and one-off events in Library Park have been occurring, there is a need for consistent, scheduled services and ongoing engagement.   

Fox raised the need to establish a process to move forward, highlighting the importance of keeping the community informed and engaged in the decision on whether to make the short-term repairs or skip to the full-scale renovation.  He suggested an Article 80 process for an impact advisory group that includes all neighborhoods, South End Seniors, and Library users, with public meetings to be held on a short timetable.  Leonard suggested that the BPL Community Advisory Process can be faster than Article 80.

Speaking on behalf of the City, Irish indicated that the South End Library is a priority for the Mayor, State Reps, City Councilors, and the South End.  He stated that the City will assign a project manager to the South End renovation by year-end, start community engagement in early 2023, move into design within 2023, and proceed to construction in 2024 -a two-to-three-year timeline.  Leonard concurred with this approach and Flynn expressed his support for the funding.  Santiago noted that he too supports an accelerated renovation process.

Leonard proposed that Jarreau, Nienhuis, and Fox head up a Working Group to recommend temporary services ideas and to coordinate with Kim Crucioli of the City Office of Neighborhood Services to set up a broader public meeting and identify candidates for the BPL Community Advisory Committee (the group that would engage in the Programming Study process).  The City Office of Neighborhood Services has the final word on Community Advisory Committee participation and would welcome the input.

BPL Trustees Meet In-Person for the First Time in Nearly Three Years

On October 11, for the first time in nearly three years, the BPL Trustees held an in-person meeting. 

BPL Copley Square

Board Chair Priscilla Douglas began the meeting by introducing two new Trustees:  Jose C Masso, III and Lynn Perry Wooten.  Masso is currently Chief of Human Services for the City of Boston and was formerly Co-Executive Director of United South End Settlements.  Wooten is President of Simmons University, and earlier served as the David J. Nolan Dean and Professor of Management and Organizations at Cornell University.

New Trustee, Jose Masso III

Douglas identified three imperatives for the 2022/2023 Trustees:  Engage, Amplify, and Partner.  She reminded the Trustees of their role as agents of public trust, stewards of the BPL’s resources, and day-to-day ambassadors for the Library. 

The committee on Engagement, which exists to ensure that communities feel connected to the Library, is chaired by Linda Dorcena Forry, with Masso as Vice Chair.  In discussing the committee’s mandate, Masso highlighted the goal of making the branches “preferred destinations.” Others expressed the need for better public communication and promotion of the Library’s offering. 

An update about the Trustees’ Committee Structure was presented.  Information about the specific committees can be found on the BPL website at https://www.bpl.org/about-the-bpl/board-of-trustees/board-of-trustees-committees/.

BPL President, David Leonard, began his President’s Report with recent highlights, beginning with the September 13th opening of the Special Collections Department following a significant renovation.  More details can be found here.  Other highlights included the Passport Program, Adult Summer Reading, Book Lists of Native American lives and stories, an All-Staff Professional Development Day on September 23rd (with Library closure), and an offering of 30 different workshops for staff.

In the Challenges portion of his Report, Mr. Leonard gave top priority to vacancy management, indicating there are currently 50-60 active, full-time vacancies at the Library (a 20% shortage).  This problem is not unique to City departments or libraries.  Although BPL has been hiring and promoting from within, efforts are complicated by the requirement that employees be City residents and the challenge of providing compensation commensurate with the high cost of living. 

The South End Branch has been closed since April due to flooding that damaged systems.

Next on Leonard’s agenda was the need to repair systems at the South End Branch, which were destroyed as the result of a burst pipe last April.  BPL is reviewing new information on the cost and timing of the repairs, both of which will exceed initial estimates.  A meeting with leaders of the South End community is set for the week of October 17th to discuss whether to proceed with repairs or move directly to the the programming study phase of the planned renovation.      

Next Mr. Leonard talked about the need for a new Strategic Plan to replace the shorter-term Roadmap of current priorities, which covers 2019 – 2024, as well as the last full Plan which was completed in 2012.  The Trustees’ Strategic Plan Sub-Committee, headed by Trustee Christian Westra, will work toward a creating a new plan for 2024.

The Trustees next voted to approve (i) a lease extension for the North End Branch and Il Panino, (ii) collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Housing on the redevelopment of the West End Branch to include housing, (iii) a three-year contract with The Catered Affair, and (iv) BPL’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022.

Jabari Asim

Jabari Asim was recognized by Douglas for being appointed Distinguished Professor of Multidisciplinary Letters at Emerson College.

In the Public Comments* portion of the meeting, Pamela Miles and Jamada Smith of Roxbury expressed the desire to reopen the decision on the naming of the “Roxbury Branch of the BPL at Nubian Square,” wishing it to be called the “Nubian Branch.”

The next meeting of the BPL Trustees is scheduled for Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at 8:30 am in the Central Library.

*The following public comment was submitted in writing to the Trustees by FOSEL president, Yvette Jarreau.

 FOSEL Statement for BPL Trustees about the South End Branch

o   SEL has been closed almost 2 of the past 3 years due to cosmetic update in 2019, Covid, and now almost 6 months and counting due to basement flood

o   Quantity of lost services from first quarter 2019:  94 programs; 20,600 visitors, 22,300 items in circulation, 738 wireless sessions, and 2845 computer sessions

o   Parents, children, and day care groups have lost most of their Branch services; staff is assigned elsewhere

o   No gathering place; no meeting space; no taxi voucher pick-up – a key pillar of BPL strategic plan

o   Seniors are not all able to get to Central Library easily

o   No WIFI in Library Park

o   SEL Programming Study has been planned/budgeted for 3-4 years.  There is an opportunity to engage the community in the future of SEL

This is an important operational issue for the Library and a significant disruption for the community.  BPL could shift its approach to branch closures/service interruptions by implementing solutions for providing temporary services when branches are closed.

After almost 6 months of closure, we do not have a scheduled reopening timetable. 

Why doesn’t the City Facilities Department assign a project manager for the SEL programming study?  What is holding this up and how can you advocate for this to happen?

Awesome Music in Library Park!

