Program Overview

The Friends of the South End Library sponsor many programs throughout the year, such as our author series The South End Writes, Local / Focus, Book Awards, Jazz & Blues concerts and the ever popular Easter Egg Hunt in the Spring.

Please note that many of these programs are on hold during the closure and renovation. Please see the News & Updates section on the homepage for current programs.

South End Writes

For the tenth year running, FOSEL’s marquee program, South End Writes, brings acclaimed authors to the South End Library to discuss their work and take questions from the audience.  Generally held monthly, the program draws writers with a connection to the South End whose writings range from fiction to art to politics, cooking, travel, and more.  During the pandemic, FOSEL continues to bring you our popular and engaging speaker series virtually on Zoom and Facebook. 

Local / Focus

With our Local / Focus program, FOSEL showcases and celebrates the work of our neighborhood's diverse group of local artists, creative projects, and South End-based nonprofits through exhibits displayed in the grand Tremont Street windows of the Library. Stroll by for a look at the interesting and informative installations designed by and featuring talented, dedicated, and creative individuals from the South End community!

for guidance about exhibiting in the Local/Focus window

Book Awards

Each year dozens of national, state, and local organizations evaluate and honor writers with literary prizes, recognizing outstanding work in a broad variety of categories for all ages and interests.  FOSEL brings you the highlights by selecting relevant, timely, and interesting awards and displaying the winning books in the Park window to the left of the Library entrance.  A new award is chosen every six to eight weeks.  All displayed books are available in the BPL collection, and can be borrowed through BPL TO GO www.bpl.org/news/bpl-to-go/.  

Outdoor Events

The South End Library is one of the rare few in the BPL system lucky enough to have adjacent outdoor space.  Our beautiful Library Park is a great place for outdoor, community-boosting fun.  Our usual line up of events includes the popular annual Easter Egg Hunt, Summer Jazz Concerts, our famous Halloween Party, and other special events for children, teens, and adults.  COVID-related restrictions have put a temporary hold on these large-group gatherings, but we look forward to the time when they can safely resume.  In the meantime, all are still welcome to drop by to enjoy a socially distanced coffee break with a friend, admire the FOSEL window displays, or just get some fresh air. 

Other Programs

FOSEL collaborates with the South End Library to bring you a variety of enjoyable and informative programs and events relevant to the South End community. From concerts by world renowned musicians from the New England Conservatory, to historic tours of the neighborhood, to film presentations and discussion groups, there is always something exciting and interesting going on! Keep a look out on our website and social media for announcements about special events coming in the future.  Sign up for our newsletter to receive FOSEL program updates.