685 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02118

617-536-8241

THE SOUTH END LIBRARY IS CLOSED UNTIL A NEW LIBRARY IS BUILT

Click on Library Improvements in the Main Menu for updated information on the new library process

In April 2022, the Library sustained flooding and significant damage to mechanical and electrical equipment.  In evaluating the building, BPL engineers assessed it would take close to $1M and about a year to bring the building back to a functioning branch library. It was decided by city and library leadership in October 2022 not to repair it and to accelerate the process of creating a new branch library. The process to develop and build a new library actually began with the selection of an architectural firm in July of 2023, and the first community meeting hosted by Utile architects and BPL in January 2024.

In the meantime, all South End book “holds” have been sent to the Central Branch of the Boston Public Library for pickup there.  The holds shelf is located on the first floor of the Boylston Building near the Borrowers Service Desk at 700 Boylston Street, Boston MA 02116.  You will receive a notification when your hold is ready for pickup.   

Please do not leave book donations or returns at the South End Branch until it reopens, as staff is not here to handle them.  Thank you.