FOSEL was once again able to present our exciting summer Jazz & Blues concerts in Library Park this July /August.

FOSEL is so grateful to once again be able to enjoy live music with friends and neighbors in South End Library Park.

July 26th, August 2nd, and August 16th were beautiful, warm and breezy evenings, perfect for Pat Loomis and Friends’ Jazz & Blues concerts in the Park. When the music started, the Park filled with happy listeners singing along and clapping. This year Pat was featured with several bands offering up a wonderful mix of jazz and blues pieces that pleased everyone—seated, standing, or lining the fences.

International Strings performing in Library Park

On July 26th Pat Loomis and Friends played music from their recent album, It’s About Time; on August 2nd Pat played with Zeke Martin and the Oracle; and on August 16th, he played with Sarah Seminski and Friends.

FOSEL’s August 30th concert featured International Strings for the first time. The group included a talented, polyglot vocalist who sang in French, Spanish, Italian and English.  The violinist was a terrific showman, very animated and able to switch between a violin (that was blue and electric!) and a banjo in a single beat. The audience was happy and relaxed and loved the show.

Thanks to all who made these music-filled evenings so delightful!

Summer Concerts in Library Park are back!

The Friends of the South End Library (FOSEL) are thrilled to invite all our neighbors to Library Park for six summer concerts this year! Join us in welcoming back our long-time friend and talented saxophonist, Pat Loomis, for jazz & blues concerts with his group Pat Loomis and Friends Tuesday evenings between July 26th and August 16th.

Come enjoy the International String Trio

South Enders enjoying a Pat Loomis concert last summer

This year FOSEL also welcomes International String Trio for two concerts on August 30th and September 6th. Featuring Russian-born guitarist Slava Tolstoy, virtuoso violinist and singer Rob Flax, and Boston native bassist Max Ridley, the IST’s players embody its cosmopolitan aesthetic. The trio’s performances encompass a range of styles, including Gypsy swing, old-time Appalachian laments, traditional Irish reels, celebratory klezmer, passionate tango, graceful French musette, and burning bluegrass. They play intricately arranged music that leaves room for improvisation without focusing on it.  You won’t want to miss the energy and excitement these young musicians will bring to our Park!

Although the Library remains closed for repairs, we are excited to be able to gather outside again and enjoy good company and outstanding entertainment!

Concert Dates:

July 26: Pat Loomis and Friends playing music from their recent jazz/blues album It’s About Time

August 2: Zeke Martin and The Oracle ( jazz/funk fusion ) featuring Pat Loomis

August 16: Sarah Seminski and Friends ( jazz and blues ) - featuring Pat Loomis

August 30: International Strings Trio

September 13: International Strings Trio

*All concerts start at 6:30pm

FREE GRUBSTREET WORKSHOP: SOUTH END MEMOIR PROJECT

Everyone has a story!

Get started on your memoir in this free 6-week workshop, offered by GrubStreet in partnership with the Boston Public Library. Writers of all ages and experience levels are welcome to participate. Simply register to secure your spot. This class will take place via Zoom. Participants are asked to register for the entire series, and registrants will receive  a Zoom link via email prior to the session start time. To learn more and register, visit tinyurl.com/SEmemoir.

In this course, you will:

• Get inspired by other writers in your neighborhood

• Explore ways to uncover personal and family narratives

• Learn ways of using local, regional, and national history as a backdrop  

• Share your writing and exchange feedback with your classmates

• Read and discuss excerpts of works written by new and established authors

Presented in Partnership with GrubStreet

Wednesdays July 6, 13, 20, and August 3, 10, and 17 at 3pm - 5pm

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

For more information contact dklein@bpl.org

Central Library in Copley Square

700 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116

BPL Trustees Hold May Meeting

On May 24, 2022, the BPL Board of Trustees held its annual meeting to welcome new Trustees appointed by the Mayor and to thank those leaving the role.  Welcomed in were Jose C. Masso III and Lynn Perry Wooten, PhD.  Departing Trustees Joyce Linehan and Zamawa Arenas were thanked for their great service.  Three Trustees were reappointed; Evelyn Arana-Ortiz, John Hailer, and Priscilla Douglas.  Later in the meeting the Board voted on its slate of officers, with Priscilla Douglas as Chairperson, Evelyn Arana-Ortiz as Vice Chair, and Pamela Carter as Clerk.

Chairperson Douglas announced that under Mayor Wu’s reorganized cabinet, BPL is now housed in the Department of Human Services, which also includes Youth Engagement, Age Strong, Veterans, and the Office of Returning Citizens.

BPL President David Leonard

BPL President David Leonard echoed the thanks to the outgoing Trustees and offered congratulations to Priscilla Douglas on being the Speaker at Northeastern’s recent commencement ceremony and to Michael Colford for being named to the Massachusetts Library Organization.

Library Operations. Leonard announced that BPL has hired 40 new staff members this year, 43% of whom are people of color.  He stated that the Libraries will return to fuller in-person hours, including Saturday hours for all branches and Sunday hours for the Central Branch, and will gradually return to in-person programming with masks strongly recommended for all. 

Leonard spoke about BPL’s resistance to the book banning movement taking place around the country, and indicated that although BPL does have a process for evaluating suggestions for censorship, it has seldom needed to use it. 

Leonard referred to a multi-page document enumerating past year accomplishments, which is available at: https://www.bpl.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2022/05/Meeting-Materials-for-5.24.22.pdf (see Executive Summary on pages 9-11).

He expressed excitement about great summer programs and work in the Equity/Diversity/Inclusion area, work force development, youth services and reopening of the Rare Books area.  He also expressed dismay at the closure of the South End Branch due to water damage and indicated that the damage is still being assessed.

Faneuil Branch Library

Anna Mazzola, President of the Friends of the Faneuil Branch Library, presented a proposal to dedicate and rename the Children’s Room at the Faneuil Branch Library as JaiJai’s Room after Jairam Miguel Rodriges Rao, who was a frequent and active patron and supporter and passed away recently at the young age of 17.  The Trustees voted in favor of bestowing this honor.

Angela Veizaga, Director of Strategic Partnerships, then presented the BPL 2022 Action Plan for the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, which the Trustees approved.  It can be accessed here:  https://www.bpl.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2022/05/Meeting-Materials-for-5.24.22.pdf (see pages 12-16).

The Equity/Diversity/Inclusion Update was presented by Roudnie Celestin, Equity Programs Officer, who joined BPL in February.  Celestin talked about initiating digital equity through the long-term lending of Internet service and Chromebook laptops, and equitable procurement through a new contract with Sweet Teez, a small business owned by a woman of color.  For Women’s History Month, Celestin created a Women’s History Tea, in which she connected with all the branches about inspiring women in history.

BPL holds many special collections of non-circulating materials, which are available to patrons, and their rarity requires that access be balanced with security.  After three years, a Collections Security Policy has been created, reviewed and approved by the Trustees.  It provides for Library-wide responsibility for collection security, including digital security, and an institutional commitment of resources to the purpose, and it addresses security breach response measures.  The Policy is available on the BPL website and will be audited and reviewed biannually.  You can access it here:  https://www.bpl.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2022/05/Meeting-Materials-for-5.24.22.pdf (see pages 17-19).

The Finance and Audit Committee, represented by John Hailer and Ellen Donaghey, presented a summary of Mayor Wu’s recommended operating and capital budgets for FY ’23, and the Board voted to accept it.  Votes were also taken on several large contracts:  Emcor for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services throughout the Library system at over $7.5M, United Elevator at almost $450K, and Marcum LLP for audit review services at $106.5K.  Other votes were taken to delegate approval of upcoming contracts to the committee.  (https://www.bpl.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2022/05/Meeting-Materials-for-5.24.22.pdf (see pages 5-8 for the budget documents).

The Next meetings of the Trustees are scheduled for Oct. 11, 2022, Nov. 15, 2022, Jan. 17, 2023, Mar. 21, 2023, and May 23, 2023 from 8:30am to10:00am.  They are slated to take place in-person at the Central Branch but may end up virtual. 

New Business. A documentary called Latino Pioneers in Boston will be presented in Rabb Hall on Thursday, May 26 from 5:30pm to 8:00pm.  The documentary can be found here: https://bpl.bibliocommons.com/events/61e1e6572236a03600833da7

John Hailer raised a question about social media censorship and wondered whether it might be a future topic for Board discussion.  Leonard indicated that BPL has a media literacy specialist who might be able to prepare a briefing related to that subject.   

Public Comments. Alissa Cadillic, President of the AFSCME#1526, endorsed the renaming of the Children’s Room at the Faneuil Library Branch.  She also raised air quality issues in existing buildings and suggested there should be an allocation in the capital budget for this purpose.  She also mentioned the need for new employees to have two weeks’ onboarding when they join BPL. 

David Vieira, President of Citywide Friends of the Library, requested that in-person Trustees’ meetings be held at various branches as they were before the pandemic.  He expressed a desire to reschedule the Friends breakfast and to invite Board members to attend so they can get to know the Friends groups.

Samuel Pierce expressed continuing concern about the name of the Roxbury Branch, referencing the need to reckon with Boston’s history regarding slavery.  Sadiki Kambon also spoke on the Roxbury Branch naming process, stating his belief that it was mishandled.  Trustee Ben Bradlee responded to these concerns suggesting that the phrase “at Nubian Square,” currently used only administratively, could be made official by the Trustees.  John Hailer pointed out that there was ample opportunity for all of the varying viewpoints on this issue to be expressed, and that many supported the name “Roxbury Branch” based on its historical importance.  Priscilla Douglas reiterated that the Library Administration has fully briefed the Mayor on the name change and the issue is closed. 

Project Oscar: Community Composting at the South End Library

Library Park’s composting bin provides the South End with both a splash of color and a civic service.

Since 2014, the City of Boston’s Project Oscar has distributed dumpster-sized bins into which residents can drop their food scraps for use in composting. As part of the recent expansion of the program, a bin has been placed in our own Library Park!

Instructions on the compost bin

The compost bins are as ornamental as they are functional. The City worked with local artists to customize the bins through its Public Space Invitational civic design competition. Library Park’s bin dons a semi-abstract explosion of floral imagery in a rainbow palette that brightens the area with colorful cheer.

The Library Park bin will be managed by the City’s Public Works Department (PWD) and serviced by Black Earth Compost. On the exterior of the bin is helpful signage with clear directions about what can and cannot be dropped in for composting.

Additional educational materials about composting provided by the PWD are available here.

Contact information for questions about Project Oscar and composting

In addition to Project Oscar, the City runs a number of other initiatives aimed at expanding community engagement around composting and Zero Waste. Its ambitious Zero Waste Plan strives to reach a recycling rate of 80% by 2035 and 90% by 2050. As of 2019, the rate was somewhere around 25%. By far the largest contributor to the waste stream is food waste, which makes up about one-third of the total. This represents a huge opportunity, as composting is a simple way to recycle food waste.

Library Park in Bloom

Over the course of several days leading up to Thanksgiving 2021, a small group of dedicated volunteers, including several FOSEL board members, braved the cold to plant nearly 1,000 daffodil bulbs and 100 hosta bulbs in Library Park. They raked leaves, removed fallen branches, dug holes and planted until the last bulb was covered.  Now that spring is here, all that hard work is paying off, with the Park abloom in cheerful shades of yellow and white. Stroll by and have a look for yourself!

The relatively new tradition of planting thousands of spring bulbs in Library Park began in the fall of 2018, when FOSEL learned that City funding for the Park’s re-design would exclude plantings. Rather than leave the Park’s garden with nothing to show for the makeover, FOSEL brought in the first round of plantings that fall and watched them bloom profusely in the spring of 2019. During that 2019 summer, with the help of South End State Reps., Jon Santiago and Aaron Michlewitz, FOSEL secured $25,000 for soil improvement, perennials, an irrigation system and new low-level interior fencing as well as exterior fence repair.

Thousands more bulbs were planted in the fall of 2019 and 2020, which brought much appreciated beauty to the Park each following spring.  Now, once again, as a result of the hard work last fall, the Park has come alive with color and cheer, a harbinger of hope after another difficult year.  

BPL Trustees Hold First Meeting of 2022

On January 18th, the BPL Trustees held their first meeting of 2022.

 Opening Affirmation

BPL Copley

 BPL Board Chair, Priscilla Douglas, opened the meeting with an affirmation of the BPL principles taken from the Institutional Statement Ratified by the Board of Trustees for the Boston Public Library on September 29, 2020:

•  The BPL Trustees reaffirm their commitment to racial equity and to principles of diversity equity and inclusion, more broadly.

•  The Library is formally committed to becoming an anti-racist organization in response to systemic racism, inequality, and injustice prevalent in society.

•  The BPL Trustees acknowledge that the Central Library stands on land that was once a water-based ecosystem providing sustenance for the indigenous people of Massachusetts, and is a place which has long served as a site of meeting and exchange among nations. The BPL Trustees are committed to land acknowledgements for all locations on which it operates.

• The BPL Trustees reaffirm this commitment to set the context for planning, deliberations, and public engagement, so that they take place in the spirit of welcome and respect, reflected in the Library’s motto ‘free to all.’

Douglas also framed the Library’s equity work as EDI, indicating that equity must lead the way into diversity and inclusion.

President David Leonard honored all staff as “Librarians of the Year” and acknowledged how well they handled adverse weather and Covid test kit distribution in December. 

 Covid

The BPL is in the middle of the current Omicron surge and about 30 staff members were out last week.  As of 1/15 /22, the BPL will adhere to the City’s requirement that employees provide proof of vaccination, with first shots by 1/15/22 and second shots by 2/15/22, or undergo weekly testing.  Staff will be given time off to get vaccinated and tested, and staff in certain larger buildings can work from home until 1/31/22.  Vaccinations will also be required for patrons attending the café, restaurants, or private events. Masks are being made available for staff and patrons.   

There will be a delay in returning to expanded hours due to the Omicron surge.  The new date has not yet been set.  There is also a temporary return to virtual programming, although school visits will be allowed under specific guidelines.  Updated Covid signage is up, branches are revising the spacing of computers, and library card renewal dates will be extended.

 Open Positions

The BPL currently employs 433 people.  As of the end of 2021, the number of open positions fell from 96 to 66 (back up to 76 in early 2022 due to retirements and post-holiday changes). 

 Staffing Changes

Leonard shared some key staffing changes:

Laura Irmser, Director of Collections, has left BPL.  Collections Department Interim appointments include Melissa Andrews, Head of Technical Services & Collection Development (reporting to Michael Colford); Eben English, Digital Services & Digital Repository Team (also reporting to Michael Colford); and Beth Prindle, Head of Special Collections (reporting to David Leonard).  Priscilla Foley, Head of Neighborhood Services, will now report directly to David Leonard, with the addition of Maija Meadows Hasegawa as an added Area Neighborhood Services Manager.  In the Statewide & MBLN Library Program Support team, Angela Veizaga has transferred to Director of Partnerships and Keith Gillette is a new management addition as Chief Technology Officer.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Leonard and Colford updated the Board on the BPL Equity Agenda, reiterating the goals of:

• Being equity-led;

• Becoming an anti-racist organization;

• Building a healthier culture that promotes equity, respects diversity, and is inclusive;

• Ensuring that Collections & Services work is informed by EDI Principles; and

• Contributing to progress towards an equitable and equal, anti-racist society.

 Leonard reviewed the following EDI timeline:

• Began the new dialogue on Racial Justice, May 2020 

• Created the Statement on Racial Equity Commitment, August 2020 

• Began the Repairing America Series, 2020 and 2021 

• Started the YW Work Phase 1, July – December 2020

• Continued with YW Cohort Work Phase 2, February to October 2021

• Cohort Report Outs, November 2021

• Team and Department conversations/planning, Ongoing

• Cohort Working Group Recommendations, January 2022 Launch

• Equity Coordinator Hiring, projecting February 2022 Start

Staff is very involved in this work.  Over 400 employees participated in two different learning workshops offered in 2021.  Currently there are several key BPL Inclusion Cohort/Equity Working Groups focusing on inclusive decision making and transparency in communications, recruiting, and hiring with a focus on people of color (POC), professional development (with POC focus), formation of a BIPOC Resource Group and an Indigenous Peoples Issues Group, creation of a Climate Change Response Team, and conducting a Collections Management Procedure Review, incorporating guiding EDI principles. 

Demographic comparison:  The proportion of Latino individuals employed by the Library lags behind the proportion of Latino individuals in the City of Boston as a whole by about 11%, and the shortfall for black employees is around 5%.  Ideally, Leonard stated, BPL staffing diversity would mirror that of the City.

A 2021 snapshot of BPL POC Employees shows improvement is needed in various roles in the organization.

Leadership: 2 of 8 (25%)

Senior Managers: 5 of 20 (25%) 

All Managers: 10 of 42 (24%)

Branch Librarians: 5 of 23 (22%)

Senior Librarian Assistant Roles: 3 of 6 (50%)

PSA: 28 of 169 (16%)

AFSCME: 131 of 213 (61%)

Plans for 2022 include updating and managing the timeline for Action Plan commitments, determining metrics, and seeking a new external organization for ongoing cultural competency work and development of EDI expertise.

Key programming themes for 2022 include Black Is… (February), Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage (May), Pride (June), Latinx Life (September), and Native Voices (November). 

Through the Repairing America program, BPL pledges to continue helping Americans become more resilient and able to face and conquer the challenges of today by offering programs and services in the areas of economic recovery, civic engagement and discourse, COVID-19 recovery, racial equity, workforce development, and youth engagement.

Finance & Audit Committee Report

Evelyn Arana-Ortiz, in partnership with Beth Prindle, sought and received approval for a project by Hepzibah Rapoport Consulting to clean, inventory, catalog, store, and provide access to hundreds of thousands of items in the Library’s significant founding research collection.  The project is funded by a private anonymous donor. 

 New Business

Trustee Jabari Asim was recognized for his newly published novel Yonder, set in the 1850 American South about risks enslaved peoples were willing to take for love. 

Also mentioned was the January 31st author talk by Patrisse Cullers, co-founder of Black Lives Matter, about her latest book, An Abolitionist’s Handbook: 12 Steps to Change Yourself and the World.  She will be interviewed by L'Merchie Frazier, a visual activist and artist, historian, and educator who is the Director of Education and Interpretation for the Museum of African American History, Boston and Nantucket. 

Alyssa Cadillac, President of AFSCME, in addition to thanking staff and management for the recognition of all Library workers, asked about eliminating the requirement that all senior staff have Masters of Library Sciences degrees.  She also questioned how decisions were made with respect to which Finance Committee contracts are brought to the Trustees. 

The next trustees meeting is scheduled for March 15, 2022 at 8:30AM.

Library Park Planting

A big “thank you” to all who helped and supported the planting of Library Park in preparation for Spring. Despite the cold, volunteers came out over the course of several days before and after the Thanksgiving holiday to plant nearly 1,000 daffodil bulbs and 100 hosta bulbs!

Our volunteers included Tracey Bolotnick, Barbara Faires, Kelley Connors, Barbara Sommerfeld, Derek Lessing and his wife Kathy, Chris Fagg, Yvette Jarreau and Hermine Muskat (who took photos). 

This year FOSEL chose a variety of daffodils, which are expected to return annually from early to late spring.  We also experimented with planting two types of hosta – some edged with green and others with white.

The new tradition of planting thousands of Spring bulbs in Library Park began in the fall of 2018, when FOSEL learned that City funding for the Park’s re-design would exclude plantings.

Rather than leave the Park’s with nothing to for the makeover but a thin layer of brown mulch where plants used to be, FOSEL brought in the first load of 3,000 bulbs that fall and watched them bloom profusely in the spring of 2019. During that 2019 summer, with the help of South End State Reps., Jon Santiago and Aaron Michlewitz, FOSEL secured $25,000 for soil improvement, perennials, an irrigation system and new low-level interior fencing as well as exterior fence repair.

Green-edged hosta

With the current planting, FOSEL is looking forward to another season of delighting all passers by in the Spring of 2022!

BPL Trustees Hold November Meeting and Discuss Hiring Challenges and Plans for a Central Library Renovation

 President’s Report.

The BPL Trustees met on November 16th, and kicked off with President David Leonard reporting that it has been a banner year for the library branches.  There were ribbon cuttings at Adams Street and Roxbury, with Roslindale scheduled for December 12th.  Both the Jamaica Plain and Roxbury Branches are recipients of One Percent for Art awards, and Utile Design, the architectural firm that designed the new Roxbury Branch at Nubian Square, received a 2021 AIA/ALA Library Building Award.  Utile worked with the Boston Public Facilities Department and the BPL to complete the 27,000 square foot comprehensive renovation.

Next, Leonard introduced three new managers on the BPL team (two internal promotions and one new hire).  Angelique Davis is a new Assistant Human Resources Manager and Jesse Snow is the new Assistant Manager of Youth Services.  Sara Zaphiris has recently joined as Chief of Staff after many years of service with City and State government.

Addressing the collections ordering process issues that have been raised recently, Leonard stated that he shares the aim of improving current practices to ensure that good, relevant collections are available for all patrons.  He commended those who have raised the issues as well as the staff who are working to assess and improve the process.  He stated that there are no quick fixes and committed to having a more complete discussion of the subject at a future Trustees’ meeting.

Leonard noted that internal changes focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion at the BPL are ongoing and that while progress has been made on some fronts, much still needs to be done.   “We have to do better valuing all of the voices.  This is serious and urgent,” he said.  This will be a key topic for the next Trustees meeting in January.

Segueing to what Leonard called “a staffing crisis,” he reported that although BPL has hired for some open positions, there remain 75 full-time slots to fill.  As a result, the current limited central and branch library hours will continue into 2022.  Leonard indicated that the staffing difficulties are a result of the 2020 pandemic hiring freeze, a larger number of retirements than usual, and staff “quality of life” choices about remote work and moving out of Boston.

In response to a question about diversity hiring, Leonard pointed out that the demographics of the library staff mirror the overall demographics of the City, but acknowledged that there is a dearth of diversity among library and technical professionals in general that causes pipeline challenges in meeting diversity hiring goals.  He also noted that entry level positions can be difficult to fill because of a library requirement that people working for the City must live in the City, where the cost of living can be prohibitive.  BPL is working with Simmons College to launch a program for 2022 to hire more people of color.

McKim Master Plan Presentation

BPL Central Library Dartmouth Street entrance

Janette Blackburn, Managing Principal of Shepley Bulfinch, the selected architectural firm for the renovation of the McKim Building Plaza, entrance, Johnson Building connections, and third floor patron access point, provided an overview of the Master Plan, with assistance from Kelly Brubaker, her colleague specializing in library planning.  The project has four main phases:  review and strategic direction, funding, design, and construction.  The focus of the Plan is threefold:  building improvement and sustainability, enhancing spaces for patrons to engage with collections, and renewal for modern library services.  Input from the community focused on equitable access, improving wayfinding, and scholarship and stewardship that is open to all.

Challenges identified by Shepley Bulfinch include outdated building systems such as poor climate control, water incursion in some areas, level disparity between McKim and Johnson, lack of a public indoor route from McKim to Johnson, and an unwelcoming entrance/plaza not integrated with patrons’ needs. 

Key elements of the Plan include transforming the third floor to be patron focused for reference, education, and collaboration; a new public elevator allowing access for people with disabilities; collaboration rooms; classroom space for learning from special collections; and significant updates to the infrastructure and systems.  The Plan will allow patrons to utilize roughly 30% more of the McKim Building than under the current configuration.

On the second floor, the Plan contemplates an enclosed circulation path that allows patrons to move between rooms, as well as a multipurpose classroom.

BPL Central

The first floor will include a redesigned, open lobby, transparency into the orientation room, an additional opening between Johnson and McKim, and a skylight covering the courtyard.  The skylight enclosure is deemed necessary to support preservation of the building, as facades are deteriorating from constant weather exposure.  It will also allow for a significant increase in programming, as the courtyard will become usable year-round.

The Plan for the Dartmouth Street Plaza redesign celebrates the building, provides a better entrance with an integrated ramp, honors the historic architecture, and provides trees for shade and outdoor seating.

BPL Central courtyard

Renovations will be completed in phases, allowing for gradual funding and for keeping the library open during construction. 

The Trustees expressed excitement about the Plan, particularly the skylight enclosure of the courtyard and voted to endorse this conceptual approach.  Next steps involve engaging the new mayoral administration, addressing funding, which will include a combination of City, State, and private sources, and a feasibility study with presentations to the community for feedback.

New Business

Chairperson Pricilla Douglass announced the formation of the Special Collections Committee and the appointment of Trustee Ben Bradlee as the Committee’s Chair.  Bradlee expressed excitement about the role.

Public Comments

Two individuals made public comments.  One expressed the desire of the Roxbury community to have the name “Roxbury Branch at Nubian Square” changed to “Nubian Square Branch Library.”  The other expressed concern about the possibility of storing collections in the basement, where they would be vulnerable to water damage.  It was suggested that the collaborative spaces might be in the basement instead of the stored collections.

Notes from the September BPL Trustees Meeting

The BPL Trustees held a meeting on September 28, 2021 and discussed the following topics:

 New Committees 

The meeting began with an announcement of the inauguration of two new board committees:  The Strategic Community Engagement Committee, tasked with bringing various communities together, and the “Reformatted” Collections Committee, a revised version of the existing Collections Committee.  Both will be formed on October 8th.

 Programming

Michael Colford, Director of Library Services, then provided an update on programming.  He addressed youth programs, a major focus of the BPL’s offerings, which include virtual and outdoor Story Times for children, Countdown to Kindergarten at 16 branches, Future Readers Club, kindergarten camps, courtyard events, and homework assistance.

Colford also reviewed adult programming, including a lecture series entitled Joy & Renewal for the winter/spring, and high-profile author talks.  Tech Goes Home continues offering basic technology skills, with computer and WIFI access provided.  Colford also mentioned ongoing ESL support, early literacy, playwriting boot camp, and three programs with Grub Street, a local nonprofit focused on writing and literacy.

 BPL Fund Relaunch

BPL President David Leonard then addressed the relaunch of the BPL Fund (led by BPL Executive Director Paula Sakey) calling for a board vote on (1) a Memorandum of Understanding clarifying the relationships between and among the BPL, the BPL Fund, and the City, (2) a Gift Acceptance Policy outlining when and whether to accept a gift, and (3) a Named Giving Policy outlining naming rights for substantial gifts.  These policies were unanimously adopted and will clear the way for communicating with potential donors to the BPL Fund. 

 Summer Utilization

Leonard reviewed summer utilization numbers, estimating there were about 500,000 transactions per month for July and August, including visits, book use, and program attendance.  The numbers are not yet back to 2019 levels but are heading in the right direction. 

Cybersecurity Incident

Leonard reported that in August, the BPL experienced a significant cybersecurity incident which forced many services offline for 6-7 days, and required staff to quickly pivot to paper-based services.  There is no evidence that the personal information of patrons or staff was compromised and no reason to suspect internal wrongdoing.  Data was restored with minimum loss.  The board planned to discuss the matter further in a short executive session following the meeting.  A public law enforcement investigation is ongoing.  At the end of the discussion, Alyssa Cadillac, President of AFSME (American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO), offered praise for staff in stepping up to keep the library functioning and for IT staff who worked tirelessly to resolve the incident.

Pandemic Impact

Turning to the ongoing impact of the pandemic on current operations, Leonard mentioned that as of this summer’s reopening, the City requires all employees to report to work in person, and masks must be worn by staff and patrons at all BPL locations.  Roughly 20% of staff positions (around 86) remain unfilled partly as a result of the 2020 Covid-initiated budget freeze, and retirements.  Accordingly, ramping up staffing is a top priority at this time. 

Branch Activities

The McKim courtyard fountain project is complete and several concerts have been hosted there.  The Hyde Park Branch reopened in early summer after challenges with construction and supply issues.  The Adams Street Branch had a ribbon cutting this summer as well.

A Roxbury Branch at Nubian Square opening ceremony will take place on October 23rd and the Roslindale Branch is opening is delayed due to shelving availability issues.

The Programming Study for our South End Branch is planned for this fiscal year, which runs from July ‘21-June ’22.  Leonard indicated that the City Facilities Director has confirmed it will be started during this time period.

Agenda Items for Future Trustees Meetings

Future Trustees meetings will focus on racial equity, and will welcome representatives from the nonprofit DEI organization YW Boston.  The McKim Master Planning (and capital) Campaign is also on the agenda for future meetings. 

Financial

Evelyn Arena-Ortiz, Chair of the Finance/Audit Committee, introduced Matt Hunt from the audit firm to update the board on the recent financial audit, which resulted in an unmodified opinion.  The review was free from any material errors or issues.  The general fund is up 6% over last year with a 25% increase in expendable trust funds due to stock market gains.

Public Comments 

Public comments focused mainly on the concern among many branch librarians that the current collections process does not allow them to align branch collections with their communities’ unique needs (10 of the 14 commenters addressed this). 

Marleen Nienhuis, founder and former President of FOSEL, spoke about recent staff changes at the South End Library, and the importance of considering the needs and interests of library patrons and the broader community in making such decision.  Nienhuis said:

I hope my comments will inspire you to reconsider the notion that what happens to local libraries and their staff is not just an internal matter.  Branch library staff everywhere in Boston have long-standing relationships with library users based on mutual trust and understanding…I and many other patrons hope you will reconsider how to respect and value the importance of the relationships between branch staff and library users.

Sadiki Kambon of the Nubian Square Coalition spoke about the naming of the Roxbury Library at Nubian Square and requested that the BPL declare the naming vote null and void and schedule a session to allow sufficient input from the community.

The next Trustees meeting is scheduled for November 16, 2021 at 8:30 am.

Volunteers Wanted for Planting in Library Park

Volunteer for Fall Planting at Library Park!

The South End Library's Park has been weeded and mulched and is now ready for fall daffodil and hosta planting in preparation for spring 2022. Many thanks to all who helped - Chris Fagg, Barbara Faires, Reggie Ellenwood, Derek Plessing, Nancy Downer, Yvette Jarreau, and special thanks to Chris Neff of the Parks Department who provided the mulch in two big deliveries.

Please click HERE to volunteer for planting, likely in October. It is sure to be a fun community activity that will bring big smiles to the neighborhood in the spring.

Staff Changes at our South End Library

After many years of devoted service to the South End community, Head Librarian Anne Smart has retired.  FOSEL enjoyed a very congenial and collaborative relationship with Anne since its founding over 14 years ago, and we wish to express our profound thanks for all she has done for the Library and the community.  Anne, we wish you the best in this new phase of your life.  We will miss you!

Anne Smart in front of the South End Library

Matt Krug, another beloved Librarian at our branch since 2013, has also left with hopes of bringing his energy, creativity, and passion for service to a new organization in the Boston area.  FOSEL offers our gratitude for his service and wishes him all the best as he navigates new “waters.”

Matt Krug

Awesome Music in Library Park!

FOSEL was once again able to present our exciting summer Jazz & Blues concerts in Library Park this August.

August 3rd and 17th were beautiful evenings, breezy and perfect for Pat Loomis and Friends’ Jazz & Blues concerts in the Park. When the music started, the Park filled up with happy listeners singing along and clapping. On both evenings the band offered up a wonderful mix of jazz and blues pieces that pleased everyone—seated, standing or lining the fence on all three sides.

FOSEL’s final concert this summer featured songs from Loomis’ upcoming album with Pat on alto saxophone, Antonio Loomis on guitar, Adonis Martin on keyboard, Daniel Day on bass, Zeke Martin on drums and vocalist Sarah Seminski singing.

It was so wonderful to once again enjoy live music with friends and neighbors in South End Library Park. Thanks to all who made the evenings so delightful!

Volunteers Wanted to Help Prepare Library Park for Summer Concerts

FOSEL is excited to once again be able to present our summer Jazz & Blues concerts in Library Park this August.  FOSEL President Yvette Jarreau, with the help of Chris Fagg, has been hard at work getting the Park ready, weeding, pruning and cleaning the garden.  They have made good progress but there is more to do. 

FOSEL invites all interested friends and neighbors to come to the Park and lend a hand, spend some time outdoors with other volunteers, and ensure the Park is looking its best for the upcoming concerts.  

If you are interested, please contact us at info@friendsofsouthendlibrary.org.

South End Writes Summer Break

South End Writes Summer Break

After a full winter/early spring season, South End Writes will take a summer break in July and August, and hopes to come back in September to finish out the year with in-person author talks! We can’t wait!

Have a Great Summer!

BPL Trustees Meet and Review Accomplishments

The BPL Trustees meeting held on May 18, 2021 began with a reaffirmation of the BPL’s commitment to value the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, to embrace the goal of being an antiracist organization, and to acknowledge that BPL is located on indigenous peoples’ land.

President David Leonard then gave his report, highlighting BPL’s key recent achievements, including the following:

• Programs and services were successfully continued during the pandemic (hotspots were provided for digital equity; Wi-Fi improvements were made; chrome books, book bundles, craft kits, and virtual access to the McKim building were offered).

• Demand for services has remained robust, with a record 5.2 million items borrowed in 2020, 100% increase in digital borrowing versus three years ago, and 77,000 new ecard patrons.

• A Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement and Action Plan was formally ratified and a new $75,000 grant was received to increase the library’s antiracist collection.

• Improvements to neighborhood branches were made, with the opening of the Roxbury branch and planned openings of the Adams and Roslindale branches.

Leonard touted additional BPL programs such as Tech Goes Home (offering beginner level instruction for new computer and internet users), ESL conversations, online homework assistance, future readers club, and Repairing America programs.  He also pointed to developments in the digital realm, with expanded online access to collections and rare books and manuscripts, and other accomplishments in the areas of youth engagement, workforce development, and out of school programming. 

In an important step toward more equitable availability of the library, the Trustees voted to permanently eliminate fines for overdue items.

Leonard reported that going forward, the BPL’s focus will be on staff development, hiring an Equity Coordinator, enhancing strategic partnerships, increasing Trustee engagement, and reopening branches.  Although no announcement was made regarding reopening dates, Leonard indicated that there would be news soon, and that many locations will continue to have restrictions when opened.  Remote options will continue to be available, resources permitting.      

Leonard stated that Capital projects for fiscal year 2022 will include the kick off of the Programming Study for our own South End branch.  Funding for the Study has been rolled over from the previous budget.

For those interested in reading more, a 17-page document detailing the BPL’s recent accomplishments and initiatives is available at:  https://www.bpl.org/about-us/board-of-trustees/board-meeting-schedule/.

Library Park is in Bloom!

Hokus Crocus adorn the Library Park gardens and usher in spring.

At the end of October 2020, a small group of Library Park aficionados, including FOSEL founder Marleen Nienhuis and dedicated volunteers Chris Fagg and Walter Newman, chased away the pandemic and election-season blues by taking planting tools and 3,000 bulbs to Library Park.  Buffeted by cold weather, rain, high winds and three inches of the season’s first snow, they raked the leaves, removed the fallen branches, dug holes and planted until the last bulb was covered.  As we head into spring, their work is paying off.  The crocuses, daffodils, and tulips are in full bloom and the grape hyacinth are beginning to peek through.  Stroll by the Library and have a look for yourself!

Celebrating getting the last bulb into the ground in the fall

The new tradition of planting thousands of spring bulbs in Library Park began in the fall of 2018, when FOSEL learned that City funding for the Park’s re-design would exclude plantings. Rather than leave the Park’s garden with nothing to show for the makeover, FOSEL brought in the first round of plantings that fall and watched them bloom profusely in the spring of 2019. During that 2019 summer, with the help of South End State Reps., Jon Santiago and Aaron Michlewitz, FOSEL secured $25,000 for soil improvement, perennials, an irrigation system and new low-level interior fencing as well as exterior fence repair.

Big Up tulip blend in bloom

Another 3,000 bulbs were ordered and placed in the ground in the fall of 2019, which in 2020 provided much appreciated visual relief from the gloom of the pandemic that forced many South Enders to stay close to their homes.  And now once again, as a result of the hard work last fall, the Park has come alive with color and cheer, a harbinger of hope after a long and difficult year.  

Spanish Bluebells are expected to bloom in June.

BPL TRUSTEES MEET - PREPARE FOR REOPENING AND A "NEW NORMAL"

Outgoing BPL Board of Trustees Chair, Bob Gallery (center) and BPL President, David Leonard (right)

The March 23 meeting of the BPL Board of Trustees opened with Acting Chair, Evelyn Arana-Ortiz, thanking Mayor Walsh for his service and welcoming Acting Mayor Kim Janey and all the new BPL Trustees: Navjeet Bal, Joseph Berman, Joyce Linehan, Michael Rush, and Christian Westra.  A farewell to outgoing Chair Bob Gallery followed.  Arana-Ortiz characterized the Board as one of the strongest and most diverse in the Commonwealth, and praised Gallery for his contribution to creating a more unified and cohesive community among the Trustees, the libraries, and the associated Friends groups.  Gallery expressed his gratitude to the Board for their collaboration and his intent to stay involved.

Governance & Development Committee

Trustee John Hailer provided an update from the Governance & Development Committee, noting the nomination of Priscilla Douglas to serve as the Chair of the Board from March 23, 2021 through May 18, 2021, the date of the next annual meeting and formal election process.  The Board voted unanimously to accept this nomination.

President’s Report

BPL President David Leonard began the President’s report by expressing his wholehearted support for Douglas’s nomination and his desire to collaborate with Douglas and the Board going forward. 

Douglas spoke briefly, indicating her strong approval of the BPL’s performance during the pandemic and emphasizing the seamless, continuing service being provided to existing patrons as well as expansion to new patrons.  She acknowledged the need to recover from Covid, racial inequities, and economic divides, and achieve a “new normal,” in which the library will meet people wherever they are.   

Continuing his Report, Leonard welcomed City Councilor Frank Baker, who proposed the dedication and renaming of the community room at the Adams St. Branch Library as “the Pat O’Neill Community Room.”  O’Neill was a neighborhood association leader in Dorchester who worked energetically and selflessly for the betterment of the library, neighborhood, and City.  She passed away last spring.

Leonard denounced the violence in Atlanta and Colorado, and highlighted the need for the nation to confront and address the issues of gun control, misogyny, and racism (including anti-Asian discrimination).  He noted that bringing a permanent Chinatown library branch to fruition is a key BPL priority.

Leonard introduced two new BPL managers, John Towle, Chief of Staff & Strategy, and Brett Curry, Facilities Manager – Branches.  With the City’s hiring freeze lifted, he stated that other open positions will be filled as soon as possible.  Although BPL’s push for early vaccine eligibility for library staff was unsuccessful, Leonard noted that all personnel will be eligible on April 19th.  Although the vaccine is not a precondition for reopening, it will bring a sense of safety to many in the coming weeks.  Leonard expects to have more news about reopening at the May Trustees’ meeting.  In the meantime, there will be modest additions to services across the system.

Leonard discussed the evolving Strategic Road Map, the BPL’s five-year plan, which will be presented at an all-staff meeting the week of March 29th and will be brought up for a vote of the Trustees at the May meeting.  Key focus areas are

·      Becoming an antiracist organization and building a culture of respect

·      Offering programming and services that build and maintain equity

·      Building, maintaining, and activating collections

·      Expanding reach, awareness, and impact with fiscal sustainability

·      Creating inspiring spaces, well maintained and modern infrastructure

·      Creating patron and staff connections and services through technology

·      Continuing to expect the unexpected

There will be four phases to be implemented over the next five years. 

Finance & Audit Committee Update

Kurt Mansperger, BPL Chief Technology Officer, presented the BPL 2021 Technology Plan.  The following is a list of its key goals:

·      Focus on impact and outcomes using data analytics

·      Extend the library’s reach equitably, with external WIFI, Chrome Book lending, hot spot program, etc.

·      Expand educational opportunities – extend technical training for staff and patrons

·      Develop spaces that meet evolving patron needs – more comfortable and after hours, improving video conference capability at all branches

·      Enable One Library through a communications platform, internal document management, and relationships

·      Drive organizational efficiency – improve existing work flows, onboarding, promotions, etc.

·      Improve IT fundamentals – staff development, data center, information security

The Board voted to accept the Plan.

Investment Performance

Arana-Ortiz reviewed the investment funds’ performance, noting an 18% year-to-date return as of the end of January 2021, and more than an 8% return over the ten year period for the $73 million currently invested.  Some re-allocation among funds is planned. 

New Business

The Trustees wish to have a separate, more in-depth discussion of the library’s antiracist evolution and the issues related to the library’s stance on keeping “publisher-removed” Dr. Seuss books in special collections and available to patrons. 

Public Comment

David Vieira of City Friends welcomed the new Trustees and expressed his personal opinion that the BPL should not provide commentary about any books including the “publisher removed” Dr. Seuss books.

 Individually, the following people expressed their concern about the process of naming the former Dudley Square Branch the Roxbury Branch and their desire to have the library rename the Roxbury Branch the Nubian Square Branch.

·      Paula Coar of the Roxbury/Nubian Square coalition

·      Jamada Smith

·      Samuel Pierce

·      Marie Ferman, resident of Roxbury and President of the Black Business Development Group

·      Dr. Reginald L. Jackson, a member of the Roxbury/Nubian Square Coalition

 Nora Vincent, resident of West Roxbury, spoke about the use of the words “Becoming an anti -racist organization and building a culture of respect” and stated the importance of using the word “becoming,” citing the need to continue the evolution.

 The next meeting is set for May 18th  at 8:30am.